Match your San Diego purchase to the right local resource
Start your lender shortlist here, then check the jurisdiction of the home you want to buy. San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) administers several homebuyer programs, but sharing an administrator does not make their property boundaries or assistance terms the same.
Confirm whether the property falls under a city or county program
SDHC publishes separate City of San Diego and County of San Diego homebuyer information. The County’s Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCCA) program covers unincorporated areas and specified participating cities. Its service-area list does not include the City of San Diego.
If your search includes homes in different jurisdictions, give the participating loan officer each property address. Ask which program guidelines apply before comparing assistance amounts. A San Diego mailing address or a lender’s office location is not enough to choose the right program; have the administrator confirm the property’s jurisdiction.
Ask who will prepare and submit the assistance application
SDHC directs buyers to a participating loan officer who collects documents and submits the assistance application on their behalf. Participation has both lender and individual training requirements. Use SDHC’s official resources to identify the right contact; appearing in Mortgage Firm’s directory does not establish participation.
City program descriptions distinguish deferred-payment loans from closing-cost grants. Ask your contact to identify each part of a proposed package and provide its conditions in writing. If you are not ready to apply, SDHC also provides a homeownership advisor contact for program questions and referrals to preparation services.
Questions to take with you
- Do you currently handle the SDHC program for this property’s jurisdiction?
- Which parts are loans or grants, and what repayment or occupancy conditions apply?
- What must be completed before an application can be submitted and assistance confirmed?
Plan for education and individual counseling as separate steps
SDHC’s homebuyer education provider list distinguishes a general homebuyer class from a one-on-one housing counseling session. It asks buyers to complete both and send the completion certificates to their loan officer. Completing an online class alone may leave the counseling step unfinished.
Use the linked provider list when arranging these services. Ask who in the household must participate, whether an existing certificate is acceptable, and how the class and counseling appointments fit your purchase timeline. Confirm fees with the provider and certificate timing with the loan officer before enrolling.
Published by Mortgage Firm, an independent directory. Program administrators and lenders determine current availability and eligibility. Our editorial approach