Marin County Down Payment Assistance: What Marin Housing Offers and How It Fits Your Loan
Marin Housing runs several different homeownership programs, and buyers often mix them up. There’s below-market-rate (BMR) ownership, a deferred silent second on our approved list of up to 20% of the price (maximum $50,000), and CalHome. Each has different rules, so start by knowing which one you’re actually applying for.
What are the programs?
BMR Homeownership. This lets low- and moderate-income first-time buyers purchase specified condos in Marin County at less than market value.
City of Marin / Marin Housing down payment assistance. On our approved program list, this is a deferred silent second mortgage of up to 20% of the purchase price, with a maximum of $50,000.
CalHome Marin. This works with conventional or FHA first mortgages and requires a $5,000 borrower investment.
Who qualifies?
For BMR, Marin Housing defines a first-time buyer as someone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years. Applicants also need a certificate from a HUD-approved homebuyer education workshop, and they verify household income in detail.
Income limits are based on HUD’s median for the San Francisco area. For 2026, that median family income is $200,800 for a four-person household, and the “moderate income” tier is 120% of that, adjusted for household size.
Marin Housing also runs a free Pre-Purchase Certification Workshop that helps buyers prepare for BMR and first-time buyer programs.
How does a deferred silent second work with your first mortgage?
A silent second is a subordinate loan that sits behind your first mortgage. “Deferred” means you make no monthly payment while you own the home. It becomes due when you sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage.
Two things to understand:
• It counts toward your combined loan-to-value. Your first lender has to approve the combination, so the structure has to work for both loans.
• Layering isn’t automatic. Whether it can be combined with CalHFA or other assistance depends on each program’s rules. Confirm before you write an offer.
What should you do first?
1. Complete the homebuyer education workshop if your program requires one.
2. Get fully underwritten with a lender who works with these programs.
3. Confirm current funding and which program fits your price range and income.
To See the Full List of Down Payment Assistance Programs Available in California
CLICK BELOW:
Marin is one of the most expensive counties in California. A program that covers up to 20% of the price can change what’s possible. It also has strings attached, so know them before you commit.
Buying in Marin? I’ll run your numbers against every program available in your city. See California down payment assistance options
Sources: Marin Housing Authority, Homeownership Programs, BMR Eligibility and Income Limits pages. Program details from our approved list should be confirmed with Marin Housing.
Mike Belfor, Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator, American Pacific Mortgage, NMLS 264700 (Company NMLS 1850). Equal Housing Opportunity. Program availability, income limits and funding change. Updated September 18, 2026.
Comments