First Time Home Buyer Programs
The Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions (HWS) administers programs designed to assist qualified first-time buyers with down payment support in the purchase of their very first home. These programs are funded through sources such as HOME and PLHA and may have specific eligibility requirements.
Program Overview
The First-Time Home Buyer Programs provide financial assistance to income-eligible households for the purchase of their first home. Assistance is intended to reduce the initial financial burden by covering a portion of the down payment. The amount of support is determined based on the applicant’s qualifications and the cost of the home. Generally, assistance is limited to the amount necessary, up to 20% of the sales price.
Closing Cost Assistance
Closing cost assistance is not available at this time under current funding sources.
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FTHB Program Update
How to Apply
1. If you are a first-time homebuyer whose income is within the Program limits, ....
If you are a first-time homebuyer whose income is within the Program limits, the first step is to contact one of our participating lenders for eligibility screening. The lender will take a loan application at this time and pre-qualify you for a first loan and the FTHB Program. The lender will also determine the maximum home price that you can afford.
2. If you are a Section 8 Family Self Sufficiency Program participant and ....
If you are a Section 8 Family Self Sufficiency Program participant and/or first-time homebuyer whose income is within the Program limits, the first step is to contact a participating lender for eligibility screening. The lender will take a loan application at this time and pre-qualify you for a first loan and the FTHB Program. The lender will determine the maximum home price that you can afford, and will also determine whether you are eligible for assistance under the County of Riverside FTHB Program.
3. After the lender has determined if you are eligible for the program, ....
After the lender has determined if you are eligible for the program, you will need to attend an 8 hour homebuyer education class for the FTHB Program. The lender will provide the names and phone numbers of approved homebuyer education providers, and you will need to call one of the providers to schedule a class. There may be a minimal charge to attend this class, which may be an eligible expense for FTHB assistance.
4. Once you are pre-qualified for the program and have a maximum home price, ....
Once you are pre-qualified for the program and have a maximum home price, you may locate a home to purchase. If you are interested in an existing home, it is recommended that you contact a Realtor to assist you in locating a home to purchase. Note: Make sure that you look for homes in participating locations for this program.
5. Once you have located a home, you will need to make a purchase offer and start escrow. ....
Once you have located a home, you will need to make a purchase offer and start escrow. Your real estate representative or new home salesperson and your lender can assist in this process. You must provide a Homeownership Notice to the sellers as an addendum to the purchase contract (your lender can provide you with a copy of this Notice). Once your purchase offer is accepted and escrow begins, your lender will assist you in completing the application materials for the FTHB Program.
6. During escrow your lender will process your loan application for the first mortgage and FTHB Second mortgage. ....
During escrow your lender will process your loan application for the first mortgage and FTHB Second mortgage. You will be required to sign forms authorizing the lender to submit a FTHB Reservation on your behalf and disclosing your current income from all sources. Prior to the close of escrow you will sign loan documents and both the first and second mortgages will be funded.
7. When escrow closes, you will become a homeowner and will be responsible for maintaining the property in sound condition. ....
When escrow closes, you will become a homeowner and will be responsible for maintaining the property in sound condition. You will begin making monthly payments on your first mortgage. The FTHB Second Mortgage will not require payments until you sell your property or a cash out refinance on the first mortgage. After the 15 year affordability period, the FTHB assistance is converted to a grant with no repayment of funds.
Brochures
Income Chart & Purchase Price Chart
What are the qualifying incomes? In order to be eligible for this program, the buyers’ annual income (including asset income) shall not exceed the following income ceilings. Currently, the income limits are as follows:
Maximum Annual Household Income Adjusted for Household Size | ||
Effective: July 1, 2025 | ||
| Household Size | PLHA FTHB 120% AMI | HOME FTHB 80% AMI |
| 1 | $87,300 | $62,650 |
| 2 | $99,720 | $71,600 |
| 3 | $112,200 | $80,550 |
| 4 | $124,680 | $89,500 |
| 5 | $134,640 | $96,700 |
| 6 | $144,600 | $103,850 |
| 7 | $154,620 | $111,000 |
| 8 | $164,580 | $118,150 |
| HOME / PLHA FTHB MAXIMUM PURCHASE PRICE | |
Effective: July 1, 2025 | |
| Property Type | Amount |
| New Construction Single-Family | $564,205 |
| Existing Single-Family Residence | $564,205 |
| New/Existing Condominium or Townhouse | $513,000 |
| Manufactured Home | $361,000 |
Eligible Locations
| HOME FTHB | PLHA FTHB | |
|---|---|---|
| Property Location | Unincorporated areas & Cooperating Cities Excluding (14 cities) Cathedral City, Corona, Hemet, Indian Wells, Indio, Jurupa Valley, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside & Temecula | Unincorporated areas & Cooperating Cities Excluding (7 cities): Calimesa, Corona, Menifee, Palm Desert, Perris, Rancho Mirage, and Riverside |
In order to determine if a property is in an unincorporated area of Riverside County or within a city limit, please click here to use the TLMA mapping system.
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