Empower Homebuyers is a down payment assistance loan for first-time homebuyers in Santa Clara County. Home ownership comes with many rights and responsibilities.These include the requirements to file certain required forms and to pay property taxes. Down Payment Assistance Resources. Applications for the state's highdemand loan program for firsttime home buyers will close on Monday, April 29 at 5 p.m.. By entering just a few figures, such as the purchase price of the home, the amount of the down payment, the amount of the loan and the mortgage term length, you.