I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. Call (800) 239-1103.
California First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Down Payment Assistance
California has some of the best first-time homebuyer assistance programs in the country — yet most buyers don’t know they exist until after they’ve already closed. Here’s the full breakdown for 2026.
CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
This is California’s flagship down payment assistance program. The state provides up to 20% of the purchase price as a silent second loan — no monthly payments. In exchange, when you sell or refinance, you repay the original loan amount plus 20% of the home’s appreciation. In 2026, Dream For All is available on a voucher lottery system due to high demand. Income limits apply (typically 120–150% of Area Median Income depending on county).
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
Provides a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5% of the purchase price for FHA loans or 3% for conventional loans. No interest accrues during the deferral period. Can be combined with Dream For All. Income limits and purchase price caps apply — higher in Bay Area counties.
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
Covers closing costs with a deferred-payment, zero-interest loan of up to 3% of the first mortgage amount. Ideal for buyers who have the down payment but struggle with California’s high closing costs.
Local Programs Worth Knowing
- GSFA Platinum: Up to 5% down payment assistance as a grant (no repayment required) for qualifying income levels.
- Chenoa Fund: FHA-paired down payment assistance available statewide.
- County programs: Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, and many other counties have their own first-gen buyer programs — ask your broker about local options.
2026 Income Limits for CalHFA
Income limits vary by county and household size. As a general guide: Marin County (2-person household) approximately $177,000; San Francisco County approximately $188,000; Santa Clara County approximately $183,000. These limits increase most years. Always verify current limits at calhfa.ca.gov before applying.
How to Access These Programs
CalHFA programs are accessed through approved lenders. Not all mortgage brokers or banks are CalHFA-approved — you need to work with one that is. DiVita Home Finance is a CalHFA-approved lender. The application process is similar to a standard mortgage but requires additional documentation for program eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for CalHFA first-time buyer programs in California?
CalHFA income limits vary by county and household size, and are updated annually. In high-cost Bay Area counties, income limits for 2026 are generally in the $177,000–$188,000 range for a 2-person household. In less expensive inland counties, limits are lower. Always verify current limits at calhfa.ca.gov or ask your CalHFA-approved lender — using outdated limit information is a common mistake that leads to disappointment late in the process.
Can I combine multiple CalHFA programs on one purchase?
Yes. The most common combination is CalHFA MyHome (covering down payment) plus CalHFA ZIP (covering closing costs) on a single transaction — effectively providing assistance for both major upfront costs with deferred, no-interest loans. Some local city and county programs can be layered on top as well. DiVita Home Finance specializes in identifying every program a buyer qualifies for and structuring the combination that maximizes benefit within program guidelines.
Do I have to repay CalHFA down payment assistance?
Most CalHFA assistance programs are deferred loans — not grants. You repay them when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. CalHFA MyHome and ZIP are deferred with no ongoing monthly payment. Dream For All is repaid at sale or refinance along with 20% of the home’s appreciation. GSFA Platinum is structured as a grant with no repayment requirement for most borrowers. The specific repayment terms depend on the program — your lender should explain them clearly before you sign.
Talk to Michael Directly
DiVita Home Finance | Tiburon, CA | Licensed since 2007. Michael DiVita DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655. Company DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700.
💬 Text: (310) 849-9124
