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Home Access Program

Launch Date – March 26, 2025

We are excited to bring you the Home Access Program, designed to assist low-income households in achieving the dream of homeownership. In the greater Bay Area, housing affordability presents a significant challenge for first-time homebuyers. Many households in the region struggle to secure a substantial down payment, making homeownership with affordable mortgage payments an unattainable goal. This financial barrier not only impacts individuals and families but also affects the diversity and skill of our local workforce, as well as the well-being of our community.

To address this issue and support the most vulnerable households, Housing Trust Silicon Valley (Housing Trust) is proud to introduce the Home Access Program. This program aims to assist lower-income households in their journey to homeownership by providing down payment assistance and creating affordable mortgage payments. The Home Access Program is made possible through funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development under its CalHome Program. Housing Trust was granted funds and now administers the Reuse Funds for down payment assistance to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home.

Open Application Period Announcement: To Be Determined

Program Details

The Home Access Program offers down payment assistance to lower-income households seeking to purchase a single-family home, townhome, or condominium. Here are the key program details:

  • Loan Amount: You can borrow up to 40% of the purchase price, with a maximum loan amount of up to $200,000. 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. 
  • Eligible Property Types: Single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums located in Alameda or Contra Costa County.

How to Apply

    Get Pre-Qualified

  1. Complete Online Interest Form

    Housing Trust staff will contact you within 3 business days to begin pre-qualification process

    See Online Interest Form

  2. Attend Homebuyer Education Course

    All borrowers and their spouses must attend a HUD -certified Homebuyer Education Class through an in-person or online class from a designated agency

    Check out the list of approved homebuyer education providers

  3. Open Application Period Announcement

    Buyers meeting the pre-qualification requirements are referred to a Participating Lender

    Join Our Homeownership Assistance Contact List

  4. Receive pre-approval from a Participating Lender

    With lender pre-approval, set up an Application Review and Submission appointment with Housing Trust staff

  5. Application Period Opens

    Completed application and supporting documents are uploaded for review and eligibility determination

    Find a Property

  1. Shop for a Home

    After you receive your program eligibility approval letter, work with a realtor to find a home

    Finalize Loan and Complete Purchase

  1. Submit a Purchase Loan application

    With your ratified purchase sales agreement, work with your lender to submit a Purchase Loan Application

  2. Meet for a Counseling Session

    Once approved, meet with Housing Trust for a 1 on 1 counseling session

  3. Sign your loan documents

    At the title company, sign your loan documents from Housing Trust and the Lender

  4. Close on your new home, move in and enjoy!

Qualifications

  • You are a first-time homebuyer purchasing a primary residence in Alameda or Contra Costa County.
  • You must occupy the home as your primary residence.
  • You have obtained lender pre-approval from a program approved lender (prior to application submission).
  • You have a minimum down payment of 3% of the home’s purchase price.
  • You have completed a HUD-certified 8-Hour Homebuyer Education class through the 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.
Maximum Household Income Table for 80% Area Median Income by Household Size
County1-Person2-Persons3-Persons4-Persons5-Persons6-Persons
Alameda$84,600$96,650$108,750$120,800$130,500$140,150
Contra Costa$84,600$96,650$108,750$120,800$130,500$140,150