How Much Down Payment Do You Need for a House in California?
Spoiler: it's not 20%. The real minimums run 0% to 3.5% — and with CalHFA MyHome, the down payment itself can be roughly $0 out of pocket.
July 7, 2026 · 8 min read
ReadFirst-Time Buyer Blog · Updated July 2026
Straight answers for California first-time buyers.
No fluff, no rate-bait, no "it depends" hand-waving. Real numbers on down payments, CalHFA programs, and what it actually takes to buy in San Diego County — written by a loan originator who does this every day.
CalHFA vs. FHA Loan: The Comparison Everyone Gets Wrong
CalHFA isn't an alternative to FHA — a CalHFA FHA loan IS an FHA loan, with state down payment help stacked on top. Here's the table that finally makes it click.
July 7, 2026 · 7 min read
ReadCan You Buy a House in San Diego on a $100k Salary?
Yes — realistically. The honest math on what $100k supports, which neighborhoods it buys, and how CalHFA shrinks the cash you need from six figures to a few thousand.
July 7, 2026 · 9 min read
ReadProgram details referenced throughout this blog are summarized from calhfa.ca.gov as of July 2026. Everything here is educational — not a loan offer, approval, or commitment to lend.
Reading is good. A game plan is better.
New posts land here regularly — but programs, income limits, and funding rounds change fast. Get a personalized CalHFA eligibility check instead of refreshing a blog.