FTHB loan question

Question, FTHB here, single applicant, lcol ares more likely. Lender, really nice btw, asked me a question regarding applying for CA state funded FTHB down payment program w/ conventional vs conventional w/ a different FTHB down payment program. The CA one btw offers upto 20% and is lottery style that can take a year before you know if you’ve been chosen. My timeline is to hopefully purchase within the next 6 months and planning to never move again.

“Do you want more cash in your pocket or more buying power?” I immediately chose the latter. She’s going to run numbers for a side by side comparison for me Monday.

All the research I’ve done for the past year to prepare for the home buying process, in the pre-qualifying stage currently, and I’m brutally second guessing myself, lol. My choice to be a stronger buyer was the better choice, right?

When she shows me the comparison, any tips or insights on what to look for?

Thanks for taking the time to help!