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Not a first-time homebuyer?
You may still apply for our first mortgage loans if your property is located in a Targeted Area.
Loan Programs
CalHFA offers a variety of loan programs to help you purchase your first home.
FIRST MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAMS
“First” mortgage loans are home loans with a 30-year term and an interest rate that remains fixed throughout the entire 30 years. This means that the interest rate will never change during the course of your loan, so you know what to expect from your first payment until you sell, refinance or pay off your loan in full.
Government Loan Programs
CalHFA FHA (Targeted Areas) Loan Program
This FHA first mortgage is insured/guaranteed by FHA to enhance affordability and homeownership opportunities in the form of a 30-year, fixed rate loan. This loan is available in Federally Designated Targeted Areas only.
DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The money you put "down" or the down payment on your home loan can be one of the largest hurdles for many first-time homebuyers. That's why CalHFA offers several options for down payment and closing cost assistance. This type of assistance is often called a second or subordinate loan. CalHFA's subordinate loans are "silent seconds", meaning payments on this loan are deferred so you do not have to make a payment on this assistance until your home is sold, refinanced or paid in full. This helps to keep your monthly mortgage payment affordable.
California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program (CHDAP)
Offers a deferred-payment subordinate loan in the amount of (3%) of the purchase price or appraised value, which ever is less to be used for down payment and/or closing costs.
OTHER PARTNERSHIP & PROGRAM OPTIONS
Mortgage Credit Certificate Tax Credit Program (MCC)
A federal credit which can reduce potential federal income tax liability, creating additional net spendable income which borrowers may use toward their monthly mortgage payment. This MCC Tax Credit program may enable first-time homebuyers to convert a portion of their annual mortgage interest into a direct dollar for dollar tax credit on their U.S. individual income tax returns.
Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP)
A joint effort by CalHFA and cities, counties, redevelopment agencies and housing authorities whereby assistance from a locality is utilized by the first-time homebuyer to help them with down payment and/or closing costs.
Individual Development Accounts
IDA's are special savings accounts designed to assist low income borrowers on their path toward ownership of a long-term asset, such as a home, through matched contributions by nonprofit organizations and eligible banks. These organizations may offer up to a 3:1 savings match (i.e., if you save $1,000, you will receive an additional $3,000). To find an organization that offers an IDA program please follow the link above, or refer to our Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) list and look for "IDA" or "AHP/IDEA/WISH" Programs.
HUD - Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program may enable qualified first-time
homebuyers to receive monthly assistance for homeownership expenses in lieu of monthly rent aid. Pursuant to Congressional authority, HUD has authorized states and Public Housing Authorities (PHA's) to provide this assistance using funds available through the Section 8 rental voucher program.
The PHA's may choose to participate in offering the Section 8 for homeownership but are not required to do so. Under the Program at least 30% of the eligible homebuyers' income will go to pay the homeownership expenses with Section 8 covering the remainder.
For additional information:
Utility Energy Efficiency & Solar Programs
California's various Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and Publicly-Owned Utilities (POUs) offer a variety of Energy-Efficiency and Solar programs designed to assist single-family and multifamily owners in covering or deferring the cost of making their properties go green.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety. Among low-income households, the program focuses on those with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.
