California Resources
Learning Opportunities
Bay Area Financial Education Foundation
The Bay Area Financial Education Foundation's mission is to improve the economic education and financial literacy of Bay Area youth and to promote professional certification in the financial services industry. They offer workshops and resources geared towards students and educators alike. The program provides free training workshops for high school economics teachers throughout the year, and features university professors and industry professionals who provide lesson plans, demonstrate classroom activities, and share their favorite teaching resources for economics and personal finance. Teachers throughout the Bay Area are invited to participate. Workshops are held in February, June, and October, and qualify for college CE credit.
California Council on Economic Education
The California Council on Economic Education (CCEE) provides economics and financial literacy training and resources to K-12 teachers, students, and parents throughout California. CCEE’s overarching mission is to help California’s students gain a real-world understanding of economics and personal finance, so they can make better decisions and compete and succeed in the global economy.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Alameda County
Down Payment Assistance Programs
NeighborhoodLIFT
To support sustainable homeownership and advance neighborhood stability, the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program delivers down payment assistance and financial education to homebuyers in collaboration with NeighborWorks® America and local nonprofit organizations. If eligible, consumers have the opportunity to reserve a $30,000 down payment assistance grant. Consumers household income must not exceed 100% of Area Median Income to qualify.
POPPY Loan
POPPY Loan is a private, zero down payment loan available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo County and wants to buy a home in any of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Financing is available up to 100% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available to purchase a primary residence. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
Learning Opportunities
Project Sentinel
Project Sentinel is a nonprofit that helps potential first-time buyers learn the basics of the purchase process from certified experts. The eight-hour First-Time Home Buyer Classes are held monthly and cost $50.
Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services
Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services has a 3-step program that includes a homeownership class, assistance eligibility checks, and agent set-ups so that consumers can access homeownership.
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Contra Costa County
Down Payment Assistance Programs
CalHome
CalHome offers up to $38,000 in a “silent” down payment assistance loan for low-income households purchasing in Contra Costa County. Silent means the consumer never makes a payment on the loan for as long as they live in the home. The program provides grants to local public agencies and nonprofit developers to assist individual first-time homebuyers through deferred-payment loans for down payment assistance, home rehabilitation (including manufactured homes not on permanent foundations), acquisition and rehabilitation, homebuyer counseling, self-help mortgage assistance, or technical assistance for self-help homeownership. All funds to individual homeowners will be in the form of loans. Note: CalHome does not lend directly to individuals.
NeighborhoodLIFT
To support sustainable homeownership and advance neighborhood stability, the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program delivers down payment assistance and financial education to homebuyers in collaboration with NeighborWorks® America and local nonprofit organizations. If eligible, consumers have the opportunity to reserve a $30,000 down payment assistance grant. Consumers household income must not exceed 100% of Area Median Income to qualify.
POPPY Loan
POPPY Loan is a private, zero down payment loan available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo County and wants to buy a home in any of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Financing is available up to 100% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available to purchase a primary residence. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
Learning Opportunities
Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services
Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services has a 3-step program that includes a homeownership class, assistance eligibility checks, and agent set-ups so that consumers can access homeownership.
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Marin County
Affordable Housing
Habitat for Humanity
This is a "sweat equity" program where a home is built from the ground up and sold at cost. There is a 0% interest mortgage and no money down. Approved homeowners qualify for a monthly housing payment (mortgage, property tax, insurance, HOA fee if applicable) equal to 30% of their monthly income. Since 1989, Habitat has built 248 homes in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
POPPY Loan
POPPY Loan is a private, zero down payment loan available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo County and wants to buy a home in any of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Financing is available up to 100% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available to purchase a primary residence. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
Learning Opportunities
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Monterey
Affordable Housing
City of Monterey
Offers apartments and low-income housing for the people that need it.
Eden Housing
Low-income housing for farmers in the area and their families.
Credit Scores
Carmel Mortgage
Improves and corrects errors found in your credit score.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Find My Way Home
Helps first-time homeowners with down-payments.
San Francisco
Affordable Housing
Habitat for Humanity
This is a "sweat equity" program where a home is built from the ground up and sold at cost. There is a 0% interest mortgage and no money down. Approved homeowners qualify for a monthly housing payment (mortgage, property tax, insurance, HOA fee if applicable) equal to 30% of their monthly income. Since 1989, Habitat has built 248 homes in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Down Payment Assistance Program (DALP)
The Down Payment Assistance Loan Program provides down payment assistance, in the form of a deferred payment loan up to $375,000, to qualified low and middle-income first-time homebuyers for the purchase of a market-rate principal residence in San Francisco. The DALP is a silent second loan that requires no monthly payments for 30 years. The principal amount plus an equitable share of appreciation shall become due and payable at the end of the term, or repaid upon sale or transfer.
Teacher Next Door
The Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) administers the Teacher Next Door (TND) Program to assist educators employed with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) with the purchase of their first home in San Francisco. Up to $20,000 in TND funds can be used for down payment and closing costs to purchase a below market rate (BMR) or a market rate unit in conjunction with any other subordinate financing as long as the borrower meets all program qualifications. The term of the TND is 10 years. There is no interest, nor shared appreciation. After the 5th year, the loan is forgiven at the rate of 20% per year, and at the end of the 10th year, the loan is forgiven in its entirety.
City Second Loan Program
The Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development offers financial assistance in the form of loans to eligible first-time homebuyers with no interest and deferred payment. The repayment amount will be the principal balance plus a share of appreciation in the value of the property at the time of resale. The City loan is in the second position on the title after the first mortgage and can be repaid at any time without penalty.
WISH/IDEA
The Federal Home Loan Bank's Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program is a tax benefit program that provides grants to qualified homebuyers at 80% of Area Median Income. WISH will provide up to $15,000 per household, matching up to $3 for every dollar contributed by the homeowner toward the purchase of the home. Homeowners must save a minimum of $5,000 to qualify for the $3-to-$1 match. This program is possible only through certain banks and is forgivable after 5 years.
NeighborhoodLIFT
To support sustainable homeownership and advance neighborhood stability, the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program delivers down payment assistance and financial education to homebuyers in collaboration with NeighborWorks® America and local nonprofit organizations. If eligible, consumers have the opportunity to reserve a $30,000 down payment assistance grant. Consumers household income must not exceed 100% of Area Median Income to qualify.
POPPY Loan
POPPY Loan is a private, zero down payment loan available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo County and wants to buy a home in any of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Financing is available up to 100% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available to purchase a primary residence. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
Learning Opportunities
HomeownershipSF
A citywide collaboration of experienced, nonprofit homeownership service providers, HomeownershipSF serves as a centralized resource for affordable homeownership opportunities and foreclosure intervention education and counseling in San Francisco. The website provides resources and programming for first-time homebuyers, and they also offer educator-specific programming.
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
San Mateo County
Affordable Housing
Habitat for Humanity
This is a "sweat equity" program where a home is built from the ground up and sold at cost. There is a 0% interest mortgage and no money down. Approved homeowners qualify for a monthly housing payment (mortgage, property tax, insurance, HOA fee if applicable) equal to 30% of their monthly income. Since 1989, Habitat has built 248 homes in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties.
Credit Scores
Sparkpoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Down Payment Assistance Programs
HEART of SMC
Together with Meriwest Mortgage, a subsidiary of Meriwest Credit Union, HEART has created a unique loan package that is not offered by any other lender. Users can purchase a home with a 5% down payment and no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).
Homebuyer Empowerment Loan Program (HELP)
HELP will assist middle-income first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance of up to 10% of the purchase price with a maximum purchase price of $800,000. This loan is a 30-year deferred loan plus a share of appreciation. Borrowers will repay the principal loan amount plus a share of the appreciation based on the percentage of the loan borrowed through HELP. No monthly principal or interest payments required! Payment is deferred until Maturity Date is reached, the home is sold, or the first mortgage is refinanced. Annual gross household income for the applicants cannot exceed 140% of the Santa Clara County Area Median Income by household size.
POPPY Loan
POPPY Loan is a private, zero down payment loan available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo County and wants to buy a home in any of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Financing is available up to 100% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available to purchase a primary residence. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
NeighborhoodLIFT
To support sustainable homeownership and advance neighborhood stability, the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program delivers down payment assistance and financial education to homebuyers in collaboration with NeighborWorks® America and local nonprofit organizations. If eligible, consumers have the opportunity to reserve a $30,000 down payment assistance grant. Consumers must have 100% of Area Median Income to qualify.
Financial Planners
mira@aspire-planning.com
Mira Ma is a financial planner whom several of our customers have worked with in the past. She is based in San Mateo and her email address is mira@aspire-planning.com.
Learning Opportunities
First-Time Home Buyer Classes
Project Sentinel helps potential first-time buyers learn the basics of the purchase process from certified experts. The eight-hour First-Time Home Buyer Classes are held monthly and cost $50.
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Santa Clara County
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Homebuyer Empowerment Loan Program (HELP)
HELP will assist middle-income first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance of up to 10% of the purchase price with a maximum purchase price of $800,000. This loan is a 30-year deferred loan plus a share of appreciation. Borrowers will repay the principal loan amount plus a share of the appreciation based on the percentage of the loan borrowed through HELP. No monthly principal or interest payments required! Payment is deferred until Maturity Date is reached, the home is sold, or the first mortgage is refinanced. Annual gross household income for the applicants cannot exceed 140% of the Santa Clara County Area Median Income by household size.
POPPY Loan
POPPY Loan is a private, zero down payment loan available to anyone who works in San Francisco or San Mateo County and wants to buy a home in any of the 9 Bay Area Counties. Financing is available up to 100% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less. Loan amounts up to $2,000,000 are available to purchase a primary residence. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
Learning Opportunities
First-Time Home Buyer Classes
Project Sentinel helps potential first-time buyers learn the basics of the purchase process from certified experts. The eight-hour First-Time Home Buyer Classes are held monthly and cost $50.
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Santa Cruz County
Down Payment Assistance Programs
HOME - Home Investment Partnership Program
The County of Santa Cruz HOME First-Time Home Buyer Program provides a down payment loan of up to $150,000 to income-eligible purchasers towards the acquisition of a condominium, townhome, or single-family residence in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County.
Solano County
Down Payment Assistance Programs
NeighborhoodLIFT
To support sustainable homeownership and advance neighborhood stability, the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT program delivers down payment assistance and financial education to homebuyers in collaboration with NeighborWorks® America and local nonprofit organizations. If eligible, consumers have the opportunity to reserve a $30,000 down payment assistance grant. Consumers must have 100% of AMI to qualify.
Learning Opportunities
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
Programs for people without an SSN
SparkPoint Center
SparkPoint is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers get ready for homeownership, build credit, file taxes, settle debts, and much more. All of their services are free, and a Social Security number is not required for their use. Consumers get one-on-one coaching to help take control of finances in three key areas: increasing income, managing credit, and building assets. There are several SparkPoint centers in the Bay Area.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles County
Affordable Housing
Community Development Commission
Serves LA county with affordable housing and community and economic development. Provides subsidized housing development, and preservation.
LA Investment Projects
Helps low-income first-time homebuyers get started and teaches them the right way to buy homes.
Credit Scores
Consumer Credit Company
Credit Counseling, 633 W 5th Street
Pronto Credit Repair
Credit counseling, repair, and debt consolidation.
Enrich Financial
Credit repair specialists.
Financial Planners
David Rae
David Rae, Independent Financial Advisor
Samuel Rad
Samuel Rad, a high rated independent financial advisor in LA County
Learning Opportunities
Neighborhood Housing Service
Homebuyer education for LA County
Orange County
Affordable Housing
HomeAid OC
Reaches out to end homelessness for domestic abuse victims, children, families, and veterans.
Jamboree Housing
Provides affordable homes, catering to families, seniors, veterans and formerly homeless.
Orange County Community Housing Corporation
Has over 200 homes available for very-low income families.
Credit Scores
First Choice Debt Relief
Help reduce credit card debt; no fees unless they have helped you save money.
Debt Relief Assistance
Brown Stone Law Group
Debt settlement company and bankruptcy attorney
Financial Planners
20/20 Financial
Attempts to help with every issue impacting your financial future. Offers Investment Management, Tax Strategies, and Education Funding services and more.
Klein Financial
Their goal is to help independent women gain the confidence to navigate lives transitions.
Pence Wealth Management
Provides quality financial management to individual investors.
Learning Opportunities
NeighborWorks OC
Savings
Orange County Tax Saving Program
Programs and homeownership
San Diego County
Affordable Housing
Community HousingWorks
Filters affordable apartments for rent.
Housing SD
Basic low- and middle-income homebuying help from the City of San Diego.
Credit Scores
Baby Boomers Financial
They offer credit restoration as well and help you keep tabs on your credit reports.
DebtWave
They offer credit counseling and debt management programs, as well as learning opportunities within their programs.
Financial Planners
Bull Oak Capital
Offers financial advisory and planning, as well as investment services.
Lucia Capital Group
Helps with financial planning, investments, managing risk
Worthpointe
Tries to make it simple, and the best and most realistic situation for you and your families goals.
Learning Opportunities
San Diego 1st Time Homebuyer Secrets
A story about how the 1st time
San Diego Financial Literacy Center
Provides informational videos and programs to help SD County residents increase their financial literacy.
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