07/18/2026
Down payment assistance is not one single program.
It can vary by state, city, county, income, purchase price, credit profile, property type, and lender access.
That is why two buyers can get very different answers depending on who they ask.
Here is what to check before assuming you have no options:
1 – Are there local first-time buyer programs in your area?
2 – Do you meet the income and credit guidelines?
3 – Can the assistance be used with your loan type?
4 – Is it a grant, forgivable loan, deferred loan, or repayable second mortgage?
5 – Does the lender you are talking to actually offer it?
This is exactly why the pre-approval conversation should happen early!
Message me “ASSIST” and I will help you look beyond the obvious options.
- Daniel Cruz - Your go-to mortgage broker for California!
I'm here to help and offer the best buyer assistance programs suited for you!