Yes. San Francisco offers programs through the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), and Marin has options for qualifying first-time buyers. These programs can provide help with down payments or closing costs, though they are highly specific and come with strict eligibility rules.

What Are Buyer Assistance Programs?

Buyer assistance programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers who may struggle with steep down payment requirements. The assistance usually comes in the form of:

Down payment loans or grants
Closing cost support
Special loan terms for qualifying households

These programs are a lifeline for some buyers — but they also come with limits on income, purchase price, and resale rules.

San Francisco: MOHCD Programs

San Francisco’s MOHCD runs several programs, the most notable being the Downpayment Assistance Loan Program (DALP). DALP can provide substantial help, but:

Buyers must meet income requirements.
The funds are limited, and applications can be competitive.
Homes must meet MOHCD’s criteria, which can restrict the pool of available properties.

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Marin: First-Time Buyer Options

In Marin, programs are fewer but still exist. For qualifying first-time buyers, there may be:

Local down payment assistance loans
Periodic county or city-sponsored initiatives
Support through statewide programs like CalHFA

Because Marin prices are higher than statewide limits, many buyers don’t end up qualifying — but for some, these programs can make the difference.

What Buyers Should Know

Eligibility matters. Income and purchase price caps can rule out many homes in competitive neighborhoods.
Speed matters. Extra layers of program approval can slow down your offer in a fast-moving market.
Not for everyone. These programs work best for true first-time buyers who have stable income but need a bridge for the upfront costs.

✅ Bottom Line: If you’re considering MOHCD or Marin first-time buyer programs, research them early and talk to a lender experienced with these products. While they’re not for every buyer, they can open doors for those who qualify.