First-Time Buyer loan snapshot for California
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | 0%–3.5% |
| Minimum credit score | 580–620 |
| Typical CA home value | $695,400 |
| 3.5% down on typical home | $24,339 |
| 20% down on typical home | $139,080 |
| Avg. effective property tax | 0.71%/yr (~$410/mo) |
| Income for typical home (31% rule) | $214,000 |
Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.
Which California programs pair with First-Time Buyer loans?
- MyHome Assistance: A deferred-payment junior loan that can cover part of the down payment or closing costs for first-time buyers.
- Dream For All Shared Appreciation: When funded, provides a large down payment loan repaid with a share of future appreciation; rounds open periodically.
- CalPLUS: A first mortgage with a slightly higher rate paired with closing cost assistance.
Details and current limits: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).
Compare first-time buyer loan options
| Loan | Min. down | Min. credit | Mortgage insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | 3.5% | 580 | 1.75% upfront + annual MIP |
| Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible | 3% | 620 | PMI, removable |
| VA | 0% | Lender-set (~580–620) | None (funding fee) |
| USDA | 0% | ~640 | 1% upfront + 0.35% annual |
Who counts as a first-time home buyer?
Under HUD and most agency definitions, you're a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a principal residence in the last three years. Single parents and displaced homemakers who only owned with a former spouse may also qualify.
First-Time Buyer loans in California cities
First-Time Buyer in Los AngelesFirst-Time Buyer in San DiegoFirst-Time Buyer in San JoseFirst-Time Buyer in San FranciscoFirst-Time Buyer in FresnoFirst-Time Buyer in SacramentoFirst-Time Buyer in Long BeachFirst-Time Buyer in OaklandFirst-Time Buyer in BakersfieldFirst-Time Buyer in AnaheimFirst-Time Buyer in StocktonFirst-Time Buyer in RiversideFirst-Time Buyer in Santa AnaFirst-Time Buyer in IrvineFirst-Time Buyer in Chula VistaFirst-Time Buyer in Santa ClaritaFirst-Time Buyer in FremontFirst-Time Buyer in San BernardinoFirst-Time Buyer in ModestoFirst-Time Buyer in FontanaFirst-Time Buyer in Moreno ValleyFirst-Time Buyer in OxnardFirst-Time Buyer in Huntington BeachFirst-Time Buyer in GlendaleFirst-Time Buyer in OntarioFirst-Time Buyer in Elk GroveFirst-Time Buyer in Santa RosaFirst-Time Buyer in Rancho CucamongaFirst-Time Buyer in OceansideFirst-Time Buyer in Garden GroveFirst-Time Buyer in LancasterFirst-Time Buyer in PalmdaleFirst-Time Buyer in SalinasFirst-Time Buyer in HaywardFirst-Time Buyer in CoronaFirst-Time Buyer in SunnyvaleFirst-Time Buyer in RosevilleFirst-Time Buyer in EscondidoFirst-Time Buyer in PomonaFirst-Time Buyer in TorranceFirst-Time Buyer in VisaliaFirst-Time Buyer in FullertonFirst-Time Buyer in OrangeFirst-Time Buyer in PasadenaFirst-Time Buyer in VictorvilleFirst-Time Buyer in Santa ClaraFirst-Time Buyer in Simi ValleyFirst-Time Buyer in Thousand OaksFirst-Time Buyer in VallejoFirst-Time Buyer in ConcordFirst-Time Buyer in ClovisFirst-Time Buyer in BerkeleyFirst-Time Buyer in FairfieldFirst-Time Buyer in AntiochFirst-Time Buyer in RichmondFirst-Time Buyer in East Los AngelesFirst-Time Buyer in CarlsbadFirst-Time Buyer in DowneyFirst-Time Buyer in MurrietaFirst-Time Buyer in Costa Mesa
Frequently asked questions
Yes. First-Time Buyer loans are available statewide in California through approved lenders, subject to county loan limits where they apply.
Often yes. California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and local programs frequently pair assistance with FHA, conventional, VA or USDA first mortgages. Eligibility depends on income, price and program rules.
Answer a few questions on Purchase Mortgage Loan and we'll match you with lenders and loan officers in our network who serve California.
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Get My MatchesFigures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.