How CalHFA assistance works
CalHFA offers first mortgages combined with down-payment and closing-cost assistance for eligible buyers within county income limits. As a CalHFA-approved brokerage, we help you navigate the programs and paperwork.
For buyers who have the income to handle a payment but not a large down payment, assistance can bridge the gap — sometimes covering most of the upfront cash. Programs use income limits that many moderate-income buyers meet.
Checking your eligibility
Eligibility depends on income (against county limits), credit, the property, and often a short homebuyer education course. We’ll check which programs you qualify for and layer them onto the right first mortgage.
How CalHFA assistance is actually structured
CalHFA pairs a first mortgage with a separate assistance loan that covers some or all of your down payment and closing costs. The assistance is typically a subordinate (second) loan — sometimes deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. That structure is what lets buyers who can handle a monthly payment, but haven’t saved a large lump sum, get into a home now rather than years from now. Because terms and available programs change, we confirm the current CalHFA offerings and match the right first mortgage to your profile.
Combining CalHFA with FHA or conventional
CalHFA assistance generally layers on top of a standard FHA or conventional first mortgage, so you still choose the loan type that fits your credit and down payment best. FHA brings flexible credit; conventional lets you drop mortgage insurance later at 20% equity. The assistance handles the upfront cash barrier either way. We run the numbers on total cost — rate, mortgage insurance, and any assistance repayment terms — so you pick the combination that’s cheapest over the years you’ll actually own the home.
Frequently asked questions
What is CalHFA?
The California Housing Finance Agency — it offers first-time buyer loans plus down-payment assistance. We’re CalHFA-approved.
Do I have to repay CalHFA down-payment assistance?
It depends on the program — some assistance is deferred and repaid when you sell or refinance, others have different terms. We’ll explain the exact repayment structure for the program you qualify for.
What are the CalHFA income limits?
Limits are set by county and change periodically. Many moderate-income buyers qualify. We’ll check the current limit for your county and household size.
Are there income limits?
Yes — county-based limits that many moderate-income buyers meet. We’ll check where you fall.
Can assistance cover my whole down payment?
For eligible buyers, it can cover much or all of it plus some closing costs.
Save Financial, Inc. — NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766. Equal Housing Opportunity. Figures are illustrative for 2026 and not an offer of credit or a guarantee of rates or approval.