Last updated October 2026 by Tim Stacey, Stacey Solutions powered by Xpert Home Lending, Inc NMLS 2179191.
Part of our Fairfield home loan guides: First time buyer programs across California · Conventional loans in Fairfield · FHA loans in Fairfield · VA loans in Fairfield
Quick answer: First time buyers in Fairfield can buy with $0 down using a VA loan, 3% down with a conventional loan, or 3.5% down with an FHA loan. The City of Fairfield’s Silent Loan and CalHOME programs are on hold, so the main down payment help today is CalHFA MyHome Assistance, a deferred loan of up to 3% or 3.5% of the price for buyers earning up to $246,000 in Solano County. On a $600,000 home, that can cover an $18,000 to $21,000 down payment.
Fairfield has more homes changing hands than a year ago, and prices have eased a little. Redfin reports 251 sales in August 2026, up 23%, at a median of $600,000, with homes selling for about 99.1% of list price. For a first time buyer, that combination means more choices and a bit more room to negotiate.
I am an independent mortgage broker based in Solano County. I compare first time buyer programs across many lenders and help you sort out which ones you actually qualify for. Here is where things stand for Fairfield buyers in 2026.
City of Fairfield Homebuyer Programs: Current Status
| City program | Status | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Silent Loan Down Payment Assistance | On hold until further notice | Not available for new purchases right now |
| CalHOME Program | On hold until further notice | Not available for new purchases right now |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate | On hold, city reports it is out of allocations | No new certificates at this time |
Source: City of Fairfield Affordable Housing Division. Status can change, so call the division at 707-428-7095 to check before you plan around a city program. If a city program reopens, I can help you see whether it fits with your loan.
First Time Buyer Help You Can Use Now
CalHFA MyHome Assistance
MyHome is a deferred payment junior loan, so there is no monthly payment on it until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. It provides up to 3.5% of the price or appraised value with a CalHFA FHA loan, or up to 3% with a CalHFA conventional loan, for the down payment, closing costs, or both. You must be a first time buyer, live in the home, meet the $246,000 Solano County income limit, and complete homebuyer education. State funding sets availability, so I confirm it at application.
3% Down Conventional
HomeReady and Home Possible allow 3% down with reduced mortgage insurance for buyers at or below 80% of the area median income, and the mortgage insurance can be removed later. Details are in the conventional loans in Fairfield guide.
FHA With Down Payment Assistance
FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580 credit score and accepts gift funds from family. Paired with MyHome or a lender assistance program, it can sharply reduce the cash you bring to closing. See the FHA loans in Fairfield guide for a full payment example.
VA Loans for Veterans and Service Members
If you are a veteran or service member, including anyone stationed at Travis Air Force Base, a VA loan offers $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance. Read VA home loans in Fairfield for 2026 funding fees and a local example.
What Your First Fairfield Home Could Look Like Each Month
Here is a sample budget on a $600,000 Fairfield home with 3% down conventional at the October 22, 2026 Freddie Mac average of 7.32%.
| Monthly item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Principal and interest on $582,000 | $3,998 |
| Property taxes at about 1.15% | About $575 |
| Private mortgage insurance | Depends on credit score, quoted from lender pricing |
| Homeowners insurance | Depends on the home, quoted by your insurance agent |
| Mello Roos or HOA, if any | Depends on the neighborhood |
With MyHome covering the 3%, the cash you bring is mainly closing costs and reserves. Sellers in Fairfield sometimes agree to help with closing costs, especially when a home has been listed for a few weeks.
A 90 Day Plan to Buy Your First Home in Fairfield
- Day 1 to 14: review your credit with me and fix anything holding your score down.
- Day 1 to 30: gather pay stubs, W2s, tax returns, and bank statements, and line up any gift from family.
- Day 15 to 45: finish homebuyer education if your program requires it.
- Day 30 to 45: get a full preapproval with a written estimate of your cash to close.
- Day 45 to 90: shop with your agent, make an offer, and move through appraisal and final approval to closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Fairfield have a first time homebuyer program right now?
The City of Fairfield lists its Silent Loan Down Payment Assistance Program and CalHOME Program as on hold until further notice, and it reports being out of Mortgage Credit Certificate allocations. Fairfield buyers can still use statewide help such as CalHFA MyHome Assistance, along with 3% down conventional, FHA, and VA loans.
What is the CalHFA income limit for Fairfield?
CalHFA uses county limits. For Solano County, which includes Fairfield, the CalHFA income limit is $246,000, effective June 30, 2026.
How much cash do I need to buy my first home in Fairfield?
On a $600,000 home, close to Fairfield’s August 2026 median, the minimum down payment is $0 with a VA loan, $18,000 with 3% down conventional, or $21,000 with 3.5% down FHA. CalHFA MyHome can cover that down payment for eligible buyers. You will also need closing costs and a small cushion, and I give you a written estimate before you make an offer.
Do I have to be a first time buyer to get 3% down?
No. Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible allow 3% down for repeat buyers too, as long as your income is at or below 80% of the area median income for the home’s location and you will live in the home. CalHFA MyHome, on the other hand, is only for first time buyers.
I am a civilian employee at Travis Air Force Base. What first home options do I have?
The same options as any Fairfield buyer: 3% down conventional, 3.5% down FHA, and CalHFA MyHome Assistance if you qualify. If you also have military service of your own, a VA loan with $0 down is usually the place to start.
How long does it take to get ready to buy in Fairfield?
Many buyers are ready in 30 to 90 days. The biggest factors are your credit, documenting your income and savings, and finishing homebuyer education if your program needs it. The CalHFA approved online course takes about eight hours.
Examples are illustrations only, not a loan offer or rate quote. Rates change daily and your actual terms depend on your credit, income, property, and the lender. Payment figures use the Freddie Mac 30 year fixed average of 7.32% from October 22, 2026.
Ready to Start Your Fairfield Home Search?
I will review your credit, income, and savings and show you which programs fit, with a written estimate of your cash to close. Contact me here to get started.
Related Fairfield and Solano County Resources
Mortgage broker in Fairfield · California first time buyer programs · First time buyers in Vacaville · Mortgage calculators
Related reading: Solano County home offer tips: 5 smart ways to win
Sources: City of Fairfield Affordable Housing Division program page; CalHFA MyHome Assistance program and CalHFA income limits effective June 30, 2026; Fannie Mae HomeReady fact sheet, February 2026; HUD 2026 FHA loan limits; Redfin Fairfield housing market data for August 2026; Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, October 22, 2026; Ownwell Fairfield property tax data, April 2026.