First-Time Homebuyers Program
The City of Petaluma has had a First Time Homebuyer Program since the mid-1980’s. Petaluma is committed to making the owning of a home an affordable, reachable reality for low to moderate income home buyers. The program was created to give low and moderate income families the opportunity to participate in the “American Dream” of home ownership. The program makes housing affordable to families that would otherwise not be able to afford to live in Petaluma.
Program Details
The First Time Homebuyers Program is available for low and moderate-income households. Low and moderate income is from 80% to 120% of the area’s median income. This is determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is updated each year.
The City of Petaluma has subsidized the home financing with “silent seconds”. Resale controls are in place on all of the residences. The silent second mortgages are funded by revenues from in-lieu fees or land donations made by residential real estate developers.
After obtaining the maximum first mortgage your income will support, the City will provide funding to help bridge the gap between the amount of your first loan and the purchase price of the home. The City loan is secured by a second Deed of Trust on the property.
Application Process
Contact the Housing Division (
707.778.4555 ) to request a First Time Homebuyer Application or you may download (pdf) the application.
Complete and return the application to the Housing Division at 27 Howard Street, Petaluma, CA 94952.
Your name will be placed on our mailing list and you will be notified by mail when a home becomes available for purchase.
Eligibility Criteria
- First Time Home Buyer: You cannot have owned a home as their prinicipal residence within three (3) years prior to applying for this program
with certain exceptions.
- Owner Occupied: The home must be your principal place of residence and cannot be leased or rented during the term of the City loan.
- Families that live or work within the City Limits are given a preference to purchase these homes.
- Maximum Income: The household maximum qualifying incomes are revised annually and are as follows:
Household Size |
Annual Gross Income (100% of median income) |
1 |
$65,400 |
2 |
$74,640 |
3 |
$84,000 |
4 |
$93,360 |
5 |
$100,800 |
6 |
$108,240 |
Communities in the Program
- Magnolia Hills – Established in 1988
- Madison Manor – Established in 1990
- Cherry Hills – Established in 1992
- Hillview Oaks – Established in 1992
- Corona Crescent – Established in 1994
- Wisteria Homes – Established in 1996
- Frates Square – Established in 2007
For More Information
To receive more information about the First Time Homebuyers Program contact:
Sue Castellucci, Housing Coordinator
City of Petaluma
27 Howard Street, Petaluma, CA
707.778.4563
(FAX) 707.778.4586
email: scastellucci@ci.petaluma.ca.us
Or
Marilyn Dwyer
City of Petaluma
27 Howard Street, Petaluma, CA
707.778.4563
(FAX) 707.778.4586
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