What areas does Ekstrom Real Estate serve?

Orange County and Los Angeles—including Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Riverside County, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

Do you help first-time homebuyers in Orange County?

Yes. We guide first-time buyers through pre-approval, CalHFA and down payment programs, offers, and closing—with neighborhood-specific advice across OC.

How do I schedule a property viewing?

Call (714) 624-0542 or message us through our Google Business Profile. We typically respond within 24 hours and can often schedule same-day showings.

How long does it take to sell a home in Orange County?

Timelines vary by price, condition, and neighborhood. Well-priced listings with strong marketing often sell faster than the local average—we tailor strategy to your micro-market.

What down payment assistance programs exist in California?

State programs include CalHFA MyHome and CalPLUS; regional programs vary by county and city. Orange County buyers often pair CalHFA with FHA or conventional first loans—income and purchase price caps apply.

Can I use down payment assistance with an FHA loan?

Yes—many California DPA programs are designed to work with FHA, VA, and some conventional products. Your lender must be approved for the specific program.

California Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026

Down Payment Assistance Programs in California (2026)

Saving a 20% down payment in Orange County or Los Angeles is tough. California down payment assistance (DPA) programs can bridge the gap for qualified first-time and repeat buyers in certain situations.

*Programs change—verify current caps and lender lists before you write offers.*

Major state programs

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

- Junior loan for down payment or closing costs
- Often paired with CalHFA first mortgages
- Income and sales price limits apply by county

CalPLUS with ZIP

- Combines first mortgage with down payment help in one structure
- Popular with buyers who want a single packaged solution

GSFA (Golden State Finance Authority)

- Regional options; eligibility varies
- Some products allow higher income than strict CalHFA-only paths

Local and employer programs

- City/county programs open and close based on funding
- Employer-assisted housing benefits
- Community land trusts in select areas

Ask your agent and lender what is actively funded in your target city—not every program accepts offers in coastal OC price bands.

How to qualify (typical requirements)

- Complete homebuyer education course
- Use an approved lender
- Property must be primary residence
- Meet income limits (often 80–150% of AMI depending on program)
- Stay within purchase price caps

Stacking DPA with OC programs

See our first-time homebuyer programs in Orange County guide for how CalHFA fits local searches in Newport Beach, Irvine, and Riverside County.

Get a personalized DPA checklist

Call Ekstrom Real Estate at (714) 624-0542—we connect you with lenders who know California assistance programs and your target neighborhoods.

Down Payment Assistance Programs in California (2026 Guide)