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Home Ownership Program (HOP120)

Los Angeles County, California

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Assistance

$100,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

120% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$850,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 30 years

What is Home Ownership Program (HOP120)?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) is a shared-appreciation loan for homebuyers in Los Angeles County, California.

  • The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) Home Ownership Program (HOP120) provides up to $85,000 (or 20% of purchase price, whichever is less) in deferred 0% interest second-lien down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers (income up to 120% AMI) purchasing in unincorporated LA County or participating LACDA cities. Funded by HUD HOME, CDBG, and LA County General Fund. *** This program is a CALIFORNIA program; it is mislabeled as North Carolina on Freddie Mac's DPA One database. ***.
  • Up to $85,000 (or 20% of purchase price, whichever is less) in deferred 0% interest second-lien financing for down payment and closing costs. Loan deferred for 30 years.
  • due on sale, transfer, or end-of-term unless refinanced or recast.
  • Funding comes from HUD HOME; HUD CDBG; Los Angeles County General Fund.

How much assistance does it provide?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) offers up to $100,000 in assistance.

  • The program asks buyers to contribute $1,000 minimum buyer contribution.
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) is forgiven after 30 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, refinance with cash-out, non-owner-occupancy, or 30-year maturity triggers repayment of full principal (no forgiveness).
  • The assistance is recorded in 2 position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time homebuyer required (3-year look-back).
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Minimum middle FICO 640.
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved counseling agency; LACDA-approved 8-hour homebuyer education required.
  • Residency: Property must be in unincorporated Los Angeles County, CA, or participating LACDA city (CA).
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or qualified alien required.
  • *** DPA ONE MISLABEL FLAG: This program is mislabeled as a North Carolina program on Freddie Mac's DPA One. It is administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and serves UNINCORPORATED Los Angeles County, California (and select participating cities). This record is included in the NC research file ONLY because the seed list placed it there; it should be moved to the California file at compile time and excluded from any NC-state product. *** Property must be in unincorporated LA County or a participating LACDA city (not in incorporated cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, etc.). First-time homebuyer required (3-year look-back). 640 minimum FICO. Income up to 120% LA County HUD AMI. Buyer contributes $1,000 own funds. PITI front-end ratio cap 35%; back-end 45%.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $850,000 price cap
  • Households above 120% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) limits household income to 120% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 120% HUD AMI for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metro Division (FY2025): 1p $82,500; 2p $94,250; 3p $106,000; 4p $117,800; 5p $127,250; 6p $136,650; 7p $146,100; 8p $155,550.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) caps the purchase price at $850,000.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family detached, condominium, townhouse, planned-unit development.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) names reservists and National Guard members and surviving spouses among the groups it serves.

  • Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Home Ownership Program (HOP120) serves buyers purchasing in Los Angeles County, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for Home Ownership Program (HOP120) go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-approved counseling agency; LACDA-approved 8-hour homebuyer education required..

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Apply via LACDA-approved lender; first-come, first-served., and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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