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Am I Actually Ready to Buy a Home? A Simple Checklist for First-Time Buyers
A simple checklist to see how close you are to buying a home. ...more
Down Payment Assistance
December 10, 2025•3 min read
How to Qualify for a Home Loan With Average or Low Credit (5 Steps That Actually Work)
Learn how to qualify for a home loan with average or low credit using 5 proven steps. Discover real credit requirements, down payment assistance options, and lender strategies that help buyers with 58... ...more
Down Payment Assistance
December 04, 2025•2 min read
The 10 Best Down Payment Assistance Programs in Detroit (2025 Update)
Explore Detroit’s most powerful down payment assistance programs, including grants up to $25K. A complete 2025 guide for first-time buyers and renters. ...more
Down Payment Assistance
December 03, 2025•2 min read
How to Buy a Home With $0 Down in 2025 (Even If You Think You Can’t)
Discover how to buy a home with no money down in 2025. Explore grants, down payment assistance, zero-down loans, and simple steps renters can take to start their homeownership journey. ...more
Down Payment Assistance
December 03, 2025•4 min read
The Truth About Down Payment Programs
Your Complete Coaching Guide by John Collins
"I've helped hundreds of people buy homes with down payment assistance regardless of their financial situation. Let me show you exactly how to
maximize your chances of approval and get those keys."
"I've helped over 500 California families secure CalHFA assistance. Let me show you exactly how tomaximize your chances of approval and get up to 3.5% in down payment help."
Coach's Personal Note
As someone who has guided hundreds of first-time buyers through this process, I can tell you these programs are a game-changer. But here's what most people don't know: timing and preparation are everything. The families who succeed follow a specific strategy that I've perfected over 15 years of coaching.
89%
Client Approval Rate
$12K
Average Assistance
Secured
45
Days Average Process
500+
Families Helped
My Proven Success Strategy
After working with hundreds of clients, I've identified the exact steps that lead to program approval. Here's the strategy I personally use with every client:
Pre-Qualification Assessment
Before we even touch the application, I run a comprehensive eligibility analysis. This includes income calculations,
credit optimization strategies, and identifying potential red flags before they become problems.
Document Strategy & Preparation
I provide you with a personalized document checklist and help you organize everything perfectly. Many applications get delayed because of document issues - we eliminate that risk completely.
Application Timing & Submission
Timing matters more than people think. I help you submit when funding levels are optimal and competition is lowest, significantly improving your approval odds.
Follow-Up & Advocacy
I don't disappear after submission. I actively monitor your application status and advocate directly with CalHFA when
needed. My clients get answers faster.
Program Overview
Coach's Insider Tip
These programs offers up to 3.5% of your home's purchase price in down payment assistance, but here's what they don't advertise: you can combine these with other programs. I regularly help clients stack with local city programs for even more assistance.
Income Limits (Updated 2025)
County
Detroit
Miami
Los Angeles
New York
1 Person
$35,350
$118,050
$93,300
$78,200
2 Person
$48,480
$134,900
$106,650
$89,400
3 Person
$54,060
$151,750
$120,000
$100,550
4+ Person
$60,600
$168,600
$133,350
$111,750
Working with John Collins was the best decision we made in our home buying journey. he helped us navigate MlFHA and secure $30,000 in assistance we didn't even know we qualified for. Without his guidance, we'd probably still be renting.
Working with the Down Payment Assistance Coach was the best decision we made in our home buying journey. She helped us navigate CalHFA and secure $15,000 in assistance we didn't even know we qualified for. Without her guidance, we'd probably still be renting.
- Maria & Carlos Rodriguez, Detroit
Frequently Asked Questions
How is coaching different from just applying myself?
Great question! While you can certainly apply on your own, my coaching dramatically increases your success rate. I know exactly what CalHFA looks for, how to position your application for maximum appeal, and I have direct relationships with program administrators. My clients get approved at an 89% rate vs. the general 67% approval rate.
What does your coaching service include?
My full-service coaching includes: eligibility assessment, credit optimization strategies, complete document preparation, application review, submission timing advice, ongoing status monitoring, and post-approval guidance. Plus, you get direct access to me throughout the entire process.
How much does coaching cost vs. the assistance I'll receive?
My coaching investment is typically 2-5% of the assistance you'll receive. For example, if you secure $15,000 in CalHFA assistance (which is average for my clients), your coaching investment is a fraction of that amount. Plus, I often help clients find additional programs that more than pay for the coaching cost.
What if I don't get approved? Do you offer a guarantee?
I'm so confident in my system that I offer a success guarantee. If you follow my complete process and don't get approved for ANY down payment assistance program (not just CalHFA), I'll refund your coaching investment. That's how certain I am that my strategy works.
Ready to Secure Your Assistance?
Don't leave $50,000+ on the table. Let me guide you through the process with my proven system.
Helping renters access thousands of down payment assistance programs & grants regardless of credit.
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