Buying your first home in San Diego, made clearer
Use free affordability tools, closing cost estimates, local buyer guides, and loan program explainers. When you're ready, choose one licensed local mortgage professional to talk to.
You choose the professional. Your inquiry goes only to that person.
Where are you in your journey?
I'm just exploring
Understand your options before talking to anyone
I need help with down payment
Up to $150,000 in programs you may qualify for
I'm a veteran or military buyer
VA loans with zero down — SD is the #1 VA county
I'm ready to talk to someone
Choose one local expert who fits your situation
$150K
Max DPA available
CalHFA Dream For All
$1.08M
FHA loan limit (SD)
HUD, 2026
3.5%
Min FHA down payment
With 580+ credit score
7+
DPA programs in SD
City, County & State
Free calculators, estimators, and checklists
To help you understand your next step. Built with San Diego property tax, Mello-Roos, and DPA data.
Why San Diego is unique for first-time buyers
San Diego's housing market presents unique challenges — and unique opportunities. The median home price exceeds $1 million, but the FHA loan limit here is $1,077,550, one of the highest in the country. That means government-backed loans cover most of the market.
What most first-time buyers don't realize: San Diego has some of the most generous down payment assistance programs in California. Between city, county, and state programs, you could receive $10,000 to $150,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.
There are also costs unique to San Diego you need to understand — like Mello-Roos taxes (common in newer developments), wildfire insurance considerations, and Proposition 13's impact on your property taxes.
Getting mortgage help should feel like getting help
Buying a home is already complicated. Finding someone to talk to should not be. TheGoodRoster helps you understand your options and choose one local expert when you're ready.
One expert. Picked by you. When you're ready.
Learn more about how this works