Down Payment Assistance in Fresno & the Central Valley
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs provide grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest secondary financing that help cover your down payment and sometimes closing costs. These programs are often layered with FHA, conventional, or other first-mortgage loans to reduce the cash you need at closing.
Who Down Payment Assistance May Be Right For
Buyers who have steady income and credit but limited savings for a down payment and closing costs — especially first-time homebuyers.
Advantages
- Can cover part or all of your down payment
- Some programs offer assistance with closing costs too
- Grants and forgivable options may not require repayment
- Can be combined with FHA, conventional, and other loan types
Things to Consider
- Many programs have income limits based on area median income
- Purchase-price limits may apply
- Some programs require completing homebuyer education
- Forgivable assistance often requires living in the home for a set period
Credit Considerations
Eligibility depends on the underlying loan program you pair with the assistance. FHA-based programs may allow scores down to 580, while conventional-based options typically start at 620.
Down Payment Considerations
Assistance amounts vary by program — some cover a percentage of the purchase price or a fixed dollar amount toward your down payment and closing costs.
How the Application Works
- 1
Check eligibility
We review your income, the home's location, and purchase price against program limits.
- 2
Select a program
We match you with grants or forgivable programs available in your area.
- 3
Pair with your loan
We combine the assistance with your first mortgage (FHA, conventional, etc.).
- 4
Close with less cash
Use assistance toward your down payment and closing costs to reduce out-of-pocket cash.
Typical Documentation
- 30 days of pay stubs
- Two years of W-2s and federal tax returns
- Two months of recent bank statements
- Documentation of all household income
- Completion of a homebuyer education course (for some programs)
Down Payment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
Is down payment assistance a grant I don't have to repay?
Some programs offer grants or forgivable assistance that you don't repay as long as you live in the home for a required period. Others offer low-interest second loans. We'll explain the terms of each option you qualify for.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer to get down payment assistance?
Not always. While many programs target first-time buyers, some are available to repeat buyers who meet income and purchase-price limits. We'll check what you're eligible for.