Down Payment Assistance
In Tulare County, CA
Before you dig into our comprehensive guide to Down Payment Assistance, there are 6 important steps you need to know about and complete. You may already have some of them checked off your list, but if you haven't yet – do yourself the favor and complete at least one TODAY!
5 Essential Steps to Get Started
Complete these steps to put yourself in the best position for homeownership
Look at Properties in Your Target Areas
Set that intention in your mind that you would like to own that home or one like it someday soon, and commit to taking that action.
Our top resource for viewing homes that may qualify for Federal, State, or Local Down Payment Assistance Programs can be found at Zip-HudHomes.com. You can sign up for their trial offer for only $1 and see some of the amazing deals on homes.
Get Your Current Credit Report
Most all Down Payment Assistance Programs will require you to have a current credit report on hand when applying. Even if you have work to do to get your credit score up, you should start by getting your report first.
Our top resource for getting your credit report can be found at YourScoreAndMore. They also have a $1 trial offer to get your report.
Complete the HUD-Certified Homebuyer Course
Taking the course is a smart next step for any first-time homebuyer. It's required by many local, state, and federal housing and down-payment assistance programs and is widely accepted by lenders and housing agencies nationwide.
Not only does it boost your eligibility for down payment assistance, but it also helps you avoid costly mistakes that many first-time buyers make.
Apply For FREE Money For Housing Assistance
Browse Housing Assistance Programs, including Section 8 Government Vouchers, Section 8 Home Buying Programs and Subsidized Housing Payments.
Consider Rent-To-Own Home
If your credit score is insufficient to get reasonable mortgage rates, or it's hard to save a lump of money towards a down payment, a rent to own agreement might be the solution.
Obtaining a rent-to-own home can help bridge the gap between renting a property and buying it. You make rent payments each month and a portion of those payments can count toward your down payment.
Take the initiative to complete any or all of the 5 steps above and put yourself in a position to make your homeowner dreams a reality.
Now, grab a coffee, sit down and read through our comprehensive guide to Down Payment Assistance. It could be the single most important thing you do all day!
Your Comprehensive Down Payment Assistance Guide
Huge numbers of Americans who want to be homeowners are currently saving for a down payment. But they know little about lenders' down payment requirements. And too few have even heard of down payment assistance programs.
Renter to Homeowner in a Flash — If You Know About DPA
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs can be lifesavers. Because they can provide some or all the down payment and/or closing costs to buy a home. Sometimes, DPA is an outright grant you never have to repay. More commonly, it's some form of loan — often one with low or even no interest.
Many Could Qualify
In a 2025 update to report, Barriers to Accessing Homeownership, the Urban Institute reckoned between 22% and 51% of people in the metropolitan statistical areas it studied would be eligible. And these consumers could receive between $2,000 and $39,000 each.
When Ignorance Isn't Bliss
Not knowing about these helpful programs forces aspiring homeowners to save much longer and much harder than necessary. While home prices rise faster than incomes. Buying sooner makes sense — today's low mortgage rates won't stick around forever.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Across the country just waiting to help wannabe homebuyers achieve their ambitions. Every community is covered by at least one.
What Would-Be Homeowners Really Need to Know About DPA
At the end of 2017, the Urban Institute explored gaps in the knowledge of those who'd like to be homeowners. Here are some of the findings from a survey included in the report:
of those currently renting said saving for a down payment is an obstacle to their homeownership
of respondents were either unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believed down payments must be above 5% of the purchase price
think lenders require a 10% down payment
believe lenders expect a 20% down payment
But they're flat-out wrong! Down payments of 3%-3.5% are commonplace. And those who are eligible for VA loans or USDA loans need no down payment at all. With DPA, buyers may need less than 3% and may get help with closing costs as well. You don't know unless you ask.
How Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Works
It's worth noting that the agencies, charities and local governments that sponsor these programs fund them annually. That means they can be flush with cash at the start of each financial year but run out before the end.
The federal government fiscal year runs from October 1 until September 30. So you have a better shot at that money in the fall than you do late summer.
But program fiscal years are not all the same, and not all budget annually. With thousands of down payment assistance programs nationwide, operating in virtually every community, you may have several choices. Nearly all programs are local and independent of each other. Many are run by state, city or local governments and others by not-for-profit organizations and charities.
Finding DPA Programs
The sheer number of organizations and programs means there's no standard set of rules for how down payment assistance works. That makes them harder to find and understand. You may qualify under one program but not another. And you might get an outright grant (effectively a gift) from one but a low- or zero-interest loan from another.
Approved Lenders
When you accept down payment assistance, you'll borrow from a lender that participates in the program. And those approved lenders generally offer a wide range of mortgages, including ones backed by the government (VA, USDA or FHA loans) or that comply with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's rules.
Closing Costs
Some assistance programs explicitly allow you to use the funds they provide for closing costs. Others may not. Some programs require a minimum contribution from you when you use them to buy a home.
Do I need my credit report to apply for a Down Payment Assistance program?
Yes, most programs will ask you to have a current credit report on file.
How to Qualify for Down Payment Assistance
Eligibility criteria vary wildly between different programs. So, if you don't qualify for one that covers your area, it's worth hunting further to see if there's one that will help you.
Some programs specialize in helping select groups. So it's possible you may get to the front of the line if you're a veteran/current servicemember, or a firefighter, or work in education, health care or law enforcement. Many others prioritize applicants on average or lower incomes. But anyone with a mortgage preapproval letter can apply.
Many programs insist you take a homebuyer education course before they'll give you any money. You may be able to complete your course online. This is an important step, and understanding homeownership increases your chance of success.
First-Time Buyer Status is Not Like Virginity
One requirement for a majority of programs (but not nearly four in 10 of them) is that you be a first-time buyer. But don't panic...
Once you lose your virginity, it's gone forever. But you can be a "first-time" buyer more than once.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) counts you as a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a home in the last three years. To be clear, HUD's website says:
"An individual who has had no ownership in a principal residence during the 3-year period ending on the date of purchase of the property. This includes a spouse (if either meets the above test, they are considered first-time homebuyers)."
There's no law to say everyone must adopt HUD's definition. But many programs do. So if you or your spouse haven't had an ownership interest in a primary home over the last three years, carry on and apply for programs for first-time buyers.
The Home Needs to Qualify, Too
When you apply to a program, the home you wish to purchase is also a factor. These programs are not for trust fund kids to buy mansions. The home you buy can't be expensive for the area. Usually, your maximum is some percentage of the median price for homes, often up to 115%.
For instance, if home prices ranged from $200,000 to $1,000,000 in your area (usually defined as your county or metropolitan statistical area), and half of the homes cost more than $400,000, and half cost less, the median price would be $400,000. If the limit was 115% of this, the maximum eligible home price would be $460,000 ($400,000 × 1.15).
Click Here To See Homes NowMultifamily Dwellings and Down Payment Assistance
Suppose you want to buy a multifamily building, containing two, three or four units. Many down payment assistance programs won't help. But at least one in five will.
You'll probably have to live in one of the units. Presumably, you'll want to rent out the other one, two or three. And that's no problem.
DPA Programs Available in Your Area
We've covered the main points about how down payment assistance works. Here are some of the main programs that may operate in your state:
Down Payment Assistance Summary
City/Municipal Programs
City of Tulare Housing / First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Resources
Administered by: City of Tulare (Housing/Community Development functions; may be administered through a department or contracted administrator)
Local housing and community development resources for residents of Tulare, California. If the City operates a first-time homebuyer or down payment assistance program funded by federal/state allocations (e.g., HOME/CDBG), it would be administered here or via a partner agency.
Eligibility Requirements:
How to Apply:
Contact the City of Tulare and ask specifically about any current first-time homebuyer programs, down payment assistance, HOME-funded purchase assistance, or inclusionary housing purchase opportunities, and request program guidelines and an application (if available).
County Programs
Tulare County Housing Authority / County Housing Assistance Resources (Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership and related resources)
Administered by: Housing Authority of the County of Tulare (HACT)
Housing Authority resources that may include the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Homeownership option (if operated) and other pathways/supportive resources for Tulare County residents transitioning to homeownership in or near Tulare, California.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must meet Housing Authority program requirements (if homeownership option is available/active)
- Typically requires participation in counseling and meeting employment/income standards (program dependent)
How to Apply:
Contact the Housing Authority of the County of Tulare to ask whether a Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership program or any first-time homebuyer assistance is currently offered and how to apply.
State Programs
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
Administered by: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
Up to 3.5% of purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less) (for FHA) or up to 3% (for Conventional)
CalHFA subordinate loan for down payment and/or closing costs used with an eligible CalHFA first mortgage for homebuyers in Tulare, California.
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time homebuyer required
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Must use a CalHFA-approved lender
- Must qualify for an eligible CalHFA first mortgage
- Homebuyer education required (CalHFA-approved)
- Property must be in California
How to Apply:
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender. Lender originates CalHFA first mortgage and MyHome second loan together; complete required homebuyer education and provide documentation requested by lender.
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
Administered by: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
Up to 3% of the CalHFA first mortgage amount
Zero-interest subordinate loan for closing costs (and possibly prepaid items) for eligible homebuyers in Tulare, California when paired with certain CalHFA first mortgages.
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time homebuyer required
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Must use a CalHFA-approved lender
- Must be paired with an eligible CalHFA first mortgage
- Homebuyer education required (CalHFA-approved)
- Property must be in California
How to Apply:
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender offering ZIP as part of a CalHFA first mortgage package; provide required documentation and complete homebuyer education.
CalHFA School Teacher and Employee Assistance Program (School Program)
Administered by: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
Up to 4% of the first mortgage amount
Down payment assistance for eligible California school employees purchasing a primary residence, including in Tulare, California, when paired with a CalHFA first mortgage.
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time homebuyer required
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Must be an eligible school employee as defined by CalHFA
- Must use a CalHFA-approved lender
- Must qualify for an eligible CalHFA first mortgage
- Homebuyer education required (CalHFA-approved)
How to Apply:
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender; provide proof of eligible school employment, complete homebuyer education, and submit standard mortgage documentation through the lender.
CalHFA California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
Administered by: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
Up to 20% of purchase price (first-time homebuyers); up to 25% for certain first-generation homebuyers (when funds/program rounds are available)
Shared-appreciation down payment assistance for eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing in Tulare, California, designed to help with down payment and closing costs when paired with an eligible first mortgage.
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time homebuyer required
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Must use a CalHFA-approved lender
- Program availability depends on funding rounds; reservations may be required
- Homebuyer education required
How to Apply:
When a funding round is open, apply through a participating CalHFA-approved lender; lender requests reservation (if required) and originates the first mortgage and Dream For All second loan; complete homebuyer education and provide required documentation.
CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Loan
Administered by: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
Up to $10,000
Forgivable subordinate loan that can be used for down payment and/or closing costs for eligible low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers in Tulare, California when paired with a CalHFA first mortgage.
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time homebuyer required
- Owner-occupied primary residence; forgiveness typically requires continued occupancy for a specified period
- Must use a CalHFA-approved lender
- Must qualify for an eligible CalHFA first mortgage
- Homebuyer education required
How to Apply:
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender; lender includes Equity Builder with the CalHFA first mortgage if you meet program criteria; complete homebuyer education and submit required documents.
California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) First Mortgage Programs (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA)
Administered by: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
CalHFA offers first mortgage loans with features such as competitive rates and compatibility with down payment/closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers in Tulare, California.
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time homebuyer required
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Must use a CalHFA-approved lender
- Homebuyer education required
How to Apply:
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender and request an eligible CalHFA first mortgage. The lender will determine program eligibility and coordinate any CalHFA subordinate assistance you choose.
California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) Home Loans
Administered by: California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
State of California veteran home loan program offering financing options for eligible veterans purchasing homes in California, including Tulare, California.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Typically primary residence; must meet CalVet occupancy requirements
- Eligibility based on veteran status and CalVet requirements
- Must meet underwriting requirements
How to Apply:
Apply through CalVet (or via participating channels as directed by CalVet), provide eligibility and financial documentation, and complete CalVet loan process.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) - California (through local participating agencies)
Administered by: Local MCC program administrators in California (varies by jurisdiction; often cities/counties or housing authorities) / IRS tax credit framework
Federal tax credit for a portion of annual mortgage interest (credit rate and caps vary by program)
Mortgage Credit Certificates can reduce federal income tax liability for eligible homebuyers by providing a tax credit based on mortgage interest, improving affordability for homebuyers in Tulare, California if an MCC program is offered in the area through a participating administrator.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Primary residence required
- Must apply through a participating lender and local MCC administrator (if offered)
- Cannot be used for refinancing except in limited re-issuance circumstances
How to Apply:
Ask your lender if they participate in an MCC program serving Tulare, California and apply during the mortgage process; submit MCC application and pay any associated fees (varies).
Federal Programs
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (Section 502 Guaranteed)
Administered by: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
0% down payment (financing up to 100% of appraised value) through participating lenders; loan amount based on income and repayment ability
A 0% down payment mortgage option for eligible rural areas; parts of Tulare County may be eligible depending on USDA property eligibility maps. Used by homebuyers purchasing a primary residence near Tulare, California when the property is in an eligible area.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must occupy as primary residence
- Property must be in an eligible USDA rural area (check address eligibility)
- Must use an approved USDA guaranteed lender
- Must meet citizenship/eligible noncitizen requirements
How to Apply:
Find an approved USDA guaranteed lender, confirm property eligibility using the USDA map, apply through the lender, and provide required income/asset documentation.
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans (Section 502 Direct)
Administered by: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
Payment assistance may reduce effective interest rate; 0% down for eligible borrowers (loan amount based on repayment ability)
Direct mortgage loans from USDA for very low- and low-income applicants buying a primary residence in eligible rural areas; may be applicable in eligible areas of Tulare County near Tulare, California.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Primary residence required
- Property must be in an eligible USDA rural area
- Must demonstrate repayment ability and acceptable credit history
- Must meet citizenship/eligible noncitizen requirements
How to Apply:
Apply through the USDA Rural Development office (not a private lender). Confirm property eligibility, submit USDA application package, and provide required income/asset documentation.
FHA Insured Mortgage (including FHA 203(b))
Administered by: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) / Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
Minimum 3.5% down payment with 580+ credit score (typical guideline); loan limits apply by county
Federally insured mortgage program offered through FHA-approved lenders that can be combined with permitted down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers in Tulare, California.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Primary residence required
- Must use FHA-approved lender
- Must meet FHA occupancy and property standards
- Mortgage insurance required
How to Apply:
Apply with an FHA-approved lender; submit standard mortgage application and documentation; lender underwrites per FHA rules.
VA Home Loan Guaranty
Administered by: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Often 0% down payment for eligible Veterans/Service members; loan limits may apply in some cases
VA-guaranteed mortgage for eligible Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses buying a primary residence in Tulare, California; can reduce or eliminate down payment requirements.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must occupy as primary residence
- Eligibility based on military service and VA entitlement
- Must obtain VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Must use a VA-approved lender
How to Apply:
Request a Certificate of Eligibility (through VA, your lender, or online), then apply with a VA-approved lender and provide standard income/asset documentation.
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND)
Administered by: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
50% off list price of eligible HUD-owned homes (discount equals assistance amount)
Provides a substantial discount on certain HUD-owned homes for eligible law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and teachers purchasing in designated revitalization areas; may apply in parts of Tulare, California if eligible properties are available.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must live in the home as sole residence for 36 months
- Must be in an eligible profession (law enforcement, firefighter, EMT, teacher)
- Must purchase a HUD-owned property listed as Good Neighbor Next Door
- Must use a HUD-registered real estate broker
How to Apply:
Check HUD’s GNND listings, have a HUD-registered broker submit an offer during the designated period, and complete required GNND documents and occupancy certification.
HUD Housing Counseling (Homebuyer Education & Pre-Purchase Counseling)
Administered by: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide pre-purchase counseling and homebuyer education (often low-cost or free) that can help Tulare, California homebuyers qualify for assistance programs and mortgages.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must work with a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (in-person, phone, or online depending on agency)
How to Apply:
Use HUD’s counseling agency search tool to locate a HUD-approved agency serving Tulare County, then schedule pre-purchase counseling and/or enroll in an education course.
Nonprofit Programs
Habitat for Humanity (Local Affiliate Homeownership Program)
Administered by: Habitat for Humanity (local affiliate serving Tulare County area) / Habitat for Humanity International
Affordable homeownership opportunities; financing terms vary by affiliate (often no-profit/low-interest)
Habitat affiliates help eligible families achieve affordable homeownership through a combination of buyer contribution (often 'sweat equity'), affordable financing, and partner support; may be available to households in Tulare, California depending on local affiliate service area and build/home availability.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Typically must occupy as primary residence; local service-area rules apply
- Must meet local affiliate criteria (need for housing, ability to pay, willingness to partner/sweat equity)
- Homebuyer education and sweat-equity hours typically required
How to Apply:
Find the Habitat affiliate serving Tulare, California using Habitat’s locator, review application periods, and submit the affiliate’s homeownership application with requested documentation.
NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) Purchase Program
Administered by: Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA)
No down payment, no closing costs, no fees (program claims); below-market interest rate for qualified buyers
Nonprofit homebuying program offering below-market mortgage financing and assistance designed to remove down payment and many closing cost barriers; available to eligible buyers in California including Tulare.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Must complete NACA counseling process and program requirements
- Must purchase within NACA guidelines and complete required workshops
How to Apply:
Register for a NACA workshop, complete intake and counseling, submit documentation through NACA’s process, obtain NACA qualification, then work with a NACA agent and lender to purchase a home.
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