My First Home Program

The City is excited to announce its down payment assistance program, My First Home, to further assist first-time homebuyers achieve the dream of homeownership in Santa Ana.

The My First Home Program will offer down payment assistance loans to first-time home buyers to aid in the purchase of a home in the City of Santa Ana. Funds will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. A first-time home buyer may be eligible to borrow up to $120,000 with 0% interest rate.

About

  • Zero percent (0%) interest rate.
  • Owner-Occupied throughout the life of the loan.
  • Repayment of the City loan principle balance will be required at the end of the 30 or 45-year term of affordability.
  • Low-income households will be evaluated for a $120,000 loan.
  • Moderate-income households will be evaluated for a $80,000 loan.
  • Santa Ana Student Incentive: Prospective homebuyers who have completed a four-year college or a state certified professional trade school education and resided in Santa Ana during their high school years can qualify for loan forgiveness of up to $40,000 over a period of twenty years, with $10,000 forgiven every five (5) years.
  • U.S. Military Veteran or on Active Duty Incentive:  U.S. Military Veteran or on Active Duty personnel is eligible for a loan forgiveness up $40,000 over a period of twenty years, with $10,000 forgiven every five (5) years.
  • The City has a local preference for veterans and applicants who live or work in the City of Santa Ana.

Eligibility

  • Borrower(s) must be a first-time home buyer
    • A person with no ownership, interest in, or ‘title’ to a principal residence during the three-year period preceding the "My First Home" application
  • Complete an eight (8) hour, first-time homebuyer course, provided by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved counseling agency
  • Must have at least three percent (3%) of the purchase price for a down payment in seasoned funds (saved for at least 90 days)
    • Seasoned funds cannot be from gift funds
    • Gift funds may contribute towards the purchase
    • Gift funds may not exceed three percent (3% ) of the purchase price
  • Must be pre-qualified for a fixed-rate First Mortgage
  • Positive credit history
    • Co-signers and variable rate loans are not allowed
    • No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the past seven (7) years
  • Total annual income of all income-earning household members cannot exceed the income limits below:
Household Size Low Income Moderate Income
1 person $88,400 $108,350
2 persons $101,000 $123,850
3 persons $113,650 $139,300
4 persons $126,250 $154,800
5 persons $136,350 $167,200
6 persons $146,450 $179,550
7 persons $156,550 $191,950
8 persons $166,650 $204,350

Application and Approval Process

Applications will be accepted beginning July 1, 2025

  • Prospective homebuyer completes a HUD approved 8-hour homebuyer class. Course information below.
  • Homebuyer chooses a lender and receives pre-qualification for a First Mortgage.
  • Homebuyer signs a Purchase Contract and opens escrow.
  • Homebuyer and Lender submits a complete My First Home Program Application to the City of Santa Ana's Housing Division. All submissions must include the documents listed in the application.
  • The property must pass an inspection by City Staff for lead- based paint hazards, building, health, and safety code deficiencies.
  • If a homebuyer is eligible and the home passes inspection, the City of Santa Ana reserves funds and notifies the homebuyer and real estate agent.
  • The real estate agent notifies the City of Santa Ana of scheduled closing date ten (10) business days prior to close of escrow date.

Total process can take 30-45 days. We are not currently providing pre-approval services.

8 Hour HUD Approved Homebuyer Education

NeighborWorks Orange County offers an 8 hour HUD approved homebuyer education course. This virtual HUD approved homebuyer course is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The course is tailored for first time homebuyers who will be purchasing within one year, are currently in escrow, or are interested in understanding the homebuying process. This HUD approved course has a fee. Key information on budgeting, credit, lending, real estate processes, title, insurance, and down payment assistance are covered. A HUD Homebuyer Certificate is provided upon completion.

Orange County Community Housing Corporation (OCCHC) offers a virtual, HUD approved, 8 hour homebuyer course. The class is divided into two 4 hour sessions. The class is intended for anyone interested in preparing for the home-buying process. This HUD approved course is free. Topics include: down payment, down payment programs, private mortgage insurance, the home buying process, and working with a loan officer, realtor, and insurance agent. A certificate is provided upon completion.

Affordable Housing Clearing House provides an 8 hour certified workshop. The presentation includes a review of credit, budgeting, loans, and community resources. This HUD approved course has a fee. A certificate is provided upon completion. If you are interested in exploring additional organizations offering HUD approved homebuyer education courses, follow this link.

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