California’s housing finance agency, CalHFA, runs the main statewide programs, and many cities and counties add their own help on top.
What is different in California
- CalHFA first mortgages pair a conventional or FHA loan with CalHFA’s pricing and its down payment assistance.
- MyHome Assistance is a deferred junior loan toward the down payment or closing costs, repaid when you sell or refinance.
- Dream For All pays part of the price as a shared-appreciation loan for first-generation buyers, selected by drawing in funded rounds.
- Local programs such as Los Angeles County’s and the City of Los Angeles’ assistance loans have their own income limits and waiting lists.
- Most programs need a homebuyer education course and set income and price limits by county.
Questions
Is California giving first-time buyers money for a down payment?
Mostly as loans rather than grants: CalHFA’s MyHome Assistance and Dream For All are repaid when you sell or refinance, and Dream For All also takes a share of appreciation.
Who is eligible for the Dream For All program?
First-time, first-generation buyers within CalHFA’s income limits for the county, buying a primary home, chosen by drawing when a round is funded.
Can I combine CalHFA assistance with a local program?
Often, yes, as long as each program’s rules allow the others. Stacking is common in Los Angeles; I check which combinations work for your county.
Related
- First-time buyers
- Pre-qualification vs pre-approval
- Home affordability calculator
- Closing costs and cash to close calculator
First-time homebuyer programs in other states: Arizona, Florida, Ohio. All of California: mortgage loans in California.
