---
title: "Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/c837dc37-6b39-4dcd-b169-04d4edf86c76
source_url: "https://www.fha.com/grants/orange-county-mortgage-assistance-program"
stack: https://stacklist.com/c/finance/stack/b0837516-dd98-49e5-a3b9-838af00f2125
summary: "FHA loans and grants for Orange County buyers are outlined, covering loan limits, down payment options, credit score requirements, and assistance programs for low-income first-time homebuyers. The resource details FHA lending limits for 2026, refinance options, mortgage insurance, and tips for improving credit to qualify for a 3.5% down payment loan."
tags: "fha-loans, down-payment-assistance, first-time-homebuyers, orange-county, credit-scores, mortgage, fha-requirements"
key_entities: "FHA (organization), Orange County (location), Orange County Housing and Development (organization), down payment assistance (concept), FHA loan limits (concept), first-time homebuyer grants (concept), credit score requirements (concept)"
classification: "reference"
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acp_version: "0.2"
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---

# Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program

2026 FHA Limits ▶ About FHA Loan Limits FHA Loan Limits for 2026 Search by State and County FHA vs. Conventional Loans FHA Requirements ▶ FHA Loan Requirements FHA Credit Requirements FHA Closing Costs FHA Mortgage Insurance Debt-to-Income Ratio First-Time Homebuyers Down Payments ▶ FHA Down Payment Requirements Down Payment Assistance First-Time Homebuyer Grants Down Payment Sources $25,000 Down Payment Program Credit Scores ▶ Credit Score Facts FHA Credit Issues Benefits of Good Credit Tips for Improving Credit Fixing Credit Report Errors Identity Theft and Fraud FHA Programs ▶ FHA Loan Programs Fixed Rate Loans Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) One-Time Close Loans FHA Rehab Mortgages FHA Reverse Mortgages FHA Refinance ▶ FHA Refinance Options FHA Cash-Out Refinance FHA Streamline Refinance FHA Simple Refinance Learning Resources ▶ Home Loan Questions and Answers Mortgage Terminology Mortgage Video Library Articles About FHA Loans Mortgage Calculators FHA 101 - Reference Guide More Links of Interest ▶ About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use FHA Foreclosures FHA Lenders 2026 FHA Limits for Your Site Site Map The Orange County Housing and Development Mortgage Assistance Program & provides down payment assistance loans to assist low-income first-time homebuyers. Mortgage Video Library FHA Articles and Updates Mortgage Calculators GET STARTED! You may qualify for a 3.5% down payment loan. 2026 FHA Limits Loan Limits Are Updated Annually The FHA has a maximum loan amount that it will insure, which is known as the FHA lending limit. About FHA Loan Limits FHA Loan Limits for 2026 Search by State and County FHA vs. Conventional Loans Featured Article Read about FHA rules and updates to maximize your borrowing power. FHA Loan Limits Update Mortgage limits are calculated based on the median house prices in each county. These limits increase annually for many counties in the United States. This gives potential borrowers more options with FHA home loans. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA Requirements FHA Guidelines for Borrowers FHA loans are a good option for homebuyers who have not saved much for their down payments. FHA Loan Requirements FHA Credit Requirements FHA Closing Costs FHA Mortgage Insurance Debt-to-Income Ratio First-Time Homebuyers Featured Article Learn what's required to qualify for a low 3.5% down payment FHA loan. Time to Get Started Examine your finances and credit before applying. The time you spend preparing today is time saved later on when filling out the actual forms. Know in advance what will show up when your credit report is pulled. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! Down Payments Why Rent When You Can Own? Down payments are calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, determined by the loan requirements. FHA Down Payment Requirements Down Payment Assistance First-Time Homebuyer Grants Down Payment Sources $25,000 Down Payment Program Featured Article Read about FHA rules and updates to your maximum borrowing power. Rules for Down Payments Your FHA lender is required to verify the source of all down payment funds, whether they are provided in cash by the borrower and are the result of cashed-in investments, gift funds, or other approved means. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! Credit Scores Good Credit Goes a Long Way FHA loan rules apply for all borrowers when it comes to basic minimum credit standards. Credit Score Facts FHA Credit Issues Benefits of Good Credit Tips for Improving Credit Fixing Credit Report Errors Identity Theft and Fraud Featured Article FHA rules and updates to your maximum mortgage borrowing power. Loans and FICO Scores FICO score issues are a common source of stress to potential FHA borrowers. Is it possible to qualify for an FHA loan or refinance loan with credit scores from 500 to 579? Or are higher scores required? Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA Programs Choose an FHA Mortgage Option FHA-insured loans have always been a great option for first-time homebuyers. FHA Loan Programs Fixed Rate Loans Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) One-Time Close Loans FHA Rehab Mortgages FHA Reverse Mortgages Featured Article Read about FHA rules and updates to your maximum borrowing power. Types of FHA Loans Potential homebuyers should explore their FHA home loan options, but that advice isn't limited just to the type of mortgage available to you. There are options available that may change your approach to homeownership. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA Refinance Refinance and Rehab Loans Refinancing your home may eliminate existing monthly mortgage insurance premiums. FHA Refinance Options FHA Cash-Out Refinance FHA Streamline Refinance FHA Simple Refinance Featured Article With home values continuing to rise, refinancing makes sense. FHA Refinance Loan Rules Some refinance loans are specifically to get existing borrowers a better deal. But others need to refinance to help avoid further hurting their credit scores or going into loan default because of missed payments. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! Learning Resources Prepare for Your FHA Loan Our library includes mortgage videos, loan calculators, dictionary of loan terms, and homeowner articles. Home Loan Questions and Answers Mortgage Terminology Mortgage Video Library Articles About FHA Loans Mortgage Calculators FHA 101 - Reference Guide Featured Article Get an idea of how the affordability of your new mortgage might really work. Mortgage Calculator Tips Lenders encourage borrowers to use one these calculators to estimate their monthly payments, but you should be running some calculations long before you discuss your mortgage payments with a loan officer. Continue to Full Article Down Payment Options See Your Credit Scores Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your credit score means. It's never too early to get your credit in order. START TODAY! FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans. Orange County Housing and Development Mortgage Assistance Program Financial Assistance for Homebuyers in California Orange County Housing and Development’s Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) provides silent, deferred payment, down payment assistance loans to assist low-income first-time homebuyers (FTHB).   Available Assistance  The Mortgage Assistance Program gives eligible applicants assistance funds in the form of second mortgage. The 3% simple interest, deferred payment loan has a 30-year term and a maximum loan amount of $80,000. This amount can be put toward the down payment.   Eligibility Requirements  To be eligible for the Mortgage Assistance Program, applicants must be first-time homebuyers who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Their annual income must not exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI) and the total sales prices cannot exceed 85% of the Orange County median sales price for all homes. Borrowers are also required to occupy the purchased property as their primary residence and contribute a 1% minimum down payment from their own funds. Note: All information mentioned above was accurate at the time of publication and may no longer be current - visit the program website for updated information. Down payment assistance programs and/or grants were researched by the team at FHA.com. Please note that all programs listed on this website may involve a second mortgage with payments that are forgiven, deferred, or subsidized in some manner until resale of the mortgaged property. FHA.com's compilation is not a complete list, but it can serve as a starting point in your search for the down payment assistance program or grant for your situation. It is up to the consumer to contact these entities and find out the specifics of each program. Down Payment Grants in California Brentwood Down Payment Assistance Program The City of Brentwood offers first-time homebuyers the Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP), which provides funds that go toward the down payment and/or closing costs. Assistance comes in the form of a deferred payment loan program for first-time homebuyers. CalHFA My Home Assistance Program The CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program offers applicants a deferred-payment junior loan up to 3% of the purchase price/appraised value of the mortgaged property in order to help make the down payment or pay the closing costs. Emeryville First Time Homebuyer Loan Program ​The First Time Homebuyer Loan Program that was established by the City of Emeryville and provides down payment assistance to households at or below moderate income. This initiative helps individuals by helping them to pay the heavy, upfront costs of purchasing a home. GSFA Platinum Program The California Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) created the Platinum Program, which provides low-to-moderate income California homebuyers with down payment and/or closing cost assistance to help them achieve their goals of purchasing a home. Los Angeles County Affordable Homeownership Program The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) provides low- and moderate- income households with down payment assistance via the Affordable Homeownership Program. Monterey County Down Payment Assistance Program The FTHB Program provides down payment assistance in the form of a loan, the maximum amount of which may not exceed the lesser of the maximum HOME subsidy limit, 20 percent of the purchase price, or the amount needed as determined by underwriting criteria. Orange County Housing and Development Mortgage Assistance Program The Orange County Housing and Development Mortgage Assistance Program & provides down payment assistance loans to assist low-income first-time homebuyers. San Diego County Down Payment / CalHome Program The San Diego County Down Payment / CalHome Program provides applicants up to 17 percent of the total property price for down payment assistance, and 4 percent (max $10,000) in closing costs assistance. These funds come in a loan at 3% simple interest per year, accrued annually. Santa Ana Downpayment Assistance Program Santa Ana's Down payment Assistance Loan Program provides eligible applicants up to $40,000 to be put toward the down payment on their new home. These funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, in the form of a zero-interest loan. First-Time Homebuyer Programs in California County of San Diego’s First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program In order to help low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers, the San Diego Housing Commission administered the County of San Diego's First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program. Fremont First-Time Homebuyer Program BMP Homes The City of Fremont offers first-time homebuyers assistance with its Below Market Price Homes program to help residents afford and purchase their first-home. Fresno County's First-Time Homebuyer Program California’s Fresno County offers the 1st Time Homebuyer Program in an effort to help eligible low- and moderate-income families purchase their first home in the unincorporated area and partner cities. Los Angeles First-Time Home Mortgage Program Under the First Home Mortgage Program, applicants can receive up to 4 percent of the total first mortgage amount to be put toward paying the down payment and closing cost assistance. This assistance comes in the form of a grant, which has no repayment terms. Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program The Moderate Income Purchase Assistance Program helps first-time, moderate income homebuyers purchase homes by providing loans to cover the down payment, acquisition, and closing costs. Norwalk First Time Home Buyer Program The City of Norwalk's First Time Home Buyer program helps low-income families the opportunity to affordably purchase their first home. Oakland First Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) The City of Oakland offers low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers the Mortgage Assistance Program. Program applicants receive assistance funds in order to help offset the costs of purchasing a new home. San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) First-Time Homebuyer Program The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) First-Time Homebuyer Program can assist eligible buyers with the purchase of single-family homes, townhomes, or condominiums. SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus Do you know what's on your credit report? Learn what your score means. GET STARTED Compare FHA Rates Explore your options for an FHA Purchase, Streamline Refinance, or Cash-Out Refinance Loan. GET STARTED! Start Now You may qualify for a 3.5% down payment loan. Today's FHA Rates National Averages These figures are for information purposes only. Average rates are subject to change without notice. 30-Year FHA Fixed 6.49 % 1-week change 0.02 ↑ 1-year change 0.24 ↑ 4-week average 6.47 % 1-year average 6.13 % This product uses the FRED® API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. 2025 Government Shutdown The federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 ended on November 12, 2025. The 43-day federal shutdown was the longest in history. Borrower Update: What does the end of the government shutdown mean for your home loan? LEARN MORE Top Mortgage Questions Our mortgage team has answers for these and other frequent homebuyer questions. Are There Programs to Help Buyers With the Down Payment? What are the FHA Requirements for Rental History? How Do I Dispute Something on My Credit Report? MORE FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Monitor Your Credit It's important to monitor your credit well in advance of any major credit application, especially before applying for an FHA home loan. SEE YOUR SCORE Good credit = a low down payment Building a Home? An FHA One-Time Close loan can finance the construction, lot purchase, and permanent loan, all wrapped up in a single mortgage and closing. AVAILABLE NOW Brought to you by FHA Reverse Mortgage Are you over the age of 62? See how you can get tax-free income with no monthly payments. LEARN MORE More Links of Interest About FHA.com Contact Our Team Our Privacy Policy Terms of Use FHA Foreclosures FHA Lenders 2026 FHA Limits for Your Site Site Map Copyright © 1997 - 2026 FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans. Neither FHA.com nor its advertisers charge a fee or require anything other than a submission of qualifying information for comparison shopping ads. Follow Us Are You Looking to Buy or Refinance a Home? Ideal for First-Time Homebuyers Low 3.5% Down Payment Requirements Credit Score Requirements as Low as 580 FHA loans are one of the top loan types in America for first-time homebuyers. Many people who can afford the monthly mortgage payments and have reasonable credit will qualify. Down payment assistance may be available in your area.