Sonoma County Down Payment Assistance: Two “$100,000” Programs That Aren’t the Same Thing
Sonoma County has more than one program that mentions $100,000, and they serve different buyers. The Community Development Commission’s HAC First Time Home Buyer Loan is for eligible county employees. Burbank Housing’s program, on our approved list, is a separate one. Know which fits you before you plan around it.
What is the Sonoma County HAC loan?
It’s a second mortgage of up to $100,000, fully amortized at below-market rates, for eligible Sonoma County employees. It’s funded through an agreement with SEIU Local 1021 for represented job classifications, and full-time, part-time and extra-help employees can qualify.
Key requirements from the County:
• You generally can’t have owned a principal residence in the past three years. Single parents with custody under a court decree are an exception.
• You must put in at least 5% of the purchase price from your own cash.
• The home must be in Sonoma County.
• There’s a cap on personal property.
Why does the payment count in your DTI?
Because the loan is fully amortized, it has a real monthly payment. That payment goes into your debt-to-income ratio alongside your first mortgage. A deferred loan has no monthly payment and usually doesn’t affect DTI the same way.
That’s the difference between “assistance that helps you qualify” and “assistance that adds to your obligations.” For a HAC loan, run the qualifying math with the payment included.
What is Burbank Housing’s down payment assistance?
On our approved program list, the borrower invests $5,000 and the program provides up to $100,000 toward the down payment. Income limits, resale terms and current funding vary.
What else is there in Sonoma County?
Sonoma County Housing Authority Homeownership Program. This assists Housing Choice Voucher participants and requires a minimum 3% down payment, at least 1% from your own funds.
CalHFA MyHome. This statewide program is available in Sonoma County.
To Read More CLICK HERE
How should you choose?
Start with who you are. County employee? The HAC loan may fit. Income-qualified and buying without that affiliation? Look at Burbank Housing and statewide programs. Then compare the whole picture: cash to close, monthly payment, mortgage insurance and what happens if you sell or refinance.
Program eligibility rules are strict, and funding can change. Confirm the current terms before you build an offer around any of them.
Buying in Sonoma County? Let’s run your numbers
Sources: Sonoma County Community Development Commission, HAC First Time Home Buyer Loan; Sonoma County Housing Authority Homeownership Program.
Mike Belfor, Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Originator, American Pacific Mortgage, NMLS 264700 (Company NMLS 1850). Equal Housing Opportunity. Program availability and terms change. Updated September 18, 2026.
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