Grants for First Time Home Buyers
If you’re saving to buy your first home, don’t overlook first-time homebuyer grants. One of the biggest challenges for new buyers is raising enough money for the down payment and closing costs — even with an FHA loan. Every dollar helps, and sometimes that extra push can make all the difference.
New Grant Available November 1, 2025
$1,000 Southland Regional REALTORS® / C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Grant
Starting November 1st, 2025, the Southland Regional Association of REALTORS® and the California Association of REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund are offering $1,000 grants to qualified first-time home buyers for down payment or closing-cost assistance.
While $1,000 may not sound like much, it can be just enough to help a buyer qualify for a loan or reduce the amount of cash needed at closing.
To Qualify
- You must be a first-time homebuyer.
- You must purchase through a licensed REALTOR®, such as Matt & Meray Gregory.
- Buyers must complete an 8-hour homebuyer education course.
- Income and geographic requirements apply.
- Grants awarded on a first-come, first served bases.
Call or text Matt & Meray Gregory at 661-713-4799 for representation and to learn how to apply or to confirm your eligibility.
About Homebuyer Grants
Most grant programs are short-term and available only until funds run out. Others are tied to federal, state, or local agencies — and some are privately funded. Each program has its own rules, such as income limits, owner-occupancy requirements, and completion of a homebuyer education course.
Your real estate agent and lender can help you identify which programs you might qualify for. When working with first-time buyers, we always explore any available options — because even small grants can make a meaningful difference.
If you’re saving for a home in Santa Clarita or nearby, you can also research California homeownership assistance programs or contact us for local guidance.
Low Down Payment Loan Options
Even if a grant isn’t available, there are still ways to reduce your upfront costs. For example:
- Fannie Mae’s HomeReady® and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible® programs allow as little as 3% down.
- FHA loans continue to be a solid choice with low down payment requirements.
- Many local lenders also offer zero-down or flexible programs for qualified buyers.
We’ve written a separate post explaining low down payment loan options, which you may find helpful when talking with your lender. Also, Fannie Mae now offers 3% down loans so be sure to check into it.
ABR REALTORS® Matt & Meray Gregory
Call or Text us at 661-713-4799
Matt & Meray Gregory are both Brokers and ABR® REALTORS® at the Gregory Real Estate Group. We have extensive experience helping first time home buyers. When you’re ready, contact us.
Your Local REALTORS®
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A Look Back: The Alison Lewin First-Time Homebuyer Grant
Years ago, one of our clients, Nick Mercado, purchased his first home with help from a $1,000 Alison Lewin Fund grant — a program created in memory of beloved Santa Clarita REALTOR® Alison Lewin.
The fund was designed to continue Alison’s legacy by providing small grants to local first-time buyers. Though this program is no longer active, its mission remains inspiring: helping good people achieve the American dream of homeownership.
We were honored to assist Nick and grateful to everyone who supported this fund. Alison’s impact continues to remind us why we do what we do — helping people find their first home and start a new chapter in life.
Stay Informed About Future Grants
Grant programs come and go — often quickly! If you’d like updates when new homebuyer grants become available, or help exploring current first-time buyer options in Santa Clarita, contact us anytime.
Call or text 661-713-4799
Gregory Real Estate Group — Your trusted local REALTORS® for first-time home buyers.
We hope you found this post as inspiring and refreshing as we did while writing it. Grants for First Time Homebuyers
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