Buying a first home in Southern California isn’t easy, especially if you’re working with a modest income. Between rising prices, competitive listings, and complex lending rules, it’s understandable to feel discouraged. But if you're looking for a First Time Home Buyer Loan in Los Angeles, or assistance in Glendale or Pasadena, you should know: affordable paths to homeownership do exist.

Whether you're just starting to explore your options or actively preparing to buy, this guide walks you through real programs designed to help low- and moderate-income first-time buyers purchase a home in your area.

What Counts as a First-Time Homebuyer?

Before anything else, do you qualify as a first-time homebuyer?

In most programs, you’re considered a first-time buyer if you haven’t owned a home in the last three years. Some programs even count you as eligible if:

• You’ve only owned a mobile home or trailer
• You previously co-owned a property with a spouse but have since separated
• You owned a home that wasn’t up to livable standards

If any of these apply to you, there’s a good chance you still qualify.

Programs That Can Make Buying Possible

Across LA County, Glendale, and Pasadena, there are several city-backed and state-supported assistance options that make homeownership more realistic, especially for low-income households.

Buying in Los Angeles? These City Programs Can Help

The First Time Home Buyer Loan options in Los Angeles include...

1. LIPA (Low-Income Purchase Assistance Program)

Offers up to $161,000 in assistance for down payment, closing costs, or the home itself. This is a deferred-payment, zero-interest loan. You repay it only when you sell or refinance—and only if your home has appreciated.

2. MIPA (Moderate-Income Purchase Assistance Program)

Provides up to $115,000 in assistance for households earning up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), or $90,000 for those up to 150% AMI, depending on program capacity and funding availability.

3. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

Gives you a federal tax credit worth up to 20% of the mortgage interest you pay each year, which increases your buying power.

To apply, you'll need to meet income guidelines, provide a minimum 1% contribution, and work with a program-participating lender. A homebuyer education course is recommended or required, depending on the program.

Pasadena Buyers: Local Help for First-Time Mortgages

If you're exploring a mortgage for first-time buyers in Pasadena, the city offers...

Pasadena’s Down Payment Assistance Program (DPAP) helps qualifying buyers cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home.

Here’s how it generally works:

• You receive a deferred loan, typically 0% interest, to help with down payment and closing costs.
• It’s available for properties within Pasadena city limits and is based on income eligibility.
• Funds can often be layered with other programs like CalHFA or FHA loans for even more support.

The city’s housing department or your local lender can guide you through the latest eligibility rules and available funding.

Glendale Buyers: What Assistance Is Available?

While there are no dedicated city-run First Time Home Buyer Loan in Glendale, buyers can access:

• Federal loans like FHA or VA
• LA County–wide resources

Other Key Assistance Programs

CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program

• Offers up to 3.5% of the purchase price (FHA) or 3% (conventional) as a deferred-payment loan for down payment or closing costs.
• You don’t repay until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
• Requires working with a CalHFA-approved lender and completing a homebuyer education course.

GSFA Platinum

• Provides up to 5.5% in grant or second loan assistance.
• Available even if you’re not a first-time buyer.
• Accepts lower credit scores (as low as 640) and higher DTI ratios—great for buyers with less-than-perfect profiles. 

Helpful Tips to Prepare Before You Apply

Buying a home with assistance still requires preparation. Here’s what you can do now:

• Check your credit early – Get your free report and fix any errors.
• Start saving – You may need 1–3% down and reserves even with assistance.
• Gather paperwork – Lenders will ask for recent pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and bank statements.
• Get pre-approved – Know your budget and show sellers you're ready to move.
• Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to contact city housing departments or local lenders.
  

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a First Time Home Buyer Loan in Los Angeles, exploring assistance in Glendale, or searching for a mortgage for first-time buyers in Pasadena, don’t assume you’re priced out.

These programs are designed to help people like you. The paperwork may seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s completely manageable.

I’m David Kutner, and I’m here to help you navigate the process—honestly, patiently, and locally. Whether you need help getting pre-approved, finding a qualified lender, or simply understanding what programs you qualify for, reach out to me at The Friendly Lender.

Ready to explore your options? Contact me for a free eligibility check or a pre-approval consultation—the first step is simpler than you think.