Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

What is Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program is a mortgage credit certificate for homebuyers in Orange County, California.

• Orange County MCC program providing federal tax credit of 20% of annual mortgage interest (up to $2,000/year) for first-time homebuyers in Orange County.
• Up to $2,000 in assistance.
• non-repayable grant.
• Funding comes from Federal Tax Credit (MCC).

How much assistance does it provide?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program offers up to $2,000 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?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program is a tax credit rather than a loan, so there is nothing to repay.

• Repayment is triggered by N/A (non-repayable grant).
• The assistance is recorded in N/A (grant - no lien) position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program limits household income to 115% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Low to moderate income: household income ≤120% 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?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program caps the purchase price at $726,200.

• 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?

Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program serves buyers purchasing in Orange County, California.

How do you apply?

Applications for Orange County Mortgage Credit Certificate Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved homebuyer counseling.

2. 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. 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.