State Buyer Programs
First-Time Home Buyer
Programs in California
Down payment assistance, transfer tax rates, and what to expect at closing when buying your first home in California.
California First-Time Buyer Overview
Your state's HFA is the primary source for below-market mortgages and down payment assistance programs.
Income limits apply; program is often oversubscribed — check CalHFA for current lottery availability.
Learn more →Income limits based on county and household size.
Learn more →California imposes a Documentary Transfer Tax of $1.10 per $1,000 (0.11%) at the state level. Cities like San Francisco (1.5–2.25%), Los Angeles (0.45% + city), and others charge additional transfer taxes.
California is a title company state. Attorneys are not required at closing, though buyers may hire one.
Tools for Buying Your First Home in California
Pre-approval, inspection, insurance, and moving — the same trusted tools, relevant wherever you're buying in California.
Get Pre-Approved
Get a real pre-approval letter in about 3 minutes with no origination fee and no commission-hungry loan officer. Fully online — you won't get pressured into a bigger loan.
Get Pre-Approved →See real mortgage rates from multiple lenders side by side without your credit score taking a hit. Takes 3 minutes and you don't have to commit to anything.
Compare Rates →Home Inspection
Never skip the inspection. Inspectify lets you book a certified home inspector in your area in seconds. Digital reports, same-day availability in most markets.
Book an Inspection →Home Insurance
Get a homeowners insurance quote in 90 seconds. Lemonade uses AI to underwrite policies faster than any traditional insurer — and claims are often paid in minutes.
Get a Quote →Home Warranty
When the HVAC dies three weeks after closing, you'll be glad you have a home warranty. AHS covers major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical — plus appliances.
View Plans →Moving
Get quotes from licensed movers in your area. Moving.com vets companies for licensing and insurance so you're not handing your stuff to a random guy with a truck.
Get Moving Quotes →Looking for a different state?
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