First-time buyer guide · San Diego

Buying Your First Home in San Diego

The steps in order, the down payment programs most buyers miss, and how to see homes before they show up on Zillow. I've helped San Diego buyers since 1999.

$1.07MMedian house · October 2026

$658KMedian condo · October 2026

7.18%30-year rate · week of November 5, 2026

$1.1M2026 conforming loan limit

County figures: San Diego MLS. Rate: Freddie Mac weekly average.

The 7 steps

STEP 1

Know your numbers

Start with the monthly payment you're comfortable with, not the price. Try my mortgage calculator and rent vs. buy calculator.

STEP 2

Get pre-approved

A pre-approval sets your real budget and makes your offer stronger. My featured lending partner is below.

STEP 3

Check the down payment programs

Many San Diego buyers qualify for help and never ask. See the programs below.

STEP 4

Pick your neighborhoods

Compare prices, schools and commute in my San Diego neighborhood guides, each with this month's sales.

STEP 5

See the homes others can't

I have the largest off-market listing inventory in all of San Diego. When you sign up with me, you have access to the largest off-market inventory that Redfin, Zillow and other portals don't have.

STEP 6

Make a strong offer

93% of the first offers I write are accepted. Terms matter as much as price: your deposit, your timelines and how clean the offer is. I'll walk you through each one and negotiate for you.

STEP 7

Inspect, appraise, close

After acceptance come the inspection, appraisal and loan contingency periods. I keep every deadline on track until you get the keys.

93%

of the first offers I write are accepted

From first offer to accepted. Stop wasting time writing offers that go nowhere. Work with my trusted, proven technique to get your offer accepted.

Down payment help in San Diego

The most each program can cover

CalHFA MyHome

3.5%

County of San Diego

17%

CalHFA Dream For All

20%

Share of the purchase price. Each program has its own income limits and rules; see the table.

Program	What it gives	Who it's for
CalHFA MyHome Assistance	A deferred-payment loan of up to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (conventional) of the price, for down payment or closing costs	First-time buyers within CalHFA income limits, using a CalHFA first mortgage
CalHFA California Dream For All	Up to 20% of the price as a shared appreciation loan	First-generation buyers within income limits; opens once a year with a random selection (the 2026 round ran Feb 24 to Mar 16)
County of San Diego down payment and closing cost assistance	A low-interest deferred loan of up to 17% of the price	First-time buyers up to 120% of area median income, buying in the unincorporated county, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Coronado, Lemon Grove, Poway or Solana Beach
San Diego Housing Commission	First-time homebuyer loans and grants for homes in the City of San Diego	Income-qualified first-time buyers; ask for current funding

Programs, income limits and funding change often. Confirm current terms with a CalHFA-approved lender before you count on them.

Ready to start?

Text me and I'll set up your search, including off-market homes, and introduce you to my featured lending partner.

Text Jeff: 858-324-4448 Call Jeff

Jeff Brick, REALTOR® · Compass · DRE #02156850

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