Key Takeaways for California Homebuyers
- 40+ programs analyzed: State (CalHFA), city, county, and private down payment assistance
- Dream For All: Up to 20% of home price for first-time, first-generation buyers (lottery-based)
- CalHFA power combo: Stack CalPLUS + MyHome + ZIP for ~6.5% total DPA with no monthly payments
- City programs: SF offers up to $500k, LA up to $161k, San Diego up to $100k in DPA
- Credit requirements: CalHFA needs 660+ FICO (640 for some gov't loans); bank grants accept 620+
- Income limits: Up to $309k in high-cost counties like SF and Santa Clara
Quick Answer
The California Homebuyer Program Finder analyzes your profile against 40+ state and local assistance programs.
Here's the bottom line:
If you have a household income under $228,000 (in high-cost areas) and a credit score of 660+, you likely qualify for at least one CalHFA program.
- Typical Assistance: $25,000–$161,000
- Max Potential: Up to $500,000+ (SF DALP + CalHFA stack)
See What You Could Qualify For
You probably think you need 20% down to buy a home in California.
With median home prices above $800,000, that's $160,000+ out of pocket.
But here's what most people don't realize: California has some of the most generous homebuyer programs in the country.
Here's exactly what that looks like:
| Buyer Profile | Income / Credit | Eligible Programs | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Gen Buyer in LA | $95,000 / 680 |
Dream For All (20%) + LA LIPA |
$260,000+ |
| Teacher in SF | $110,000 / 700 |
SF DALP (80-120% AMI) + SchoolsFirst Grant |
$385,000+ |
| First-Time Buyer in San Diego | $85,000 / 660 |
CalHFA MyHome + ZIP + SD City Low Income DPA |
$139,000+ |
The 6 Factors That Determine Your Eligibility
Why do we ask these specific questions?
Because these are the exact criteria CalHFA and local housing agencies use to decide who gets assistance.
What's your profession?
Teachers can access the SchoolsFirst FCU grant ($10,000) and the HUD Good Neighbor Next Door program (50% off select homes). Police, firefighters, and healthcare workers also qualify for Good Neighbor.
Where are you buying?
Your location determines which city/county programs you can access. San Francisco offers up to $500,000 DALP, Los Angeles up to $161,000, and San Diego up to $100,000. The Bay Area and LA have the highest assistance amounts.
Are you a first-time buyer?
Most CalHFA programs require first-time buyer status (no home ownership in 3 years). Bank grants from BofA, Chase, and Wells Fargo often don't require this.
Are you a first-generation buyer?
This unlocks Dream For All — California's most generous program (20% of home price). First-generation means neither of your parents owned a home while you were growing up.
What's your credit score?
CalHFA programs require a minimum 660 FICO — higher than most states. (Some CalHFA government loans (FHA/VA/USDA) may be available down to 640.) Bank grants (BofA, Chase, Wells Fargo) may accept 620+. Scores of 680+ unlock the best rates.
What's your household income?
Income limits vary dramatically by county. In San Francisco/Santa Clara, CalHFA limits can reach $228,000+. In the Central Valley, limits are closer to $72,000. We check your income against your specific county.
Understanding Your Results
Deferred Loans
Most California DPA comes as deferred loans — 0% interest, no monthly payments. You repay only when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
Shared Appreciation
Dream For All uses a shared appreciation model: you repay the loan amount plus a percentage of your home's value increase when you sell or refinance.
"Stacking"
The strategy of using a CalHFA program plus a city/county program on the same mortgage. This can multiply your total assistance significantly.
Dream For All: California's Most Generous Program
Dream For All is unlike any other DPA program in the country.
It provides up to 20% of the home's purchase price as a shared appreciation loan.
On a $600,000 home, that's $120,000 in down payment assistance.
Dream For All Requirements
- • First-time homebuyer — Haven't owned in 3+ years
- • First-generation homebuyer — Parents didn't own a home while you grew up
- • 660+ credit score
- • Income limits — Vary by county (up to $168k in LA, $309k in SF/Santa Clara)
- • Lottery-based — Applications open periodically, allocated by lottery
Important: Dream For All uses a shared appreciation model. When you sell or refinance, you repay the original loan amount plus 20% of any increase in home value. If your home doesn't appreciate, you only repay the original amount.
The CalHFA Power Combo (~6.5% Total DPA)
Can't get Dream For All? The CalHFA power combo is your next best option.
Here's how it works:
CalPLUS + MyHome + ZIP = ~6.5% DPA
- • CalPLUS FHA/Conv mortgage — Slightly higher rate (funds the ZIP)
- • MyHome (3.5%) — Deferred loan for down payment
- • ZIP (3%) — Zero interest loan for closing costs
- • Total: ~6.5% of purchase price with no monthly DPA payments
On a $600,000 home, that's approximately $39,000 in assistance.
You can stack this with a city program for even more. A Bay Area buyer could combine CalHFA + SF DALP for total assistance exceeding $400,000.
Income Limits by Major California County
These are approximate CalHFA income limits for a family of four. Limits vary by specific program and household size.
| County (Metro) | 100% AMI | CalHFA Limit | Dream For All Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | ~$101,100 | ~$204,000 | ~$168,000 |
| San Francisco | ~$130,200 | ~$228,000 | ~$309,000 |
| San Diego | ~$108,900 | ~$184,000 | ~$210,000 |
| Orange | ~$117,500 | ~$204,000 | ~$235,000 |
| Santa Clara | ~$168,500 | ~$228,000 | ~$309,000 |
| Riverside/SB | ~$82,800 | ~$153,000 | ~$180,000 |
| Sacramento | ~$90,000 | ~$153,000 | ~$180,000 |
| Fresno | ~$72,000 | ~$153,000 | ~$180,000 |
Source: CalHFA and HUD income limit guidelines. Always verify with your lender or the CalHFA Income Limits page.
The Exact Credit Score You Need
California has higher credit requirements than most states. Here's the breakdown:
| Credit Score | Programs Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below 620 | Very limited (Good Neighbor only) | Credit repair recommended |
| 620–659 | Bank grants only (BofA, Chase, WF) | No CalHFA access yet |
| 660–679 | All CalHFA + city programs | Full program access |
| 680+ | All programs + best rates | Conventional options available |
Key difference from other states: CalHFA requires 660+ minimum, while Texas and many other states only require 620+. (Some CalHFA government loans (FHA/VA/USDA) may be available down to 640.) If your score is between 620–659, focus on bank grants while building credit for CalHFA programs.
First-Time Buyer Rules in California
You're considered a first-time homebuyer in California if:
- ✓ You haven't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years
- ✓ You owned a home 4+ years ago (you qualify again)
- ✓ You only owned investment property (not your primary residence)
- ✓ You're divorced and your ex-spouse kept the marital home
Bank grants don't always require this: Programs from BofA, Chase, and Wells Fargo often have no first-time buyer requirement. These can be a lifeline for repeat buyers.
After Your Results: What to Do Next
Save Your Results
Download the PDF summary of your eligible programs. You'll need this when talking to lenders and real estate agents.
Your results are stored locally on your device — we don't save your information.
Calculate Your Payment
See how your down payment assistance affects your monthly mortgage payment.
Use the California Mortgage Calculator →Find a CalHFA-Approved Lender
Not every lender works with CalHFA. You need an approved lender to access state programs.
Complete Homebuyer Education
Most CalHFA programs require a HUD-approved course. Complete it before shopping for homes.
- • Online: eHome America, Framework ($0–$99)
- • In-person: Local HUD agencies (often free)
2026 Key Deadlines & Reservation Dates
Strategic timing is essential for these programs. Below are the confirmed windows for the first half of 2026:
1. California Dream For All (Statewide)
The 2026 cycle has moved to a randomized lottery system to manage high demand.
- February 24, 2026: Pre-registration portal officially opens.
- March 16, 2026 (5:00 PM PDT): Registration window closes.
- April 2026 (Expected): Lottery drawing and voucher issuance.
- Voucher Deadline: Selected applicants have 90 days from voucher issuance to secure a purchase contract.
2. Los Angeles LIPA (City-Specific)
LIPA releases a specific number of reservations per round. For 2026, the schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026: 28 Loan Reservations.
- Wednesday, June 10, 2026: 28 Loan Reservations.
- Wednesday, July 22, 2026: 28 Loan Reservations.
- Wednesday, September 2, 2026: 28 Loan Reservations.
3. San Francisco DALP (City-Specific)
- March 2026 (Expected): General application window traditionally opens in early March.
- June 2026 (Expected): Application deadline usually falls in early June.
Mandatory Pre-Application Checklist
Failure to complete these steps before the dates above will result in automatic disqualification:
- DFA Lender Pre-Approval: You must have a "DFA Lender Pre-Approval Letter" from a CalHFA-approved lender before the February 24 portal opens.
- Homebuyer Education: You must complete an 8-hour HUD-approved course. For Dream For All, only the eHome America online course (with 1-on-1 counseling) is accepted.
- 1% Own-Funds Rule: For programs like LA LIPA, you must prove you have at least 1% of the purchase price in your own liquid funds (gifts do not count toward this 1%).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 40+ programs does this check?
This finder analyzes 40+ California programs including: CalHFA statewide programs (Dream For All, MyHome, ZIP, Forgivable Equity Builder), city/county programs from LA, SF, San Diego, Orange County, Inland Empire, Bay Area, Central Valley, Sacramento, and Coastal regions, plus bank grants from BofA, Chase, Wells Fargo, and credit union programs. For the complete list, see our California homebuyer programs guide.
Is my information private?
Yes. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are stored locally on your device and never sent to our servers. We don't collect personal information, require email signup, or sell data to lenders.
How does Dream For All work?
Dream For All provides up to 20% of the home's purchase price as a shared appreciation loan. You make no monthly payments on the DPA. When you sell, refinance, or transfer the home, you repay the original loan amount plus 20% of any increase in home value. It requires first-time AND first-generation homebuyer status. Funding is allocated by lottery — apply when announced.
Why does California require a 660 credit score instead of 620?
CalHFA sets higher minimums than many other states. The 660 threshold applies to CalHFA programs specifically — though some CalHFA government loans (FHA/VA/USDA) may be available down to a 640 FICO score. Bank grants from BofA, Chase, and Wells Fargo may accept 620+. If your score is 620–659, focus on bank grants while building credit for CalHFA access.
Can I stack CalHFA programs with city programs?
Yes! The CalPLUS + MyHome + ZIP combo (~6.5% DPA) can be stacked with most city programs. A San Francisco buyer could combine CalHFA programs + SF DALP for over $400,000 in total assistance. Dream For All cannot be stacked with other CalHFA DPA programs, but may be combined with some city programs.
What's the difference between CalHFA MyHome and ZIP?
MyHome provides up to 3.5% for down payment. ZIP provides up to 3% specifically for closing costs. Both are deferred loans with no monthly payments. They're designed to work together: MyHome covers your down payment, ZIP covers closing costs. Combined with a CalPLUS mortgage, you get ~6.5% total assistance.
What is a first-generation homebuyer?
For Dream For All, a first-generation homebuyer is someone whose parents (or legal guardians who raised them) did not own a home during their upbringing. This is different from "first-time buyer" — you could be a first-time buyer without being first-generation if your parents owned a home.
How often is this tool updated?
We update the program database and income limits at least quarterly, with immediate updates when major program changes occur. Last updated: January 2026.
Related California Calculators
Helpful Resources
- California First-Time Homebuyer Programs — Complete database of 40+ programs
- CalHFA Official Site — State housing finance agency
- Dream For All Program — Lottery-based 20% DPA
- CalHFA Approved Lenders — Find a participating lender
- HUD Housing Counselors — Free homebuyer counseling in California
About Jon Teera
Jon Teera is the Lead Developer and Founder of CalcLogix. Unlike traditional financial writers, Jon approaches personal finance as a data engineering problem. He builds custom calculators that factor in localized variables — like California county income limits and CalHFA program rules — that standard bank tools ignore.
Read more about how we verify data →