There are many first time home programs which offer great ways to get a grant mortgage loan.  California offers both CalPlus Conventional Loan Program as well as similar FHA loan programs associated with California. The Cal-EMM loan program is a grant program  which combines an FHA loan and and insured Energy Efficient first mortgage loan so long as your home purchase includes energy efficient improvements on the home.

California Mortgage Loan Grant Programs:

1. CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) for down payment assistance and/or closing costs.
2. Cal-EEM Grant, making energy efficient improvements even easier while getting a home loan.

Consult with a mortgage lending professional to get the best outcome for these type of grant programs.