The average San Diego renter could afford to buy — they just don't know which programs they qualify for. This guide walks you through every major down payment assistance, first-time buyer loan, and low-down option available in SD County. Free. No sales pressure.
It isn't income. It's information. Most San Diego renters assume they need 20% down and perfect credit to buy. The reality: the median first-time buyer in California puts down 6-7%, and there are at least six programs stacking on top of that to cover down payment, closing costs, or both.
The hard part isn't qualifying — it's knowing which combination of programs works for your income bracket, credit profile, and target neighborhood. That's what this guide is for. Read through the six programs below, and when you're ready to map out your specific stack, reach out to Karina directly for a free, no-pressure consultation.
A deferred-payment second loan from the California Housing Finance Agency that covers up to 3.5% of the purchase price — usable for down payment, closing costs, or both. Paired with a CalHFA first mortgage (conventional or FHA).
The biggest down payment boost in California — up to 20% of the purchase price (capped at $150,000) as a shared-appreciation second loan. You pay CalHFA back when you sell, plus a share of appreciation. Functionally: $0 down for qualified buyers.
A deferred-payment loan of up to $10,000 to assist with down payment or closing costs for properties in unincorporated San Diego County and participating cities. No interest accrues; repayment due at sale, refinance, or transfer.
A deferred-payment second trust deed for very-low and low-income first-time buyers purchasing within San Diego city limits — up to 17% of the purchase price toward down payment plus an additional $10,000 for closing costs.
Federally-insured loans with flexible credit requirements and a minimum down payment of 3.5%. FHA is the workhorse of first-time buyer financing — forgiving on credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, and pairs beautifully with CalHFA assistance.
For eligible active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses — a zero-down-payment loan with no private mortgage insurance and competitive rates. San Diego has one of the largest military populations in the country, and VA loans remain wildly underused.
A typical SD first-time buyer might combine an FHA first mortgage (3.5% down), CalHFA MyHome (covering that 3.5%), and City of San Diego closing cost assistance — resulting in near-zero out of pocket. The art is matching the right stack to your income, neighborhood, and purchase price. That's what Karina does in the free consultation.
Run your real numbers with the San Diego Affordability Calculator — includes property tax, insurance, PMI, and HOA in the monthly payment.
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