The Maison by Phan Group
ENVI

Down Payment Assistance for California Home Buyers

California buyers can combine a first mortgage with down payment assistance from CalHFA and local Orange County programs, plus family gift funds, to purchase with little or no cash out of pocket. Most programs require first-time buyer status, income limits, and a homebuyer education course.

Schedule a Consultation Contact Paul Phan
Who this is for
California buyers who have income but limited savings.
Problem solved
Covering the down payment and closing costs without 20% saved.
Why Maison by Phan
Paul structures offers that keep assistance-backed financing acceptable to sellers.
Next step
Check eligibility with a CalHFA-approved lender — Paul can refer you.

Where assistance comes from

Assistance generally stacks on top of a standard FHA or conventional first mortgage.

  • CalHFA first mortgage programs paired with a deferred-payment junior loan
  • City and county first-time buyer programs in Orange County
  • Employer-assisted and teacher, first responder, and nurse programs
  • Gift funds from a family member (FHA permits 100% gifted down payment)
  • Seller credits negotiated into the purchase contract to cover closing costs

Typical eligibility rules

Most programs require that you have not owned a home in the past three years, that household income falls under a county limit, that the home be your primary residence, and that you complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Program funding is limited and can pause mid-year, so eligibility is confirmed with the lender, not assumed.

Keeping an assisted offer competitive

Assistance adds documentation, not weakness — provided the file is ready. Paul pairs clients with lenders who fund these programs regularly and presents the offer with a lender letter that addresses the timeline directly.

Questions & Answers

Frequently asked

How much down payment do I need to buy a home in Orange County?

Conventional loans start at 3% down for qualified first-time buyers, FHA loans require 3.5% down, and VA loans allow 0% down for eligible veterans. On a $900,000 Orange County home that is roughly $27,000 (conventional 3%), $31,500 (FHA 3.5%), or $180,000 (20% to avoid mortgage insurance). California down payment assistance programs can cover part of that amount.

Can down payment assistance be used in Orange County?

Yes. CalHFA programs are available statewide, including all Orange County cities, and are commonly combined with FHA financing. Income and purchase-price limits apply and are verified by an approved lender.

Can I buy a home with 3.5% down in California?

Yes. FHA financing allows 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, and FHA loan limits in Orange County are among the highest in the country, so most entry-level condos and single-family homes qualify.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

580 is the minimum for a 3.5%-down FHA loan (500–579 requires 10% down), 620 is the typical conventional minimum, and 740 or above unlocks the best conventional pricing. Most lenders use the middle of your three bureau scores.

Keep reading

See if you qualify

Paul will refer you to a CalHFA-approved lender.

Paul Phan · REALTOR® · DRE #02226917 · First Team Real Estate

714-717-8088Search Cities
Estimate Your Monthly Payment

Continue Your Journey

Where Would You Like to Go Next?

Pick the path that matches where you are — buying, selling, or exploring the market.

01 · Buyer's GuideThe Maison Buyer's GuideThe full purchase roadmap — financing, search strategy, offers that win, inspections and closing day.Open the buyer's guide→02 · Seller's GuideThe Maison Seller's GuidePricing strategy, preparation, marketing reach and negotiation — how we position a home to sell for more.Open the seller's guide→03 · Market JournalThe Maison Market JournalMonthly Orange County market intelligence, neighborhood analysis and the Maison client library.Read the journal→
Paul Phan, Realtor

Paul Phan

DRE #02226917

Showing