San Bernardino County Down Payment Assistance
Many buyers in San Bernardino County have enough income to afford a payment but need help covering the upfront costs. Down payment assistance (DPA), grants, and closing cost help can make a real difference.
This page explains how down payment assistance works in general and how it fits alongside loan types used across the Inland Empire and Riverside County.
What Is Down Payment Assistance?
Down payment assistance can come in different forms, such as:
- Grants that don’t have to be repaid (if conditions are met)
- Deferred or forgivable second mortgages
- Low-interest second liens to cover part of the down payment or closing costs
These are usually layered on top of a primary loan like FHA, Conventional, or sometimes VA for eligible buyers.
Who Is DPA Typically Designed For?
While programs vary, many are designed for:
- First-time homebuyers (often defined as no ownership in the last three years)
- Buyers meeting income and purchase price limits
- Owner-occupants (not investors)
We’ll confirm which options you may qualify for and how they interact with your primary loan.
DPA + Loan Options in San Bernardino County
DPA is often paired with:
- FHA Loans – popular for combining flexible credit with down payment help
- Conventional Loans – some programs allow 3% down with assistance layered in
- First-time buyer programs – for eligible new or returning buyers
For broader county-level loan context, also see Riverside County Mortgage Programs and North County San Diego Mortgage Programs.
What DPA Can and Can’t Do
DPA can:
- Reduce your upfront cash requirement
- Help you buy sooner than you could by saving alone
DPA cannot usually:
- Eliminate all buyer costs completely
- Override credit, income, or underwriting requirements
Next Steps: San Bernardino DPA Review
We’ll look at your income, credit, home price range, and target city in San Bernardino County to see which assistance options may apply and what your estimated cash-to-close would be.