What it does: Offers down payment assistance in the form of a low-interest second loan to help low-income first-time buyers purchase a home within the city limits of Ukiah. Funds are typically second-position loans at around 1% interest and may be deferred for many years.
Who this is for: First-time homebuyers (defined as not owning a home in the past three years) with income at or below 80% of Mendocino County’s Area Median Income.
Income and contribution: Buyer must provide at least a $1,000 down payment; the program helps fill the gap.
📌 Best for: Buyers who plan to live in Ukiah and meet local income and first-time homebuyer requirements.

Down Payment Assistance (DAP): The CDC is the housing authority for Mendocino County and offers various programs that may include down payment assistance for qualified buyers.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): Helps reduce federal income tax liability, freeing up money which can indirectly support affordability.
HOME & CDBG Homeownership Assistance: County-level assistance funded through federal HOME and CDBG funds may include deferred loans or grants to help with down payment and closing costs.
📌 Best for: Low- to moderate-income buyers county-wide who want broader assistance beyond just city limits.

CalHFA offers several statewide programs that can help buyers anywhere in California, including Ukiah:

🔹 CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
A deferred payment junior loan (no monthly payment) up to around 3–3.5% of the purchase price to help with down payment and closing costs.
Works when combined with a CalHFA first mortgage program, like CalPLUS or FHA.
🔹 “Dream For All” Shared Appreciation Program
A statewide down payment assistance loan offering up to 20% of a home’s purchase price (capped at around $150,000) for eligible first-time, first-generation homebuyers.
This program is reopening with limited application windows and uses a lottery system.
Funds are repaid (plus share of value increase) only when you refinance, sell, or pay off your mortgage.
📌 Best for: First-time and first-generation buyers needing significant assistance above typical down payment needs.

These programs are available statewide — including for buyers in Mendocino County — via participating lenders:

🔹 GSFA Platinum or “Assist-to-Own” Program
Up to about 5.5% of your first mortgage loan amount toward down payment/closing costs.
Combination of a deferred second mortgage (no monthly payments while living in the home) + gift funds.
🔹 GSFA Golden Opportunities Program
Down payment help with a repayable second loan with monthly payments and optional gift portion.
📌 Best for: Buyers (including repeat and non-first-time buyers) with qualifying credit who need support with down payment and closing costs.

• DreamStart Home Loan – low-down payment mortgage as low as ~3% + flexible terms & no-closing-cost option available. 
• Down Payment Assistance Program – up to 5% of the home price or $25,000 (whichever is less) as a grant toward your down payment if you qualify as a first-time buyer. 
• Who it’s for: First-time homebuyers working with RCU and meeting eligibility requirements (membership, income/credit criteria, property must be owner-occupied). 
• How it works: Assistance funds go straight to your down payment — no monthly payment on the grant itself. 

• HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan – low-down payment home loan (as low as ~2.25%) for enrolled Native American/Alaska Native borrowers ➕ flexible underwriting. 
• Northern Circle Indian Housing Authority DPA – down payment assistance for tribal members (includes homebuyer education + prep support) within service area. 
• CTSI Tribal DPA Grant – conditional grant up to ~$25K to use toward down payment/closing costs (for enrolled tribal members). 
• North Fork Rancheria IHA Down Payment Aid – one-time assistance (up to 20%/$40K max) toward home purchase; forgiven after 10 years. 

What it is: A piggyback mortgage structure — 80% first mortgage + 10% second loan + 10% down payment from you. 
• Why it’s useful: You can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) by keeping the first mortgage at ≤ 80% of the purchase price. 
• Down Payment Needed: 10% cash from the buyer. 
• 10% Second Loan: A home equity or junior loan from the bank to cover part of the purchase so total financing is 90% without PMI. 
• No PMI: Because the primary loan amount stays at or below 80% LTV — this can make monthly payments lower than a single 90% mortgage. 
• Gift Funds: Acceptable for the 10% down payment if allowed by lender and mortgage type.