City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program: What Buyers Should Know
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to save for a down payment, closing costs, inspections, and the other expenses that come with purchasing a home.
For some buyers, the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program may help make homeownership more realistic. The program is designed to help eligible applicants purchase a home by offering down payment assistance of up to $100,000 in gap financing, depending on funding availability and program guidelines.
For buyers in Turlock, Stanislaus County, and the Central Valley, this may be an important option to explore if you are trying to buy your first home but need help with upfront costs.
What Is the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program?
The City of Turlock’s First Time Home Buyer Program, also called the FTHB Program, helps eligible buyers purchase a home with down payment assistance.
In simple terms, this program may help cover the gap between what a buyer qualifies for with their first mortgage and what they need to purchase an eligible home.
This does not mean every buyer automatically qualifies. Buyers still need to meet the program requirements, qualify with a lender, have the required funds available, and follow the City’s application process.
How Much Assistance May Be Available?
The City of Turlock states that eligible applicants may receive up to $100,000 in gap financing through the First Time Home Buyer Program.
Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis, as funding allows. Because funding can change, buyers should call the City of Turlock at 209.668.5610 to confirm current availability before making plans around the assistance.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
The City of Turlock lists several requirements for buyers who want to use the program. Some of the main requirements include:
First-time buyer requirement:
The buyer must not have owned a home within the last three years.
Minimum buyer contribution:
Buyers must contribute at least $5,000 toward the purchase. These funds must be available at the time of application and seasoned for at least three months.
First mortgage approval:
Buyers must qualify for a current market-rate first mortgage with a lender that accepts the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program.
Good credit:
Applicants should not have outstanding collections, judgments, liens, or other negative debt.
Primary residence:
The home must be occupied as the buyer’s primary residence. This program is not for rental properties, vacation homes, or investor purchases.
Property requirements:
The property must meet program guidelines. The City’s current page lists a single-family purchase limit of $428,000, but buyers should verify current limits directly with the City.
Homebuyer counseling:
Buyers must complete a First Time Home Buyer counseling course through a HUD-certified housing counseling agency and provide a certificate of completion.
Income Limits for the Program
The City of Turlock lists income limits based on household size. The current table shown on the City’s page is based on HUD HOME limits effective June 1, 2025 for Stanislaus County.
Examples listed by the City include:
1-person household: $55,200
2-person household: $63,050
3-person household: $70,950
4-person household: $78,800
5-person household: $85,150
6-person household: $91,450
7-person household: $97,750
8-person household: $104,050
Because income limits can change, buyers should verify the current numbers directly with the City of Turlock or a participating lender.
How Is the Assistance Repaid?
It is important to understand that this assistance is not simply “free money” with no rules.
According to the City of Turlock, no monthly payments are required. The loan accrues 0% interest for the first 15 years and 2% simple interest for the remaining 15 years, with a 30-year loan term.
The total loan amount, plus any accrued interest, becomes due when the property is sold, rented, no longer occupied by the primary borrower, or at 30 years, whichever happens first.
Documents Buyers May Need
Before applying, buyers should begin organizing important documents. The City’s checklist includes items such as:
Current California ID or driver’s license and Social Security card
Last three years of tax returns, including W-2 or 1099 forms
Proof of income
Two recent months of pay stubs
Other proof of income for household members
Last three months of bank statements
A list of creditors, balances, and monthly payments
First Time Home Buyer counseling certificate
Having these documents ready early can make the process smoother and help avoid delays.
Helpful First-Time Buyer Resources
The City of Turlock also provides downloadable resources for buyers and homeowners. These can be helpful if you want to understand the program, prepare your documents, or review possible next steps.
First Time Home Buyer Flyer — English & Spanish
A quick overview for buyers who want a simple explanation of the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program.
First Time Home Buyer Flyer — English & Spanish
First Time Home Buyer Brochure
A more detailed guide for buyers who want to understand the program, requirements, and home buying process.
First Time Home Buyer Brochure
Loan Hardship Packet
A resource for homeowners or buyers who may be facing financial hardship and need to understand possible options or next steps.
Loan Hardship Packet
Who Might This Program Help?
The City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program may be helpful for buyers who:
Have not owned a home in the last three years
Have steady income but need help with upfront costs
Can contribute at least $5,000 of their own funds
Can qualify for a first mortgage
Plan to live in the home as their primary residence
Are purchasing an eligible home in Turlock
Meet the program’s income and credit requirements
This program may be especially helpful for buyers who can afford a monthly payment but are having a hard time saving enough for the down payment and closing costs.
Why Working With the Right Team Matters
Programs like this can be helpful, but they also come with rules, paperwork, income limits, property limits, lender requirements, and funding availability.
Before you start looking at homes, it is important to understand how much you may qualify for, whether the City program has funding available, what price range fits the program, what lender can work with the program, and whether the home itself meets the program rules.
As a real estate agent, my role is to help you understand the buying process, search for homes that may fit your goals, and connect you with trusted lending resources who can review your financing options.
How to Get Started
If you are interested in the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program, a smart first step is to call the City of Turlock Housing Program Services to confirm current funding availability and requirements.
The City’s page lists Housing Program Services at 156 S. Broadway, Ste. 140, Turlock, CA 95380-5454 and phone number 209.668.5610.
After that, you can begin preparing your documents, speaking with a lender, and reviewing what homes may fit the program.
FAQs About the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program
Does the City of Turlock offer down payment assistance?
Yes. The City of Turlock states that its First Time Home Buyer Program may offer eligible applicants up to $100,000 in gap financing, depending on funding availability and program guidelines.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Yes. The City states that applicants must not have owned a home within the last three years.
Do I need my own money?
Yes. Buyers must contribute at least $5,000 toward the purchase, and the funds must be available at the time of application and seasoned for at least three months.
Do I still need to qualify for a mortgage?
Yes. Buyers must qualify for a first mortgage with a lender that accepts the City of Turlock First Time Home Buyer Program.
Is the assistance repaid monthly?
According to the City, no monthly payments are required. However, the loan has repayment rules and becomes due under certain conditions, such as selling, renting, no longer occupying the property, or reaching the 30-year term.
Can I use this program for an investment property?
No. The home must be occupied as the buyer’s primary residence.
Thinking About Buying a Home in Turlock?
If you are thinking about buying your first home in Turlock, Modesto, Stanislaus County, or the Central Valley, this program may be worth exploring.
The best first step is to review your income, credit, savings, timeline, and home buying goals. You can also download the buyer resources above to learn more about the program before applying.
Call or text Edwin Alvarado at 209.241.9485 for a free 10-minute home buying game plan.
Edwin Alvarado
PMZ Real Estate
Serving Turlock, Modesto, Stanislaus County, San Joaquin County, and the Central Valley.
Disclaimer: I am a real estate agent, not a lender or government program representative. Program availability, funding, income limits, purchase limits, repayment terms, credit requirements, loan approval, property eligibility, and guidelines may change. Buyers should verify all current requirements directly with the City of Turlock, a qualified lender, and appropriate housing program representatives before applying or making purchase decisions.
