Down payment assistance
LA County Home Ownership Program (HOP) — Down Payment Help
The Home Ownership Program (HOP) from the LA County Development Authority helps first-time buyers in eligible parts of Los Angeles County. It provides gap financing — a deferred second loan of up to approximately $100,000 (tiered by income) — for down payment and closing costs.
How it works
HOP is a deferred, low-interest second loan. It covers the gap between what you can afford and the purchase price, up to program limits. The property must be in an eligible LA County area (unincorporated county or a participating city) and meet price/condition rules.
Who qualifies
- First-time homebuyer (no ownership in the past 3 years)
- Household income within LACDA limits (HOP80 / HOP120 tiers)
- Purchase in an eligible LA County area
- Complete homebuyer education
- Owner-occupied primary residence
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between HOP80 and HOP120?
- They're income tiers — HOP80 serves households up to 80% of area median income, HOP120 up to 120%. The tier affects how much assistance you may qualify for.
- Is HOP the same as the City of LA's LIPA?
- No. HOP is run by the County (LACDA) for eligible LA County areas; LIPA is run by the City for properties within Los Angeles city limits. We'll point you to the right one for your target area.
Other assistance programs
Program terms, dollar amounts, income limits, and funding availability change frequently and are set by the administering agency — not by USA Mortgage Solutions. This page is general information only, not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of eligibility. Confirm current details with a loan officer. Equal Housing Lender.