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CalHFA first-time buyer loans

California's first-time buyer programs, explained plainly: who qualifies, what each program costs you later, and the steps from the first call to the keys. You apply through an approved lender, not with CalHFA directly, so who you pick matters.

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Who qualifies, at a glance

  • $210,000 CalHFA's income limit for its first mortgages and MyHome (2026) in San Bernardino County. Source: CalHFA income limits, effective 06/30/2026. All counties
  • 3 yearsNo home owned and lived in during the past 3 years, for every borrower, to count as a first-time buyer (MyHome). Source: CalHFA MyHome program sheet
  • 1 classOne borrower takes a homebuyer education course, online or with a HUD-approved counselor (MyHome). Source: CalHFA MyHome page
  • No price limitNone since June 1, 2020. Loan limits still apply. Source: CalHFA limits page

Three quick questions before you call

  1. In the past 3 years, has anyone on the loan owned a home they lived in, or lived in a home their spouse owned?
  2. Is your income at or under the limit for your county (pick it above)? Not sure is fine.
  3. Will everyone on the loan live in the home within 60 days of closing?

A "no" to the first and a "yes" to the other two means CalHFA may be worth a look. Your first mortgage, credit and debts decide the rest, and that's a short conversation.

The programs, side by side

Each one with its catch, in plain words, so nothing surprises you later.

Down payment helpMyHome AssistanceA deferred second loan for the down payment or closing costs.The catch: it's a loan that builds simple interest, repaid with that interest when you sell or transfer the home, refinance or pay off the first mortgage (or if a notice of default is recorded).Read more Closing cost helpCalPLUS with ZIPA CalHFA first mortgage paired with ZIP, a deferred loan for closing costs and prepaid items.The catch: the first mortgage rate is fixed but slightly higher than CalHFA's standard loan, in exchange for ZIP. ZIP is a loan too, repaid when you transfer the home, refinance or pay off the first mortgage.Read more First mortgagesCalHFA FHA and ConventionalCalHFA's own first mortgages. MyHome pairs with them, and with CalHFA's USDA and VA loans.The catch: credit and debt rules follow the first mortgage you pick, so we compare them with you.Read more ClosedDream For AllNot picked, or missed it? Our guide covers what CalHFA points buyers to next.Closed. The 2026 portal closed March 16, 2026, and no new applications can be submitted (CalHFA's Dream For All page).Read more

These programs are loans, not gifts. Funds are limited, and rules can change, so we confirm what's open before you plan. Subject to eligibility and program availability. Program facts checked October 2026.

Not a fit for CalHFA? We also offer both of GSFA's programs: GSFA Platinum, and GSFA Golden Opportunities, which don't require you to be a first-time buyer. If another loan fits you better, we'll tell you.

How it works, step by step

  1. 1Call or book a timeTell us about your plans. No question is too basic.
  2. 2A first look togetherYour income, savings and the home you have in mind, to see which CalHFA programs may fit, or whether another option is better.
  3. 3Take the homebuyer classFor MyHome, one borrower takes the eHome online course or a class with a HUD-approved counselor.
  4. 4Get pre-approvedSo you shop knowing your numbers.
  5. 5Find a home and make an offerCalHFA sets no price limit, but loan limits apply. We keep your offer and your program lined up.
  6. 6Underwriting to keysWe work the file with you to closing and keep you updated the whole way.

Why our team for CalHFA

Meet Colleen Call 909.944.8800

Questions buyers ask us about CalHFA

Do I apply with CalHFA directly?

No. CalHFA programs are offered through CalHFA-approved lenders. Our office is on CalHFA's approved-lender list as New American Funding, LLC, so you apply with us and we handle the CalHFA side.

What's the income limit in my county?

It depends on the county where the home is. In San Bernardino County, where our office is, CalHFA's limit for its first mortgages and MyHome is $210,000 (CalHFA's 2026 limits). See all 58 counties on our CalHFA income limits page. We'll look at which income CalHFA counts with you.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

For MyHome and ZIP, yes. CalHFA counts you as a first-time buyer if no one on the loan has owned and lived in a home in the past 3 years. If that's not you, GSFA's programs may still fit.

Is there a price limit on the home?

CalHFA has had no sales price limit since June 1, 2020. Loan limits still apply, and they depend on the first mortgage.

Is the down payment help free money?

No. MyHome is a deferred second loan that builds simple interest. It's repaid later, with that interest, when you sell or transfer the home, refinance or pay off the first mortgage, or if a notice of default is recorded.

Do I need a homebuyer class?

For MyHome, yes: one borrower takes the eHome online course or a class with a HUD-approved counselor. We tell you which one and when to take it.

What credit score do I need?

It follows the CalHFA first mortgage you use, so it differs between FHA and conventional loans. Our credit score guide has CalHFA's current minimums.

Is Dream For All open?

No. The 2026 portal closed March 16, 2026, and no new applications can be submitted (CalHFA's Dream For All page). MyHome and ZIP are open as of our last check, and our Dream For All guide covers what CalHFA points buyers to next.

More detail: CalHFA explained · How to choose a CalHFA lender · Credit score minimums · Income limits

Talk to us about CalHFA

A short call tells you which programs may fit and what they'd mean for you later.

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The Brandon Drew Group and New American Funding are not part of CalHFA, a state agency. Subject to eligibility and program availability.