- 01ConventionalA standard mortgage that isn’t backed by the government.
- 02FHAInsured by the FHA, with flexible credit guidelines.
- 03VAFor eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses.
- 04USDAFor eligible homes in rural and some suburban areas.
- 05JumboFor loan amounts above the conforming limit.
- 06RefinanceChange your rate or term, or take cash out.
- 07Second MortgageBorrow against your equity and keep your first mortgage.
- 08RenovationBuy or refinance and fund the renovation in one loan.
- 09Down Payment AssistancePrograms that can help cover your down payment.

Down payment
assistance.
Programs that can help cover your down payment.
Help with the hardest part of buying a first home.
For many buyers, the down payment is the biggest hurdle. Down payment assistance programs can help cover it, and sometimes closing costs too, through grants, forgivable loans or deferred second loans.
California has several statewide programs, and many counties and cities run their own. Rules differ on income, price and first-time buyer status. Vadim finds the ones you may qualify for and pairs them with the right first mortgage.
Four things to know about down payment assistance.
- 01
Often for first-time buyers
Many programs are for first-time buyers, which can include people who haven’t owned a home in recent years.
- 02
Income and price limits
Most programs cap household income and the price of the home.
- 03
Homebuyer education
Many ask you to complete a short homebuyer course before closing.
- 04
Repayment varies
Some help is a grant. Some is a loan, repaid when you sell or refinance.
One broker, from the first call to the keys.
Talk it through
A call about your plans, your numbers and your timeline.
Apply once
One application and one credit check, while Vadim looks at several lenders.
Vadim shops the loan
As a broker, he compares loans from multiple lenders and brings you the options.
Close
He stays with you through underwriting, the appraisal and closing.
Nine ways to buy or refinance a home.
Buying your first home, refinancing the one you have, or borrowing against it. Investing instead? See the investor loans.