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Guide

First-Time Buyer Programs & Down Payment Help

By Karla I. Vasquez, REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty Danville · Reviewed October 2026

Quick answer

Yes, Bay Area first-time buyers can get real down payment help. Statewide, CalHFA offers the MyHome Assistance Program and runs Dream For All in funding rounds. Locally, there's Alameda County's AC Boost, San Francisco's DALP, and city programs in places like Concord and Richmond. Most have income limits, homebuyer-education requirements and limited funds, so check current availability with a program-approved lender before you shop.

Statewide: CalHFA programs

MyHome Assistance Program - A deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and/or closing costs. - Up to the lesser of 3.5% of the price or appraised value on CalHFA FHA loans, or 3% on CalHFA Conventional loans. - You must be a first-time homebuyer, live in the home, meet CalHFA income limits and complete homebuyer education.

Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan - Aimed at first-generation homebuyers. It can cover up to 20% of the purchase price or appraised value. - It's a shared appreciation loan: when you sell, you repay the amount you received plus a share of the home's appreciation. - It opens in rounds with random selection. The 2026 round took applications in February and March. Check current availability before planning around it.

Local Bay Area programs

Alameda County: AC Boost - Shared appreciation loans of up to $210,000 for middle-income first-time buyers who live in, work in, or were displaced from Alameda County. - First responders and educators may have expanded access. - Free pre-application at acboost.org. Check current availability.

San Francisco: DALP (Downpayment Assistance Loan Program) - A silent second loan of up to $500,000 for a market-rate home, with no monthly payments. You repay the principal plus a share of appreciation when you sell. - Lottery-based. The 2025 round closed in June 2025, so watch MOHCD for the next cycle.

Contra Costa: city programs - Concord announced a first-time buyer program in 2026 with up to $60,000 in shared-appreciation assistance, run with the Bay Area Affordable Homeownership Alliance. Income and credit requirements apply. - Richmond lists several resources, including homebuyer education through local nonprofits, Cal HOME, WISH matching funds and a county Mortgage Credit Certificate program. - Funding and status change often, so confirm with the city before you count on it.

Do I count as a first-time homebuyer?

Often yes, even if you owned a home before. Many programs, including San Francisco's DALP and Concord's program, treat you as first-time if you haven't owned a home in the last three years. Each program defines it a little differently, so read the rules for the one you want.

What do most programs require?

  • Homebuyer education from an approved provider. CalHFA accepts its online eHome course or HUD-approved counseling.
  • Income limits that vary by county and household size.
  • A participating lender. Many programs only work with approved lenders, so choose your lender carefully.
  • Owner-occupancy. You must live in the home.
  • Some of your own money in certain programs, such as Concord's minimum buyer contribution.
  • Repayment terms to understand. "Shared appreciation" means you pay back part of your home's future gain.

For rates and loan terms, talk to a licensed loan officer. They can tell you what you qualify for today.

Karla's tips

  • Start with the right lender. I'll connect you with lenders who work with CalHFA and local programs, so you don't lose time with one who can't offer them.
  • Take the homebuyer class early. Certificates are often required before closing, and some expire, so get yours early.
  • Know the real cost of the house, not just the price. Program funds don't cover a surprise roof or sewer line. With my KCK Construction & Remodeling background, I help you estimate repair costs before you commit.
  • Read the repayment terms together. Shared appreciation can be a great deal, but you should understand it before you sign. Ask the program and your lender, and I'll help you organize your questions.
  • Bilingual help, start to finish. I explain every step in English or Spanish, so you and your family feel confident.

En español: lo básico

Si es su primera vivienda, hay programas que le pueden ayudar con el enganche, como MyHome y Dream For All de CalHFA, AC Boost en el condado de Alameda, DALP en San Francisco y programas municipales en Concord y Richmond. La mayoría tiene límites de ingresos, requiere un curso para compradores y tiene fondos limitados, así que confirme la disponibilidad actual. Le recomiendo hablar primero con un prestamista aprobado por el programa. Con gusto le acompaño en todo el proceso en español.

Sources

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, fees and rules change; confirm with the agency, your lender, escrow officer, tax professional or attorney. Karla I. Vasquez is a REALTOR® and Registered LDA, not an attorney.