First-Time Homebuyer Programs · Martinez CA · Contra Costa County

Your First Home in Martinez Is Closer Than You Think

First-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, and bilingual guidance — Marisela Argenal has helped hundreds of East Bay families buy their first home.

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CalHFA · GSFA · FHA · Down Payment Assistance · Bilingual · NMLS #293939 · CalDRE #01501844

The Smart Choice

Why Martinez for First-Time Buyers

Martinez offers something increasingly rare in the Bay Area: genuine affordability within commuting range of major employment centers. While median home prices in Oakland and San Francisco have climbed well above $900,000, Martinez maintains a median in the $600,000–$700,000 range — making FHA financing with 3.5% down a realistic path for households earning $70,000–$85,000 per year. The city's historic downtown, excellent schools, and direct BART access to San Francisco and Oakland make it one of the most compelling value propositions in Contra Costa County.

For first-time buyers, the math in Martinez is compelling. A $650,000 purchase with FHA financing requires just $22,750 down — and with CalHFA or GSFA down payment assistance, that cash requirement can be reduced to near zero. Marisela has helped dozens of families make exactly this calculation work, combining multiple programs strategically to minimize out-of-pocket costs at closing.

$650K
Approx. Martinez Median Home Price
3.5%
FHA Minimum Down Payment
$150K
Max DPA Available (Combined Programs)

Why Buyers Choose Martinez

  • More affordable than Oakland, Berkeley, and SF
  • Direct Amtrak Capitol Corridor rail service
  • Martinez Unified School District
  • Established neighborhoods with character
  • Short drive to Walnut Creek and Concord employers

Available Assistance

Down Payment Assistance Programs

Marisela layers multiple programs to minimize the cash you need at closing. Here are the primary options available to Martinez and Contra Costa County buyers:

CalHFA MyHome Assistance

Up to 3.5% of Purchase Price · Deferred Loan

California's primary first-time buyer program. A deferred silent second loan — no monthly payment, repaid when you sell or refinance. Income limits apply (~$236,000 for 4-person household in Contra Costa). Can cover entire FHA down payment.

GSFA Platinum

Up to 5% · Grant — No Repayment Required

A non-repayable grant from the Golden State Finance Authority. Unlike CalHFA, this is a true grant — you never pay it back. Combined with FHA, it can eliminate your down payment and some closing costs entirely. Income limits apply.

Contra Costa County FTHB

Up to $100,000 · Deferred Loan

Contra Costa County's First-Time Homebuyer Program offers deferred loans up to $100,000 for buyers purchasing in unincorporated areas and participating cities. Funds are limited — apply early through Marisela while funding is available.

Federal Home Loan Bank AHP

Up to $22,000 · Grant

The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) through FHLB San Francisco provides grants up to $22,000 via participating member banks. Marisela works with lenders who offer this program for qualifying first-time buyers in the East Bay.

How It Works

Your First-Time Buyer Roadmap

Marisela walks every first-time buyer through this clear, six-step process — explaining each stage in plain language, in English or Spanish, until you feel confident.

1

Free Consultation

Review income, credit, savings. Identify programs and set your purchase budget.

2

Pre-Approval

Full application submitted. Pre-approval letter in hand — ready to make offers.

3

House Hunting

Shop with a realistic budget and confidence. Marisela can also serve as your buyer's agent.

4

Make Your Offer

Marisela guides your offer strategy. Pre-approval letter accompanies every offer for strength.

5

Inspection & Appraisal

Property inspected and appraised. Marisela coordinates FHA appraisal requirements.

6

Close on Your Home

Sign documents, receive keys, and celebrate. Marisela handles every last detail to closing.

Common Questions

First-Time Homebuyer FAQ

In Martinez and Contra Costa County, first-time buyers can access: CalHFA MyHome Assistance (deferred down payment loan), GSFA Platinum (grant, no repayment), Contra Costa County FTHB Program (up to $100,000 deferred loan), City of Martinez programs (when available), and FHA loans with 3.5% down. Marisela combines these programs strategically to minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Martinez median home prices are approximately $600,000–$700,000. With FHA financing and 3.5% down ($21,000–$24,500), you'd need a gross income of approximately $70,000–$85,000 per year to qualify, depending on your debts. Down payment assistance programs can reduce the cash needed at closing significantly — often to just a few thousand dollars.
CalHFA income limits for Contra Costa County are updated annually. For 2026, the limit is approximately $236,000 for a 4-person household, though this varies by program. Contact Marisela for the current limits specific to your household size — many first-time buyers are surprised to find they qualify even at higher income levels.
Not always. Some programs define "first-time buyer" as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years. Others have no prior ownership requirement at all. Marisela will review your ownership history and identify every program you qualify for — regardless of whether you've owned before.
The first step is a free pre-qualification consultation with Marisela. She'll review your income, credit, and savings to identify which loan programs and down payment assistance you qualify for, calculate your estimated monthly payment, and give you a clear roadmap to closing — with no obligation. Book a 30-minute consultation using the button below.

Why Families Trust Marisela

Families Trust Marisela's Guidance on Their Most Important Financial Decision

For over 25 years, East Bay families have trusted Marisela Argenal with the most significant financial transaction of their lives. Her bilingual expertise, deep knowledge of Contra Costa County's market, and relationships with first-time buyer lenders make her the region's go-to broker for families buying their first home.

"She walked us through every program available. We closed with only $3,500 out of pocket on a $620,000 home."

First-Time Buyer · Martinez, CA

"As a single mom, I thought buying alone was impossible. Marisela found me CalHFA assistance and made it happen."

First-Time Buyer · Concord, CA

"She explained everything in Spanish and made sure we understood every document. We felt supported the entire way."

First-Time Buyer · Pittsburg, CA

Composite testimonials representing typical client experiences. Individual results vary.

Contact Marisela — Book Your Free First-Time Buyer Consultation

Book a free 30-minute consultation with Marisela Argenal. She'll identify every program you qualify for, calculate your total cash needed at closing, and give you a clear plan to your first home — in English or Spanish.

Book Free 30-Min Consultation Call (415) 424-2432