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Save the Date! NeighborWorks Orange County's 45th Anniversay Event | Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 5:30 pm

What is Down Payment Assistance?

NeighborWorks Orange County knows that homeownership can feel out of reach for many people. Coming up with 20% to put down on a conventional loan may seem insurmountable. So, we not only offer but promote down payment assistance programs. Don't leave money on the table.

1
Research

Know the price of your ideal home and your down payment amount

2
Reach Out

Reach out to explore down payment assistance options you qualify for

3
Choose

Choose between traditional down payment assistance or matching fund options

4
Home

Use your down payment assistance to find the right home

Down Payment Assistance

Don't Leave Money on the Table

Qualified households can receive thousands of dollars in down payment assistance through grants and loans. Our lending experts will tell you which programs you may qualify for and help you apply.

Keys To Doors

Keys To Doors

1% interest rate loan

Up to $40,000

Based on need

Keys to Doors II

Keys to Doors II

3% interest rate loan

Up to $15,000

Based on need

CalHOME

CalHOME

3% simple interest rate loan

Up to $57,500

Based on need

WISH

WISH

4:1 Match

Up to $22,000

Forgivable over 5 years

Daisy†

Daisy†

Zero interest rate loan

Up to 2% of purchase price

Forgivable over 3 years

CalHFA MyHome

CalHFA MyHome

2.5% interest rate loan

Up to $10,000

First mortgage loan must be with CalHFA

Platinum

Platinum

2nd mortgage loan

3% or 4% of 1st Mortgage Note loan amount

ZIP (for closing costs)

ZIP (for closing costs)

Zero interest rate loan

2% or 3% of purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower

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To qualify for down payment programs, borrowers are required to attend our HUD-Approved Advanced Homebuyer Course and complete a pre-purchase homebuyer development session with one of our HomeOwnership Advisors. All programs are based on household income eligibility and need. All funds are on a first-come, first-serve basis with a fully executed purchase contract.

* These programs are based on HUD Income Limits for Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties.

** These programs are based on the HUD Income Limits for Orange County. ‡ Platinum “Select” eligible borrowers must be in, or retired from, one of the following professions in CA. The lender will not make any exceptions. Proof of eligibility is required at the time of lock.

  • Peace officers, Sheriff Deputies, Border Patrol Agents, Correctional Officers and others serving in a Law Enforcement capacity and employees of the eligible agency.
  • Firefighters, CalFire, Paramedic, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), including the employees of the eligible agency.
  • Current members of the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP), employees of a California accredited Private, Charter or Public School District or California State University, Junior College or Private College, including their school employees. Verify a K-12 school’s accreditation at: http://directory.acswasc.org/
  • Employees do not need to be tenured
  • Part-time employees are eligible
  • Medical sector employees must be actively employed. Examples of eligible employees include: Health Services (HHS), nursing homes, doctor’s offices, medical research, medical labs, lab/medical office couriers
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY

Get Into Your Dream Home Sooner

What if down payment assistance shortened the time it took to save for your down payment?

Speak to an Expert

"I have a space now where my kids can live better, have a place to do their homework and have a better quality of life"

Carlos M.

Services Provided: IDEA Savings Match & Home Buyer Development

"My experience with NeighborWorks Orange County as a first-time home buyer was wonderful! Without NWOC, I wouldn't have reached my goal. Their team's communication was fantastic, and the process was fast! Thank you!"

Raymond P.

Services Provided: Lending, Down Payment Assistance Program, & Advanced Home Buyer Development Courses

"Hace seis años por su conducto compré un condominio en Tustin, Ca.y l verdad que estoy bien satisfecho con los programas que me ofrecieron y contrataron. Six years ago I bought a condominium in Tustin, Ca., and I am really satisfied with the programs they offered me."

Ricardo H.

"My NWOC loan officer was very helpful in telling me where we were in the process. That was great!"

Lucía A.

Services Provided: Lending, Down Payment Assistance Program, & Advanced Home Buyer Development Courses

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