First-Time Buyer's Playbook · Redlands, CA

You probably need far less cash than you think.

The 20%-down rule is a myth — plenty of first-time buyers in San Bernardino County close with little or even no money out of pocket. The trick isn't one magic program; it's stacking several you already qualify for.

This is The Redlands Down Payment Playbook — every real assistance program worth knowing, in plain English, and how to layer them.

Free preview · Program 1 of 7

CalHFA Dream For All

A shared-appreciation down payment loan: the state fronts a big chunk of your down payment with no monthly payment. You repay it — plus a share of your home's appreciation — only when you sell or refinance. It's the single biggest lever in the playbook.

↓ Unlock below to see who qualifies, how it stacks, and the one thing to watch out for.

Locked · 6 more programs + stacking strategy

02MyHome AssistanceDeferred “silent second” — the year-round workhorse.🔒

03ZIP / CalPLUSZero-interest help that wipes out closing costs.🔒

04MyAccessA smaller deferred second for a lighter lift.🔒

05GSFA Platinum ProgramNon-CalHFA down payment + closing-cost help.🔒

06San Bernardino County AssistanceLocal first-time buyer help — extra cushion.🔒

07Seller Concessions + Lender CreditsA negotiation move — the final stacking layer.🔒

Unlock the full playbook

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Educational only · not a loan application · we'll never sell your info

Patrick Edgett
909-499-6997 · patrick@pennyempire.com
DRE #02100843

⌂EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

Program details, dollar amounts, income limits, rates, and availability change frequently and may end without notice. This playbook is for educational purposes only and is not lending, financial, or legal advice, nor an offer to lend or a commitment of funds. Confirm all current terms and your eligibility with a CalHFA-approved lender before making decisions. Penny Empire is a licensed real estate brokerage; Patrick Edgett, DRE #02100843. © 2026.

Redlands Down Payment Cheat Sheet

First-time buyer assistance programs you can stack · San Bernardino County, CA

Penny Empire
Patrick Edgett · 909-499-6997
patrick@pennyempire.com · DRE #02100843

Program	What it covers	Who qualifies
CalHFA Dream For All	Down payment (large share), shared-appreciation, $0 monthly. [VERIFY amount]	First-time + first-generation buyers under income limit; CalHFA first mortgage. [VERIFY]
CalHFA MyHome Assistance	Down payment / closing costs, deferred, $0 monthly. [VERIFY %]	First-time buyers, CalHFA first mortgage, under income limits. [VERIFY]
CalHFA ZIP / CalPLUS	Closing costs, zero-interest deferred (ZIP) via CalPLUS first. [VERIFY]	Buyers on the CalPLUS first mortgage meeting CalHFA rules. [VERIFY]
CalHFA MyAccess	Down payment (smaller), deferred, $0 monthly. [VERIFY amount]	First-time CalHFA buyers under income limits. [VERIFY]
GSFA Platinum Program	Down payment + closing costs; grant or forgivable second. [VERIFY]	Broad — often not limited to first-timers; income up to limit. [VERIFY]
San Bernardino County Assistance	Local deferred/forgivable down payment help. [VERIFY program + terms]	Buyers in eligible SB County / Redlands areas under local limits. [VERIFY]
Seller Concessions + Lender Credits	Remaining closing costs via seller credit / lender credit. [VERIFY caps]	Any buyer — deal-structure tactic, strongest in buyer's markets.

The move: Stack a CalHFA first mortgage + a down payment second (Dream For All or MyHome) + ZIP for closing costs + a seller concession — and a qualified buyer can reach little or no cash at closing. Bring this sheet to a CalHFA-approved lender.

Amounts, limits & availability change frequently and may end without notice. Educational only — not lending, financial, or legal advice. Confirm current terms with a CalHFA-approved lender. Equal Housing Opportunity. Penny Empire · Patrick Edgett, DRE #02100843 · © 2026.