Homebuyer Assistance

Santa Clara County Empower Homebuyers 
Down Payment Assistance Program

As of March 3, 2023, the Empower loan program can now help first-time homebuyers with up to 30% of the purchase price of a single-family home, condo, or townhome in Santa Clara County.  The maximum loan amount is $250,000 and there is no maximum purchase price. With only a 3% down payment required from the buyer, an Empower loan can provide up to 30% of the purchase price, making a 33% down payment on a home possible.  As a 30-year deferred loan, no monthly loan payments are required. 

This program is made for those with low to moderate incomes in the Bay Area.  For example, with a household of four people, if your combined income is $202,200 or less, you may be eligible.  If you want to buy a home just for yourself and make $141,550 or less, you could also qualify.  Homebuyers must live or work in Santa Clara County.

To learn more, visit https://housingtrustsv.org/empower

For questions about the program, please contact Empower Homebuyers at EmpowerHomebuyersSCC@housingtrustsv.org or call: (408) 703-3837 Ext. 301.

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) First Mortgage Programs and Down Payment Assistance Programs

To learn more, visit https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/index.htm

CalHFA’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program

The CalHFA ADU Grant Program can provide up to $40,000 toward predevelopment and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of an ADU.  Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports.  The objective of the ADU Grant Program is to create more housing units in California.

To learn more, visit https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/adu/index.htm