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Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program

Nevada County, California

Last verified
Assistance

$50,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$600,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Nevada County, California.

  • Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in Nevada County including Grass Valley and Nevada City. 0% interest deferred loan.
  • Up to $70,000 in assistance.
  • no monthly payments on DPA.
  • Funding comes from HOME/CDBG.

How much assistance does it provide?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $50,000 in assistance.

  • The program asks buyers to contribute 1% of purchase price (borrower minimum).
  • 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?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, or refinance.
  • The assistance is recorded in Second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Minimum 620 FICO score required for all borrowers
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Residency: Must occupy as primary residence
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizen

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $600,000 price cap
  • Households above 80% 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?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Low income: household income ≤80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
  • 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?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program caps the purchase price at $600,000.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family (1-4 unit), FHA-approved condominium, townhome/PUD.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program serves buyers purchasing in Nevada County, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program 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 before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Contact provider directly; subject to funding availability, 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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Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program, explained

A short, free course on Nevada County First-Time Homebuyer Program: what it is, who it is for, when it is repaid, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from July 2026. About ten minutes.

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