Buying in Pleasanton but the down payment feels out of reach? You’re not alone. Many qualified buyers can afford the monthly payment yet struggle to bridge the upfront cash gap. The good news: Alameda County’s AC Boost can help you close that gap with interest-free assistance. In this guide, you’ll learn how AC Boost works, who qualifies in Pleasanton, how much you might receive, and the exact steps to get ready and write a competitive offer. Let’s dive in.
AC Boost at a glance
AC Boost is Alameda County’s Measure A1 down payment assistance program managed by Hello Housing. It provides an interest-free, shared-appreciation junior loan to help first-time and displaced buyers who live or work in Alameda County, which includes Pleasanton. Learn the basics on the AC Boost program page.
You make no monthly payment on the AC Boost loan while you own and occupy the home. You repay the original loan plus a prorated share of your home’s appreciation at sale, when you stop occupying the home, on a cash-out refinance, or at 30 years.
Who qualifies in Pleasanton
- You must live or work at least 32 hours per week in Alameda County, or meet the program’s displaced resident criteria.
- You must meet the program’s first-time homebuyer definition.
- Your household income and assets must fall within program limits.
Check current income tiers, asset rules, and definitions on AC Boost’s Check Eligibility page.
How much assistance you could receive
AC Boost ties award size to income relative to Area Median Income. Program materials indicate households at or below 120% AMI may qualify for up to $160,000, while households at or below 100% AMI may qualify for up to $210,000. Because limits update periodically, verify your household’s current tier on the Check Eligibility page.
Funding is limited and distributed through cycles with a lottery. Always confirm the latest application window on the Apply for AC Boost page before you plan around timing.
What Pleasanton properties are eligible
Eligible property types in Alameda County include single-family homes, condos, townhomes, lofts or live-work units if used as your primary residence, and manufactured homes that meet foundation and title requirements. Exclusions include multi-unit properties, co-ops, certain manufactured or mobile homes, non-arm’s-length sales, and properties that do not meet vacancy or occupancy rules often set at 90 days. Review details on the program’s Shop for a home page.
Application timing and process
AC Boost typically uses a pre-application followed by a lottery. If selected, you’ll submit a full application with a participating lender’s preapproval and a homebuyer education certificate. Because cycles open and close, check the Apply for AC Boost page for current status and deadlines.
Step-by-step: Get AC Boost ready
- Confirm eligibility
- Use the program’s Check Eligibility tools to review residency or work requirements, first-time buyer status, income tiers, and asset limits.
- Complete homebuyer education
- Enroll in an approved course now so your certificate is ready when you’re invited to apply. The requirement is outlined on the eligibility page.
- Get preapproved with a participating lender
- AC Boost requires preapproval from a participating lender trained on the program. Start early so you can move fast if you are invited after the lottery. See lender information on the program’s Participating lenders page.
- Align your search with AC Boost rules
- Work with your Realtor to confirm property type, HOA requirements, and any title or foundation items before you write an offer. Use the program’s Shop for a home checklist as a guide.
How shared appreciation works
AC Boost uses a shared-appreciation model. At payoff you repay the original AC Boost loan plus a prorated share of the home’s appreciation.
Illustrative example: Suppose you buy a Pleasanton home for $800,000 and receive a $160,000 AC Boost loan. That loan equals 20% of your purchase price. If the home later sells for $900,000, the appreciation is $100,000. Your shared appreciation portion would be about 20% of that $100,000, or $20,000, plus your original $160,000. See the program’s explanation on the AC Boost overview page.
Refinances: Cash-out refinances trigger repayment. Rate-and-term refinances may be allowed without repayment if the County agrees to subordinate and there is no cash out. Review payoff and subordination rules on Repay your loan.
Writing competitive offers in Pleasanton
Pleasanton can be competitive, so build your offer around AC Boost timelines.
- Coordinate appraisal, inspection, and escrow with the program’s closing steps.
- Let your lender and escrow know early that a junior lien will be recorded.
- Use a Realtor who understands AC Boost property criteria and documents, which can streamline your path to closing.
Layering with Pleasanton or state programs
Many buyers pursue multiple assistance options. Explore Pleasanton’s local down payment assistance and other programs on the city’s housing programs page. Some buyers also consider state assistance like CalHFA MyHome. If you plan to layer programs, confirm subordination and lender acceptance in writing with all parties.
Key risks and trade-offs
- Funding is limited and not always open. Application windows and lotteries control access. Check the Apply for AC Boost page for current status.
- Shared appreciation reduces your net proceeds at payoff. Model this in your long-term plans and discuss scenarios with your lender.
- Property restrictions apply. Some homes will not qualify, so verify eligibility early using the Shop for a home guidance.
Ready to map out your path? If you want a Pleasanton search plan tailored to AC Boost timelines, property rules, and your budget, reach out to the Aliloupour Real Estate Team. We’ll help you prepare, align the right lender, and write a strong, compliant offer.
FAQs
Can you use AC Boost to buy in Pleasanton?
- Yes. Pleasanton is in Alameda County, and eligible buyers who live or work in the county can use AC Boost on qualifying properties in Pleasanton.
How much assistance can Pleasanton first-time buyers receive?
- Program materials indicate up to $160,000 for households at or below 120% AMI and up to $210,000 for households at or below 100% AMI, subject to current limits.
When do you repay the AC Boost loan?
- You repay at sale, if you stop occupying the home, at 30 years, or on a cash-out refinance; rate-and-term refinances may be allowed with subordination and no cash out.
Is AC Boost accepting applications right now?
- The program opens and closes in funding cycles with a lottery, so you should check the current status on the AC Boost site before planning next steps.
What Pleasanton property types qualify for AC Boost?
- Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and some live-work or manufactured homes can be eligible, while multi-unit properties and certain mobile homes are excluded.
Do you need a specific lender to use AC Boost?
- Yes. You must be preapproved by a participating lender trained on AC Boost requirements as part of the full application process.
