First-Time Home Buyers

Buying Your First Home in Fresno & Clovis

Buying your first home is a big step, and in the Fresno area it's more doable than many people expect, especially with the down payment assistance programs available in California. This guide walks through the steps, the costs and the programs, and answers the questions first-time buyers ask us most.

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The 6 Steps

  1. Talk to a lender and get pre-approved

    Find out what you qualify for and your monthly payment at different prices, and ask which assistance programs fit you.

  2. Book a buyer consultation

    We'll go over your goals, the process and our Dream Home Form so we know exactly what you're looking for.

  3. Get instant alerts

    We set you up on FresnoHousingMarket.com so new matching listings hit your phone the moment they come on the MLS.

  4. Tour homes and write a strong offer

    We'll help you compare homes and write an offer that stands out, and price is only one part of that.

  5. Inspections, appraisal and loan approval

    We guide you through every deadline in escrow and negotiate any repairs.

  6. Close and get your keys

    Sign, fund, record, and you're a homeowner.

See our full 14-step buying process ›

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Programs come and go and have income and price limits. A local lender can tell you which ones you qualify for.

CalHFA MyHome Assistance

A deferred junior loan of up to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (conventional) of the price for down payment or closing costs, paired with a CalHFA first mortgage.

CalHFA Dream For All

A shared-appreciation program for first-generation homebuyers that opens in application rounds. When you sell or refinance, you repay the amount plus a share of the appreciation.

City of Fresno Mortgage Assistance

Forgivable, 0% interest assistance of up to $100,000 for eligible buyers purchasing within Fresno city limits, with income limits and a homebuyer education course. Funding is limited.

Fresno County Homebuyer Assistance

A 0% interest, deferred loan for low- and moderate-income first-time buyers (up to 80% of area median income) in unincorporated areas and participating cities. Existing homes only.

VA & USDA loans

0% down options for eligible veterans and for homes in eligible rural areas, including parts of Madera County and the foothills.

Program details from CalHFA, the City of Fresno and Fresno County as of October 2026. Programs open and close and limits change, so a lender can confirm what is available today.

What It Really Costs

First-Time Buyer FAQs

Who counts as a first-time homebuyer?
For most programs, anyone who hasn't owned a home as their primary residence in the past three years counts as a first-time buyer, even if they owned one before that. Some programs, like CalHFA's Dream For All, have additional rules such as being a first-generation homebuyer.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people think. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down, FHA loans 3.5%, and VA and USDA loans can be 0% down for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance programs can cover some or all of that.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?
FHA loans generally allow scores down to 580 for 3.5% down, and many conventional loans start around 620. Each lender sets its own requirements, and a higher score usually gets a better rate.
How much are closing costs in California?
Buyers typically pay roughly 2% to 5% of the price in closing costs, including lender fees, title insurance, escrow and prepaid taxes and insurance. You can sometimes negotiate seller credits or use assistance programs to cover them.
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate. Pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your income, assets and credit, and it's what sellers expect to see with your offer.
How long does it take to buy a house?
Getting pre-approved can take a few days. The home search varies, and once you're in contract, escrow commonly takes about 30 to 45 days.
Do I have to pay a buyer's agent?
Since August 2024, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes, and it spells out how the agent is paid. Often the seller still covers some or all of it, which we negotiate in your offer. We'll explain your options up front.
What is earnest money?
It's a good-faith deposit, commonly around 1% to 3% of the price, that goes into escrow after your offer is accepted and counts toward your down payment or closing costs.
Should I get a home inspection?
Yes. A general inspection, plus a termite inspection and any specialists the inspector recommends (roof, pool, sewer line), helps you understand what you're buying and gives you a chance to negotiate repairs.
What are property taxes in Fresno County?
California property taxes start at about 1% of the purchase price under Prop 13, plus local bonds and assessments. Many newer communities also have Mello-Roos or HOA fees. We check the exact numbers for any home before you write an offer.
Is it better to rent or buy in Fresno?
It depends on how long you plan to stay, your savings and the home you want. Buying builds equity and locks in your housing cost, while renting is more flexible. We can run the numbers with you and a lender.
Do I need a 20% down payment to avoid PMI?
On conventional loans, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is usually required below 20% down, but it can be removed later as you build equity. FHA loans have their own mortgage insurance rules.

This is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Program rules and rates change often, so confirm details with a licensed lender, tax professional or attorney.

What Buyers Say

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★★★★★

Baylen is the best! I cannot begin to describe how wonderful our home buying experience was thanks to Baylen. my fiancé and i were first time home buyers and had absolutely no idea where to start/what to do. From day one Baylen always guided us in the right direction to ensure the whole process went smoothly, first by kind of giving us the run down about what to expect, how things work etc. and secondly, by making all of the requested showings happen when requested without a doubt and educating us on things to look out for/cool upgrades, nice features that we haven’t seen or dealt with before. Baylen is VERY knowledge, very kind and was very thorough throughout our buying experience, his expertise and negotiation skills lead us to our very first home with no bumps in the road, we could not have asked for a better first experience. I will forever recommend Baylen to anyone looking for realtor needs; selling or buying, there is just no question here. when you want to win, choose Baylen at the trafton home team!!

AnjieClovis, CA
★★★★★

Baylen is best agent I have ever worked with. Whole process went smoothly and I didn't have to worry about anything... he stayed on top of it and took care of it all

MelissaClovis, CA
★★★★★

Baylen Trafton was amazing to work with. From the first day looking at houses, until the end of my transaction, I felt informed and reassured the entire way. Baylen was always available for contact each and everyday. Any bump in the road that may have come up from the lender and/or seller, was quickly and effectively rectified. This is my second home purchase and I felt far more taken care of by Baylen than I had from a previous run of the mill real estate company. Even after closing, Baylen continued to check-in with me to make sure the property was free of issues, and that I was satisfied with my purchase. I highly recommended Baylen to anyone looking for a smooth and worry free transaction.

ZakBass Lake, CA
★★★★★

Baylen helped me buy a great house in a very competitive market with a very competitive price. He has quite a few tricks up his sleeve. If you want to be in a good house fast, he's your guy. I got a great house at value in the crazy housing market of late 2020. All other houses were selling at 10k more than their value. Every day goes buy I love my house more and more and more. Love the kitchen. There is just so much future in this house. I love it.

DerrickFresno, CA
★★★★★

Baylen is the seriously the best! He knew exactly what I was looking for and went above and beyond to find my home! He helped me through the whole thing and made sure I understood everything before we would move forward with the process. I won't be going through anyone else in the future. He's the man!!

LyndsayFresno, CA
★★★★★

Baylen is a awesome person to work with. He's honest and very helpful. Great service and fast response. He helped us purchase a good home and we are very happy with it.

KerFresno, CA

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