Renters ready to stop renting
If rent keeps climbing and you've got steady income and some savings, a condo may be closer than you think. We'll show you the real monthly number and what it takes to get there.
First-time buyers ยท San Fernando Valley & Los Angeles
Your first condo, without the runaround.
Buying your first place in the Valley or greater LA is more doable than most renters think. We help you find out what you can comfortably afford and which down payment programs you may be eligible for.
No credit pull, no obligation. A short conversation to see whether buying makes sense for you right now.
Built for first-time buyers
Whether you get a paycheck every two weeks or run your own business, the questions are the same: what can I afford, what help is out there, and is the HOA financially sound? We start with an honest answer to all three.
Buying solo or with someone
On your own, with a partner, or with a friend or family member as a co-buyer. We'll structure the approach around everyone's income and goals, and explain what being on the loan together means.
Self-employed and 1099 earners
Stylists, contractors, shop owners, freelancers. Your tax returns show less than you make, and that's where buyers get told "no" too early. We have a process for that.
How it works
Three steps. No pressure at any of them.
A 15-minute conversation
You tell us how you earn, roughly what you have saved, and where you'd like to live. We tell you honestly whether now is the time or what would need to change first.
Lender and program matching
We introduce you to an independent lender who fits your situation and check which California and LA County assistance programs you may be eligible for.
Find and vet the right condo
We search the Valley and greater LA together, then dig into the HOA financials, rules, and reserves before you commit. You should know what you're buying into.
What you get
- A realistic monthly number. Mortgage, HOA dues, taxes, and insurance together, so the payment you plan for is the payment you'll actually have.
- Down payment program navigation. We track CalHFA, LA County, and city programs so you don't have to, and flag which ones fit your situation.
- Lender introductions that fit how you earn. Conventional, FHA, and, for self-employed buyers, bank-statement options, explained in plain language.
- Condo-specific due diligence. HOA dues and reserves, special assessments, litigation, rental and pet rules, and whether the building is approved for FHA or VA financing.
- Straight answers. If waiting a year would put you in a better position, we'll tell you that and show you what to do in the meantime.
Down payment help you may not know about
California and Los Angeles County run several programs for first-time buyers, and condos are eligible for most of them. Here's a snapshot; eligibility and funding change often, so treat this as a starting point.
CalHFA
MyHome Assistance
A deferred-payment junior loan for down payment or closing costs, up to 3% of the price (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA), paired with a CalHFA first mortgage. Homebuyer education required.
LA County (LACDA)
Home Ownership Program
Second-mortgage assistance up to $100,000 or 20% of the price, whichever is less, for buyers under county income limits. Condos, townhomes, and houses qualify. First-come, first-served through participating lenders.
CalHFA
Dream For All
Up to 20% of the price as a shared-appreciation loan for first-generation buyers, awarded by lottery during short application windows. The 2026 window has closed; we watch for the next one.
Program terms shown are summaries as of September 2026 and are subject to change. Eligibility, income limits, and funding availability are determined by the administering agency and your lender, not by Real Brokerage Technologies, Inc. Read the full guide.
See where you stand
Tell us a little about how you earn and what you're hoping to do. We'll follow up within one business day with an honest read and a next step. No credit pull, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (424) 363-9043.
Guides
Short, practical reads. No sign-up required.
Down payment assistance in LA, explainedCalHFA, LA County, and how programs stack. What "first-time buyer" actually means and the income limits that apply.
Condo buying basicsHOA dues, reserves, special assessments, FHA approval, and the rules that matter if you work from home.
Getting a mortgage when you're self-employedHow lenders read your tax returns, what write-offs cost you in buying power, and what to do before your next filing.
Common questions
Do I need 20% down?
No. Many first-time buyers put 3% to 5% down, and assistance programs can cover part or all of that. A smaller down payment usually means mortgage insurance, so we'll show you the full monthly picture either way.
How much do I need to have saved?
Less than most people assume. Beyond the down payment, plan for closing costs (often 2% to 3% of the price, some of which a seller may cover) and a cushion of a few months' payments. On a $500,000 condo with 5% down, that's a down payment of $25,000 before any assistance. We'll run your actual numbers on the call.
What credit score do I need?
Conventional loans generally start around a 620 score, with the best pricing above 740. FHA loans can go lower. If your score needs work, we'll tell you what usually moves it fastest and how long to plan for. The lender makes the final call.
What does "first-time buyer" mean for these programs?
For most California and LA County programs, it means you haven't owned a home in the past three years. You may qualify even if you owned something years ago.
I'm self-employed or paid on a 1099. Is that a problem?
Not a problem, just a different process. Lenders qualify you on the net income on your tax returns, and there are bank-statement options when that number is too low. We built a whole page on it: buying when you work for yourself.
Why a condo and not a house?
That's your call, and we'll help you weigh it. Condos generally come with a lower purchase price and less exterior upkeep, in exchange for HOA dues and rules. Houses put more of the cost and maintenance on you. We'll lay out both against your budget and goals, and if you'd rather look at houses, we search those with you the same way.
What does this cost me?
Nothing out of pocket to talk. If you buy, our compensation is agreed in writing before we start touring, and in many transactions it's paid by the seller as part of the deal. We'll walk through it clearly before you sign anything.
Is this a lender?
No. Real Brokerage Technologies, Inc. is a licensed real estate brokerage. We introduce you to independent lenders and help you compare options; loan approval and program eligibility are decided by the lender and the administering agency.
Ready to find out where you stand?
A short conversation, an honest answer, and a clear next step.
Get started