How it works
Pasadena's homebuyer assistance program is smaller than LIPA or Long Beach DPAP but essential for Pasadena-focused buyers. Pasadena's median home price sits meaningfully above LA County median, which makes any assistance amount meaningful for a first-time buyer in the city.
Structurally it's a standard silent-deferred second that layers cleanly with CalHFA MyHome + ZIP and with an MCC. Less generous than LIPA in absolute dollars but unique to Pasadena residents.
Who it's for
Pasadena first-time buyers at or below 120% of LA-area AMI buying within Pasadena city limits.
Eligibility at a glance
- First-time buyer?
- Yes
- FTB definition
- Has not owned in past 3 years.
- Minimum FICO
- 640
- Income limit
- At or below 120% of LA County AMI.
- Homebuyer education
- Required.
- Minimum borrower contribution
- 1%-3% from borrower's own funds (tier-dependent).
Repayment terms
Silent deferred second mortgage. No monthly payment. Due at sale, refinance, or end of owner-occupancy.
Term
30 years
Interest
0% (deferred)
Due at
Sale, refinance, or end of owner-occupancy
Property rules
- Eligible property types
- Single-family residence, Condo, Townhome
- Maximum purchase price
- Pasadena-specific price limit — check annually.
- Owner-occupancy required
- 30 years
Layering & first mortgage options
Works with these first mortgages: FHA, Conventional, VA
Stacks with
How to apply
Process: Apply through Pasadena Housing Dept with lender support.
Funding cycle: Annual city allocation. Pasadena's program is smaller-budget than LA or Long Beach.
Typical timeline: 45-60 days.
Things that trip borrowers up
- Pasadena price limits are tight given local market — many Pasadena SFRs exceed the cap and are disqualified.
- Small program — funding exhausts quickly each fiscal year.