# How to Buy a House with No Money Down in California
Buying a home in California without a down payment sounds impossible given the state's high prices — but several legitimate programs make it reality for qualified buyers.
VA Loans: Zero Down for Veterans
The most powerful zero-down program is the VA loan. Active duty military, veterans, National Guard/Reserve members, and surviving spouses can purchase any-priced home in California with $0 down. There is no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. No PMI is required, and rates are typically 0.25-0.5% below conventional rates. The VA funding fee (1.25-3.3%) can be financed into the loan, and it's waived entirely for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
USDA Loans: Zero Down in Rural Areas
USDA loans offer 100% financing in USDA-eligible areas. While "rural" sounds limiting, many California communities qualify — parts of Sacramento County, San Joaquin Valley, Inland Empire outskirts, Central Coast areas, and Northern California. Income limits apply (typically $110,000-$150,000 for a household of 1-4 depending on county). Check USDA's eligibility map at rd.usda.gov.
CalHFA Down Payment Assistance Programs
CalHFA offers several programs that effectively eliminate the down payment barrier. The Forgivable Equity Builder Loan provides up to 10% of the purchase price as a forgivable second loan — no monthly payments, forgiven after 5 years of occupancy. MyHome Assistance provides up to 3.5% of the home price as a deferred-payment second mortgage. These programs can be layered with FHA (3.5% down) or conventional (3% down) first mortgages, meaning the assistance covers your entire down payment.
Employer-Assisted Housing Programs
Large California employers including hospitals, school districts, tech companies, and government agencies offer housing assistance to employees. These range from down payment grants to forgivable loans tied to employment tenure. Ask your HR department about available programs.
Gift Funds from Family
FHA loans allow 100% of the down payment to come from gift funds from a family member, employer, or approved organization. Conventional loans also allow gifts, though some restrictions apply for down payments under 20%. A gift letter documenting that the funds don't need to be repaid is required.
Combining Strategies
The most powerful approach combines multiple strategies. Example: a first-time buyer uses CalHFA's Forgivable Equity Builder (10% of purchase price) with an FHA first mortgage. The CalHFA assistance covers the 3.5% FHA down payment plus closing costs. The buyer's out-of-pocket cost can be close to zero.
Save Financial specializes in stacking these programs for California buyers. Call (888) 703-1840 for a zero-down strategy session tailored to your situation.