A MESSAGE FROM DONNA SOUZA | PRESIDENT-ELECT, DISTRICT 99 LIAISON | 925. 818-8576 | [email protected] | APRIL 2026
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
California’s housing affordability crisis continues to challenge buyers with high home prices, limited inventory, and rising costs keeping ownership out of reach for many.
Recent reports show that thousands of approved affordable units remain stalled due to funding gaps, even as demand grows. Meanwhile, home prices are expected to stay near record highs, statewide, despite slight improvements in affordability.
While no single solution exists, a growing mix of state, local, and community programs is helping close the gap.
In this issue, we highlight key resources—from C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund and Fair Housing initiatives to local down payment assistance programs—that can help your clients move closer to homeownership.
Warm Regards,
Donna
6 Ways to Expand Access to Homeownership
One of the largest assistance programs in California.
Best for: First-generation, first-time buyers who lack a large down payment.
Provides up to 20% of purchase price (max ~$150K) for down payment.
Structured as a shared appreciation loan (repay + % of appreciation at sale/refi).
Best for: First-time buyers needing help with upfront cash.
Provides ~3-3.5% of purchase price for down payment/closing costs.
Structured as a deferred-payment second loan (no monthly payments).
Repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.
Best for: Black first-time buyers facing down payment barriers.
Provides zero-interest loans (typically ~$15K–$20K) for down payment, closing costs, or related expenses.
No monthly payments; repayment deferred until sale or refinance.
Best for: Broader pool of low-to-moderate income buyers (not just first-timers).
Offers up to ~5-5.5% of loan amount for down payment/closing costs.
Structured as a second mortgage (often repayable over time).
Works across many loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) and conventional loans.
Best for: First-time buyers from underserved communities needing closing cost support.
Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no payback required) for closing costs.
Must include at least one buyer from an underserved community (people of color, persons with disabilities, or LGBTQ+).
Best for: First-time buyers in Contra Costa County needing grant support.
Provides up to $10,000 in grants (no repayment required) for down payment or closing costs.
Funded by a $1 million investment from U.S. Bank, supporting ~100 families.
Targets low- to moderate-income households facing high entry costs.
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