November: plus a 1% closing cost credit → Down payment assistance · California

Down payment help that can be forgiven.

Most buyers aren't short on income. They're short on the down payment. FHA 200 covers 3.5% or 5% of the price with a second loan, and the forgivable version disappears after 36 on time payments.

Up to 5%Of the price toward your down payment and closing costs

0% optionNo interest, no monthly payment, forgiven after 36 payments

600 creditMinimum score, plus a free online homebuyer course

Any buyerNo first time buyer rule. Your primary home.

See if I qualify Run my numbers

Free estimator

See your cash to close with and without help.

Slide to your price, pick the assistance amount, and add a seller credit if you have one.

3.5% or 5%Assistance as a second loan, sized to the price

36 paymentsForgivable option: 0%, no monthly payment, forgiven after 36 on time payments

600 creditMinimum score, plus a free online homebuyer course

Not just first timersNo first time buyer rule. Your primary home only.

Down payment assistance estimator

FHA 200

Home price: $650,000

Assistance amount

Seller pays toward your costs

Closing costs are estimated at 3% of the price for illustration. Your Loan Estimate shows the real numbers.

Estimated cash to close$0

AssistanceSellerYou

FHA down payment (3.5%)$0

Estimated closing costs$0

Assistance$0

Seller credit$0

Without assistance you'd need$0

Check if I qualify for FHA 200

Illustration only, not a Loan Estimate or commitment to lend. FHA 200 is a primary residence purchase program on a 30 year fixed FHA loan with a minimum 600 credit score and homebuyer education. Assistance is a second lien: the forgivable option has no interest or payments and is forgiven after 36 consecutive on time first mortgage payments if you still live in the home; the repayable option carries a rate above the first mortgage with monthly payments. It is due if you sell or refinance before forgiveness. Not available in all states. Subject to program guidelines, funding and approval.

How it works

Three steps to keys.

STEP 1

Quick check

Send the form above. Irving looks at your credit range, price and savings and tells you which assistance fits, usually the same day.

STEP 2

Pre approval and course

Apply online and upload your documents from your phone. One borrower completes a free online homebuyer course.

STEP 3

Shop and close

Write offers with a letter agents trust. The assistance funds at closing alongside your FHA loan.

You're a fit if

Your credit score is 600 or higher
You'll live in the home
You have steady income you can document
The home is a house, townhome or FHA approved condo

Good to know

You don't have to be a first time buyer
Seller credits and family gifts can still help
Assistance is due if you sell or refinance before it's forgiven
Not available in New York or Washington

Under 600 credit? Send the form anyway. A 30 to 60 day plan often gets buyers there, and Irving will tell you exactly what to fix.

Questions buyers ask

Down payment assistance, answered.

What is FHA 200 down payment assistance?

It is a second loan that sits behind your FHA first mortgage and covers 3.5% or 5% of the price, so you can buy with little or none of your own money for the down payment. It works with a 30 year fixed FHA loan on a home you will live in.

Do I have to pay the assistance back?

There are two versions. The forgivable option has no interest and no monthly payment and is forgiven after 36 consecutive on time mortgage payments while you live in the home. The repayable option has a monthly payment and a rate above your first mortgage. Either one is due if you sell or refinance before it is forgiven or paid off.

Who qualifies for down payment assistance?

You need a 600 credit score or higher, the home has to be your primary residence, and at least one borrower completes a homebuyer education course, which can be done free online. You do not have to be a first time buyer.

What kinds of homes are eligible?

Single family homes, townhomes, FHA approved condos and some manufactured homes, up to the FHA loan limit for the county. Co ops, deed restricted homes and new construction are not eligible.

Can I combine assistance with a seller credit?

Yes. The seller can still pay toward your closing costs, up to FHA limits, which can bring your cash to close down even further. The estimator above shows how they stack.

Is there down payment assistance in Los Angeles County?

Yes. FHA 200 is available across California, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. State and local programs may also be available depending on income and funding.

Want the full FHA picture?

Credit, loan limits, mortgage insurance and the documents you'll need.

See if I qualify FHA requirements guide

Illustration only. Not a Loan Estimate, an offer of credit or a commitment to lend. FHA 200 down payment assistance is a second lien paired with a 30 year fixed FHA purchase loan on a primary residence, subject to a 600 minimum credit score, homebuyer education, property eligibility, program guidelines, funding and approval. The forgivable option carries no interest or payments and is forgiven after 36 consecutive on time first mortgage payments while the borrower occupies the home; the repayable option carries a rate above the first mortgage with monthly payments. Assistance is due on sale or refinance before forgiveness or payoff. Not available in all states. Irving Arreola, NMLS #2790178. HomeMac, LLC NMLS #1165808. Equal Housing Opportunity.