First Time Buyer Center
Southern California · Since 1999

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in the Inland Empire

Adriel Esparza has been closing Inland Empire buyers since 1999. Here are the programs available in Riverside and San Bernardino County right now — and how to stack them for maximum buying power.

Explore My Inland Empire Options → Educational only · Not a preapproval · No credit pull to start · Reviewed by our first-time homebuyer specialists
  • Equal Housing Lender
  • NMLS #237241
  • 4.9★ · 240+ closed
the Inland Empire Programs

the Inland Empire programs a first-time buyer can explore

These are the federal, state, county, and city programs available right now in the Inland Empire. Most buyers have more than one possible path — Adriel and our specialist team help you understand which combination is worth a closer look.

Educational only — program options may vary based on income, credit, occupancy, property, county availability, and lender guidelines.

FHA Loan

Federal

Baseline loan limit $832,750 — no high-balance in Riverside or San Bernardino. Low down payment, 580+ credit.

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CalHFA FHA + MyHome

California

State-funded down payment assistance layered onto an FHA first.

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USDA Rural Development

Federal

Zero-down USDA financing — eligible Inland Empire areas only (parts of outer Riverside and San Bernardino qualify).

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Riverside County PLHA

Riverside

Permanent Local Housing Allocation — county-funded down payment assistance for eligible Riverside buyers.

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Riverside County HOME Program

Riverside

HUD HOME funds administered locally for first-time buyers.

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NPHS IE DPA

IE

Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services — Inland Empire down payment assistance for income-qualified buyers.

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City of Ontario Keys Program

Ontario

City-specific assistance for first-time buyers purchasing in Ontario.

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What Adriel knows about the Inland Empire

The Inland Empire is the county where program eligibility actually changes the math the most. Because Riverside and San Bernardino use the FHA baseline limit of $832,750 — no high-balance — most buyers don't need jumbo, and FHA + a layered DPA can be the strongest path. USDA is the IE's hidden weapon: outer Riverside, Hemet, Beaumont, parts of Moreno Valley and Victorville qualify, and USDA is zero-down with no PMI in the traditional sense. Combine that with PLHA, NPHS, or the Ontario Keys Program and a first-time buyer can often get into a single-family home in the IE with very little out of pocket. Adriel has been originating in Riverside, San Bernardino, Corona, Fontana, and the High Desert since 1999.

Programs shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent a rate quote, commitment to lend, or guarantee of eligibility. Down payment requirements, loan limits, and program availability vary by credit profile, income, county, and current program guidelines. All loans subject to credit approval, property appraisal, and program availability. Adriel Esparza, NMLS #237241, Lower Mortgage, Equal Housing Lender.

Explore which Inland Empire programs may fit your situation

A short Program Fit Check helps surface the options worth exploring. Educational only — not a preapproval. A first-time homebuyer specialist reviews your Program Fit Check and follows up within 24 hours with a clear next step.

Start My Program Fit Check
Start My Program Fit Check
No credit pull · No SSN · Reviewed by our first-time homebuyer specialists