CalPLUS FHA Program
Program Eligibility | Interest Rate | Homebuyer Education | How to Apply
The CalPLUS FHA program is an FHA-insured first mortgage with a slightly higher 30 year fixed interest rate than our standard FHA program and is combined with the CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) for closing costs.
Review the sections below to find out more about the CalPLUS FHA program.
CalPLUS FHA Program
Program Eligibility
Review the guidelines below for both Borrower and Property Requirements to determine if you may be eligible to apply for the CalPLUS Conventional.
Borrower Requirements
- Occupy the property as a primary residence; non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed.
- CalHFA borrowers must complete homebuyer education counseling and obtain a certificate of completion through an eligible homebuyer counseling organization.
- Meet CalHFA income limits for this program.
*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive.
Property Requirements
- Be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs
- Guest houses, granny units and in-law quarters may be eligible
- Manufactured housing is permitted
- Condominiums must meet the guidelines of the first mortgage
*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive.
CalPLUS FHA Program
Interest Rate
What is the interest rate?
Interest rates will vary depending on your financial circumstances, lender fees, and other factors. Interest rates can also change daily. We recommend that you check with a CalHFA-approved loan officer to receive an accurate rate quote for this program.
CalHFA does not lend money directly to consumers. CalHFA works through and uses approved lenders to qualify consumers and to make all mortgage loans. The fees you pay could be different depending on the lender and the program. View sample Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) here.
CalPLUS FHA Program
Homebuyer Education Requirement
CalHFA firmly believes that homebuyer education and counseling is critical to the success and happiness of a homeowner, and requires homebuyer education and counseling for first-time homebuyers using a CalHFA program.
Who has to take this Homebuyer Education and Counseling course?
Only one occupying first-time borrower on each loan transaction.
How do I take this education and counseling course?
- ONLINE: eHome's eight-hour Homebuyer Education and Counseling course is the only online course accepted by CalHFA. (fee: $99) Other online courses like Frameworks and HomeView are not acceptable because they do not provide a one-hour, 1-on-1 counseling follow-up session.
- IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL: Live Homebuyer Education and Counseling in-person or virtually though NeighborWorks America or any HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency
(fee: varies by agency)
CalPLUS FHA Program
How To Apply
How do I apply for this loan program?
Since CalHFA is not a direct lender, our mortgage products are offered through private loan officers who have been approved & trained by our Agency. These loan officers can help you find out more about CalHFA’s programs and guide you through the home buying process.
Visit the Find a Loan Officer tab, to contact a loan officer in your area.
What documents should I have ready when contacting a loan officer?
When initially contacting a loan officer, you may want to have this list of documents and information available to help answer questions that they will ask you:
- Pay stubs
- Bank statements
- Employment history
- Previous tax returns