If you are buying your first home in San Diego, start with your finances, not open houses. Get clear on your monthly budget, speak with a lender, check first-time buyer assistance, and understand the full cost of ownership. Then choose locations and properties that fit both your lifestyle and your numbers.

1. How much can you comfortably afford?

Start with the monthly payment you can live with, not simply the maximum amount a lender will approve. Include the mortgage, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues if applicable, and money for maintenance.

2. Should you talk to a lender before looking at homes?

Yes. A lender can review your income, credit, debts, savings, and loan options. Getting pre-approved also tells you what price range is realistic before you start seriously shopping.

3. Do you need 20% down?

Not necessarily. California Housing Finance Agency, or CalHFA, currently offers programs that can help eligible first-time buyers with down payment and closing costs. Its MyHome program, for example, provides eligible borrowers with deferred-payment assistance of up to 3% on certain conventional loans or 3.5% on certain government loans. Source: California Housing Finance Agency, 2026. CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program [VERIFY: Confirm current MyHome terms and buyer eligibility with CalHFA before publishing.]

4. Are there San Diego-specific assistance programs?

Yes. The San Diego Housing Commission administers several first-time home buyer programs, depending on where the property is located and household income. Some programs offer deferred-payment down payment loans and closing-cost assistance. Source: San Diego Housing Commission, 2025-2026. SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Programs [VERIFY: Check SDHC’s current funding-availability table before publishing. Some City of San Diego programs currently show no available funding, while certain County programs show funds available.]

5. Should you compare different loan options?

Absolutely. Ask your lender to explain conventional, FHA, VA if eligible, and any CalHFA programs you qualify for. Compare the total payment and cash required, not just the interest rate.

6. How much cash will you need besides the down payment?

Plan for closing costs, inspections, appraisal expenses, prepaid insurance, taxes, and reserves after closing. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends comparing the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure carefully. Source: CFPB, 2024. CFPB Your Home Loan Toolkit

7. What areas of San Diego should you consider?

Decide what matters most about the location, such as commute, property type, lot size, HOA costs, access to transportation, and nearby services. Then compare what your budget actually buys in several areas instead of focusing on one ZIP code.

8. Should you investigate homeowners insurance before making an offer?

Yes. Insurance availability and pricing can vary by property, especially where wildfire exposure is a factor. The California Department of Insurance notes that wildfire risk can significantly affect premiums. Source: California Department of Insurance, 2026. California Homeowners Insurance Comparison Tool [VERIFY: Obtain an actual insurance quote for the specific property before removing an insurance-related contingency.]

9. Why is the home inspection important?

An inspection can uncover issues with the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, foundation, drainage, HVAC, and other components. Depending on the property, additional specialty inspections may make sense.

10. What should you remember about property taxes after closing?

A purchase usually triggers reassessment. San Diego County may then send a supplemental property tax bill in addition to the regular annual bill. Source: San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector, 2026. San Diego County Supplemental Property Taxes [VERIFY: Confirm the current supplemental-tax process with the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector.]

For a first-time buyer, the goal is not simply to qualify for a house. It is to buy a property whose total cost still works after you get the keys. A good lender, careful property research, and a clear budget make the process much easier to navigate.