OpenHome Down Payment Assistance
We are committed to empowering families and helping them thrive through homeownership. Our commitment to the dream of homeownership, includes empowering and equipping families to be mortgage-ready through education and resources, and continues with the OpenHome program – providing up to $10,000 of down-payment assistance to qualifying families. These grants are a grant, requiring no repayment.
Program Overview
We are committed to empowering families and helping them thrive through homeownership. Our commitment to the dream of homeownership, includes empowering and equipping families to be mortgage-ready through education and resources, and continues with the OpenHome program – providing up to $10,000 of down-payment assistance to qualifying families. These grants are a grant, requiring no repayment.
The OpenHome program provides down-payment assistance to qualifying families. These grants are a grant, requiring no repayment.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a first-time homebuyer (someone who has not owned or occupied their home in the last three years, and who has not lived in a home owned by a spouse in the past three years).
- Must meet specific income limits based on household size and property must be located within a majority, minority-owned census tract.
- Must complete an approved 8-hour homebuyer education course.
- The property being purchased must be located within the Central Valley region of the State of California, specifically within Fresno or Madera counties.
- Must qualify for a first mortgage through a recognized lender.
Grant Tiers
The grant amount will be determined by the applicant’s gross household income in relation to the Area Median Income (AMI), as well as other relevant factors such as location.
Eligibility
Households earning up to 80% of the AMI, AND MUST purchase a home in a majority minority-owned census tract.
Eligibility
Households earning 81%-120% of the AMI, AND MUST purchase a home in a majority minority-owned census tract.
Program Procedures
Application Process
Lender must apply on behalf of homebuyer.
The Representative MUST:
- Verify/confirm the property being purchased is within a majority minority-owned census tract
- Verify/confirm total household income in order to verify program eligibility
- Provide additional data for program impact purposes, including but not limited to: race/ethnicity, loan type, household size, email address, escrow closing date
- Provide certificate of completion of an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course
- Submit other property information and sales contract (when available).
Review and Approval
- Documentation will be reviewed by the program staff to verify eligibility.
- Approved applicants will be notified in writing within 5-7 business days of submission with a Verification letter. Applicants will need to sign that letter, acknowledging the grant and program requirements, and return to info@beyondhousingfresno.org .
- Grant funds are reserved upon approval and will be distributed at closing with proper notifications.
Grant Distribution
- Grant funds will be paid directly to the title company or closing agent at the time of closing escrow. A letter with wiring instructions will be required and will be verified by program staff.
- Funds must be used solely for the down payment assistance and closing costs.
- If the applicant does not close on the home, Beyond Housing Foundation assumes no liability for any funds that may have been initially stated.
Additional Program Details
Funding Availability
Grants are subject to availability and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on funding levels.
Homebuyer Education
Participation in a HUD-certified homebuyer education course (8 hours) is mandatory to help first-time buyers prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Eligible Use
Applicants may use these funds for down payment assistance and closing cost purposes only; however, the funds are eligible for simultaneous use or can be layered with other funding streams for down payment assistance.
Program FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, funding, applications, and program requirements.
View all 14 frequently asked questions
1. Does a homebuyer need to be in escrow for a specific property before applying for OpenHome funds?
Yes. The homebuyer must have an executed purchase contract for a specific property when applying for OpenHome assistance.
2. Does a lender or brokerage need to be approved to participate in the OpenHome program?
No. There is no separate lender or brokerage approval requirement to participate in the OpenHome program.
3. Where can I complete the required 8-hour homebuyer education course?
Applicants must complete an 8-hour homebuyer education course through any HUD-approved housing counseling agency. For assistance, applicants can search for local agencies by visiting the HUD-approved housing counseling agencies directory (opens in a new tab).
4. Is there a minimum credit score requirement for the OpenHome program?
No. The OpenHome program does not verify credit information or establish a minimum credit score requirement. Applicants must still meet the financing requirements established by their lender.
5. Can OpenHome funds be combined with a buyer’s own funds or other sources of down payment assistance?
Yes. OpenHome funds may be used alongside additional eligible funds, grants, and loans to assist toward the homebuyer’s down payment and/or closing costs.
6. Does the OpenHome program have debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions?
No. The OpenHome program does not establish a DTI requirement. Program eligibility is based on the applicable Area Median Income (AMI) limits and the requirements for Tier 1 or Tier 2. Lenders may have separate DTI requirements for mortgage qualification.
7. Is the OpenHome program available to homebuyers working with any lender?
Yes. The program is available to eligible homebuyers regardless of the lender they are working with, provided all OpenHome program requirements are met.
8. Can OpenHome funds be reserved before a homebuyer is under contract or ready to close?
No. OpenHome funds cannot be reserved in advance. The homebuyer must be under contract and approaching closing before funds can be awarded.
9. How do I submit an application and required documentation for the OpenHome program?
All applications must be submitted through the OpenHome application portal. Required documentation must be uploaded through the portal as part of the application process.
10. How are income eligibility and household size determined for the OpenHome program?
Income eligibility is determined by the annual income listed for the loan. The applicable HUD AMI limits are verified based on the number of individuals living in the home.
11. How much OpenHome down payment assistance can an eligible first-time homebuyer receive?
Eligible first-time homebuyers may qualify for assistance up to the maximum amount available under the applicable program tier. The actual award will be based on the amount necessary to meet the homebuyer’s eligible down payment and/or closing costs.
12. Is OpenHome assistance provided as a loan or lien against the property?
No. OpenHome assistance is provided as a grant and does not create a lien against the property.
13. Who is considered a first-time homebuyer?
For purposes of the program, a first-time homebuyer is generally an individual who has not had an ownership interest in a principal residence during the three years prior to purchasing a home, consistent with the HUD definition of a first-time homebuyer.
14. How do I know if the home qualifies under a majority-minority-owned census tract of 50% or more?
Use the 2026 Census Geocoder map (opens in a new tab) to look up the property location.
Apply for OpenHome Down Payment Assistance
Complete the online application or contact info@beyondhousingfresno.org .
Beyond Housing Foundation Continues OpenHome Down Payment Assistance Program with Support from U.S. Bank
August 17, 2026