OCHomeAssist

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions people actually ask

How this site works, what the income rules mean, and real examples from the verified data.

Is OC Home Assist a government website?
No. OC Home Assist is an independent, privately-run search tool. It is not affiliated with the County of Orange or any city government. Every program listed is administered by the actual city, county, or nonprofit named on its listing — this site only helps you find and compare them in one place.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Searching is free, and no account or sign-up is required.
How often is the program information updated?
Programs are individually re-verified on a recurring basis, and the official page for each program is automatically monitored for changes. If a program's terms change or a page goes offline, that gets flagged for review rather than sitting here silently outdated.
Can I apply for a program directly on this site?
No. OC Home Assist is a directory, not an application portal. Each listing links directly to the official office or program page that actually administers it, and applications happen there.
What if my city isn't showing any programs?
Some cities refer residents to county or nonprofit programs rather than running their own — that will show as a referral rather than a direct program. Programs available countywide also appear in every city's search. If you believe something is missing, use the contact form and it will be looked into.
What does an income limit like "≤80% AMI" actually mean?
AMI stands for Area Median Income — the midpoint household income for the region, republished every year by HUD (and, for some California-specific programs, separately adjusted by the state's Department of Housing and Community Development). A program listed as "≤80% AMI" means your household income must fall at or below 80% of that published figure — but the actual dollar amount depends on your household size (a 1-person limit is lower than a 4-person limit) and which table that specific program uses. Because these figures change every year, we link to the official current lookup tools rather than listing a dollar amount here that would go stale within months: HUD's Income Limits tool, and California's State Income Limits.

A few real examples

These are pulled directly from the same verified data the search tool uses — not written separately, so they can't drift out of sync with it.

What does Anaheim's My Anaheim Home (First-Time Homebuyer) offer?

Anaheim
My Anaheim Home (First-Time Homebuyer)

The City of Anaheim's My Anaheim Home (First-Time Homebuyer) provides $50,000 in down payment assistance, 30-yr deferred, 1% simple interest, no payments until sale/refinance. Eligibility: First-time buyer; no home ownership in prior 3 years; min. 3% buyer down payment.

Active Official page

What does Irvine's Residential Rehabilitation Program offer?

Irvine
Residential Rehabilitation Program

The City of Irvine's Residential Rehabilitation Program provides Emergency grant up to $5,000; deferred loan up to $50,000 in home repair grant/loan, 0% interest, deferred until sale. Eligibility: ≤80% AMI; owner-occupied single-family/manufactured home.

Waitlist Official page

What does Santa Ana's My First Home Program offer?

Santa Ana
My First Home Program

The City of Santa Ana's My First Home Program provides $120,000 (low-income) / $80,000 (moderate-income) in down payment assistance, 0% interest, 30-yr deferred. Eligibility: First-time buyer; funded by Inclusionary Housing Fund.

Active Official page

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