CalHome Down Payment Assistance
We’re excited to launch the CalHome DPA Program to help lower-income families take the big step toward owning a home. In our area, housing costs make it tough—especially for first-time buyers—to save up for a down payment and get a mortgage they can afford. That’s where the DPA Program comes in.
Thanks to special funding, we’re offering down payment help and making monthly payments more manageable. It’s all about opening doors to homeownership and supporting a stronger, more inclusive community.
DOWNPAYMENT ASSISTANCE
CalHome First Time Homebuyer Loan Program
CalHome Program Details
NCLT’s CalHome First Time Homebuyer Loan Program assists low-income, first-time homebuyers in purchasing homes in Alameda County.
NCLT lends qualified buyers assistance up to $200,000 to cover financing gaps when purchasing a home, including down payment and additional funds that may be needed to purchase the home.
Eligible Property Types: Single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums located in Alameda.
*Applicants purchasing deed-restricted/permanently affordable community land trust homes are given priority.
Maximum Amount: CalHome loan amount not to exceed $200,000 or 40% of the purchase price. This enables you to bridge the gap between your down payment and the total purchase price.
Loan Structure: It is a 30-year deferred loan. It carries a simple interest rate, which accrues annually. Interest accumulates on the principal loan amount until the entire principal is repaid.
Borrower Contribution: You are required to contribute a minimum of 3% of the home’s purchase price.
No Monthly Principal or Interest Payments: It does not require monthly payments. Instead, the repayment of the loan (including the principal and accrued interest) is due at the end of the 30-year term. This allows you the flexibility to manage your finances and consider future options.
*If you decide to sell your home before the end of the 30-year term, repayment of the loan (including the principal and accrued interest) becomes due.
Interested in learning more?
Upcoming Information Sessions
Thurs May 7th, 2026
6-7pm PST, zoom
Wed June 3rd, 2026
6-7pm PST, zoom
Applicant Resources
English:
Spanish:
Other Languages:
We want to help you quickly determine if you meet the basic qualifications for our programs, saving you time and effort. Please review the eligibility requirements below, and if you believe you qualify, proceed by submitting a Screening Form as the first step in your application.
Pre-Qualifications Requirements
You are a first-time Homebuyer purchasing a primary residence in Alameda County.
Must have 5% of the purchase price to cover required contribution for down payment and closing costs.
You have completed or registered for a HUD-certified 8-Hour Homebuyer Education class through a designated agency.
Your combined gross household income, including all adult household members, must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income for the county where the property is located.
Click the button below to fill out the screening form. This is the first step to find out if you are qualified.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CALHOME DPA PROGRAM
Are You Eligible for CalHome? Let’s Find Out!
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
How Applying for CalHome DPA Works
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Homebuyer Education
Attend and complete an HUD approved first time home buyer education class. Here are some resources to consider: This is a link to course options. You can also consider the EHome America Online Homebuyer Education Course. A certification of completion from a CalHome-Approved first-time homebuyer education course is required to consider your application complete. It will answer many questions upfront and facilitate the process of applying. If you are awarded CalHome funds, NCLT will reimburse the cost of this course.
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The first step in our process is to submit a screening form. NCLT will review the Screening Form and if you are eligible, we will email you a link to start the Application Process within one week of receiving your screening form.
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Application
Once you submit your screen form, we will review your eligibility. If you are eligible, we will email you a link to the application form within one week of receiving your screening form.
The Applications will require you to upload identification, personal information about all household members, tax documents, as well as financial records. Please see the “NCLT DPA Application Checklist and Document Tips” for a full list of what to prepare.
When you have completed your application, NCLT staff may contact you to amend or upload additional documents as necessary.
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Mortgage Pre-Approval
Work with a Cal-Home Participating lender to secure a mortgage pre-approval. See this list of lenders who have participated in the City of Oakland’s CalHome program if you are looking for a recommendation.
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Program Pre-Approval
NCLT reviews and approves the application and certifies your household as income eligible. Once your application is approved and you have provided a certificate of completion of the homebuyer course, NCLT will provide a pre-qualification letter for your lender that states the maximum amount of CalHome funds you qualify for.
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Identify your Home
With your mortgage pre-approval and your CalHome Pre-approval, you will have your budget for finding a home. When you have identified a property that you want to make an offer on, please put NCLT in contact with your lender & real Estate agent as soon as possible.
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Primary Mortgage Approval
Work with your lender to secure your primary mortgage approval and to submit your offer for your purchase.
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Finalize Contract
Work with your lender to submit all your final offer documents to NCLT for final CalHome funds disbursement approval. Get your keys!
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Annual Certification
The CalHome program requires that your home is your primary residence and NCLT will require an annual certification. This includes annual proof of occupancy, insurance and payment of property taxes. This ensures the loans effectively support stable and owner-occupied housing.