Take advantage of special programs designed just for first-time buyers. With low down payments starting at 0%, flexible credit requirements, and down payment assistance options, homeownership is more accessible than ever.
No obligation. No credit check to get started.
California is the largest mortgage market in the country by dollar volume. Most coastal and Bay Area counties are designated high-balance, with conforming limits of $1,209,750 — meaningfully above the national floor. Median home prices in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Marin counties remain above $1.5M.
You don't literally have to be buying your first home — most programs define "first-time buyer" as anyone who hasn't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years.
That definition opens the door to a lot more buyers than people realize. If you owned a home with a former spouse, sold years ago, or have only ever rented, most first-time buyer programs treat you the same way — full access to the lower down payments, reduced fees, and down payment assistance designed to get you into a home faster.
First-time buyer programs typically combine a base loan (FHA, VA, or conventional) with state and local enhancements — down payment assistance, closing cost grants, mortgage credit certificates, and reduced mortgage insurance.
At Lending Arena we map your profile to every program you're eligible for in your state and stack the maximum benefit. The difference between a generic mortgage quote and a properly stacked first-time buyer package can be 5-figures in upfront cash savings.
Designed to remove the upfront-cost barrier to homeownership.
0% down with VA. 3% with conventional first-time buyer programs. 3.5% with FHA. Plus DPA programs that can cover even more.
Qualify with credit scores as low as 580 (FHA) or 620 (conventional). We work with borrowers across the spectrum.
Grants, forgivable loans, and second-lien programs from state and local agencies. We help you find and stack what you qualify for.
Generally simple, with state-by-state variations.
No primary-residence ownership in the past 3 years. Some programs waive even this for veterans and certain professions.
FHA: 580+. Conventional first-time programs: 620+. We can help with credit improvement strategies if you're close.
VA: $0. Conventional first-time programs: 3%. FHA: 3.5%. DPA programs can cover the rest.
Some programs (HomeReady, Home Possible) have income caps tied to local AMI; others have none.
Simple, supported, and built for first-time buyers.
We learn about your situation, goals, and timeline — and identify every program you qualify for.
Get pre-approved in 24-48 hours so you can start house-hunting with confidence.
Shop with a clear budget and a pre-approval letter sellers respect.
We handle underwriting, appraisal, and closing — and stay with you through your first mortgage payment.
Answers to the most common questions about first-time homebuyer in California.
Lending Arena offers the full mortgage product set across California. See what else might fit your situation.
Lending Arena, NMLS #1603937. Licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and/or the California Finance Lenders Law. Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information requests can be submitted to privacy@lendingarena.com.