ReCover CA Homebuyer Assistance Program
OpenCalifornia Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentCAFirst-Time Homeowner
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Summary
A disaster-recovery homebuyer assistance program providing forgivable second-mortgage loans to help disaster-impacted households bridge the affordability gap when buying a home.
Benefits
Who Can Apply
Eligible Locations
Low and moderate income renters and homeowners who were impacted by qualifying disasters such as specified wildfire events from 2017 through 2020 or the 2023 and 2024 storms and floods, and who are purchasing an owner occupied home in one of the eligible California counties covered by the ReCover CA Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Eligibility
Low- and moderate-income renters or homeowners impacted by qualified disasters (e.g., 2017–20 wildfires or 2023/24 floods) in specified counties; First-time homebuyer or not owned in past 3 years.
Full Description
Verification & Details
Recommended Resource
First-Time Homebuyer Starter Pack (2025 Edition)
A complete first-time homebuyer toolkit: 9 checklists, timelines, grant guidance, worksheets + editable Excel/Google Sheet budget & affordability calculator.
More statewide programs
Explore additional grants available throughout California that complement this opportunity.
California Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentCAFirst-Time HomeownerState administered competitive and formula based matching grants that provide dollar for dollar state funds to eligible local or regional housing trust funds in order to expand affordable housing activities, including some first time homebuyer and ownership assistance.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
The LHTF program provides state funds to match local housing trust funds, which in turn fund affordable housing activities including acquisition, rehabilitation, and homeownership support
Eligible for: Local/regional housing trust funds (public or nonprofit) that support affordable housing including homeownership.
California Department of Housing & Community DevelopmentCAFirst-Time HomeownerState matching grant program that provides dollar for dollar funds to eligible local or regional housing trust funds to expand resources for affordable housing activities including homeownership assistance.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
The LHTF program provides state funds to match local housing trust funds, which in turn fund affordable housing activities including acquisition, rehabilitation, and homeownership support
Eligible for: Local/regional housing trust funds (public or nonprofit) that support affordable housing including homeownership.
California Housing Finance AgencyCAFirst-Time HomeownerState housing finance agency programs that pair fixed rate first mortgages with a range of subordinate loans and assistance options such as down payment and closing cost help for eligible homebuyers.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Overview portal of CalHFA’s suite of homebuyer assistance programs for first-time homebuyers in California.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers, meet specific program criteria (loan type, income, credit, occupancy)
California Housing Finance AgencyCAFirst-Time HomeownerState housing finance agency programs that offer 30 year fixed rate mortgages combined with optional down payment and closing cost assistance through junior loans and specialty products targeted at first time buyers.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
A broad overview of CalHFA’s suite of homebuyer loan and assistance programs for first-time buyers in California.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers, meet income/credit/homebuyer education requirements
Pathway to Home Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program
Temporarily ClosedCalifornia Association of REALTORSCAFirst-Time HomeownerStatewide closing cost assistance provided as a non repayable grant funded through the California Association of Realtors Housing Affordability Fund in partnership with a nonprofit administrator.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
A grant program to assist first-time homebuyers in underserved communities with closing costs, up to $10,000, in partnership with REALTORS.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers from underserved communities, ≤ 120% AMI, must use California REALTOR®, no more than $20k savings post-purchase
California Housing Finance AgencyCAFirst-Time HomeownerState housing finance agency junior loan that provides a deferred payment silent second mortgage to cover part of the down payment and closing costs when paired with a CalHFA first mortgage.
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Deferred-payment junior loan for down payment/closing costs to help first-time buyers access homeownership.
Eligible for: First-time homebuyers (or no ownership last 3 years), primary residence, must use CalHFA first mortgage; meet income/credit limits; home mus…