First-time buyers · California

Your first California home, one clear step at a time.

Buying your first home in California can feel complicated. We help you understand loan types, down payment and closing cost assistance that may be available, and what to do first.

  • Understand which loan types may fit a first purchase
  • Learn about down payment assistance programs
  • Get a plain-English roadmap, with no pressure

Not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Available for California properties only. Programs, rates and terms vary and are subject to credit approval and underwriting. See licensing & disclosures.

Find my pathStep 1 of 7

What brings you here?

Pick the closest match. You can change it anytime.

Your goal

How will you use the property?

This helps match you with the right program.

Property use

What’s the approximate home price or value?

A rough range is fine.

Price range

How much down payment or equity do you have?

Estimated percentage of the home’s value.

Down payment or equity

How would you describe your credit?

Your best guess. We are not checking your credit here.

Credit profile

When are you hoping to move forward?

No pressure. This helps us plan the conversation.

Timeline

Where should we send your options?

A licensed professional will follow up. We do not sell your personal information.

No credit pull. No obligation. Not a loan commitment.
Takes about a minute
At a glance

What first-time buyers should know.

Many programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years, but definitions vary by program.

Low down paymentFHA and some conventional programs allow low down payments for qualified buyers.
Assistance programsState, county and city programs may help with down payment or closing costs.
Education coursesMany assistance programs require a homebuyer education course.
Income & price limitsPrograms often have income, price and credit requirements that vary by area.

How we help you prepare

  • Review your budget and the monthly payment you are comfortable with
  • Compare FHA, conventional, VA and other loan types
  • Check which assistance programs you may qualify for
  • Explain closing costs, reserves and the steps before you make an offer

What to know first

  • Assistance programs have limited funding and rules that change. Availability is not guaranteed. Programs such as those from the California Housing Finance Agency publish current terms.
  • Some assistance is structured as a second loan that must be repaid, so read the terms carefully.
  • Avoid large purchases or new credit while you are buying, since lenders review your finances again before closing.
  • Pre-approval and an offer are separate steps. We explain both.
First-time buyer FAQ

Common first-time buyer questions.

How much do I need to save to buy a home in California?

It depends on the price, loan type and assistance available. Plan for a down payment, closing costs, and cash reserves. A licensed professional can estimate a range for your target price.

Are there down payment assistance programs in California?

Yes, state, county and city programs may offer down payment or closing cost help to qualified buyers. Funding, eligibility and terms vary and change, so check current details before relying on any program.

Do I need perfect credit?

No. Different loan programs have different credit guidelines, and some are designed for buyers who are still building credit. We can point you to options that may fit.

Does taking the quiz affect my credit?

No. The quiz and calculator do not involve a credit check, and you are not obligated to apply.

Explore other California loan options

FHA loans →Conventional loans →VA loans →
Jagdish Singh, licensed California real estate broker
Meet your broker & loan officer

Jagdish Singh

Licensed California real estate broker · Mortgage Loan Originator

I’m a licensed real estate broker working in the California market. I started as a realtor in 2016, earned my broker’s license in 2019, and have helped hundreds of families buy homes with guidance grounded in local market knowledge.

I’m committed to personalized service for clients across the region, and I’m fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi.

  • English
  • हिन्दी
  • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ

Landstar Realty Group · DRE Broker License #02110817Jagdish Singh · DRE Broker License #02002912Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS ID #2734008 · with H.O.M.E. Lending, NMLS ID #1786164 H.O.M.E. Lending logoVerify on DRE · Verify on NMLS Consumer Access

Ready to see where you stand?

It takes about a minute, and there’s no obligation.

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