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United States › California › Down payment help Agency California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)
The down payment is the wall, and there's a door Every state runs official assistance most buyers never check, because it isn't advertised and lenders don't always mention it.

State-run homebuyer help

Down Payment Assistance in California

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is California's housing finance agency. MyHome deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and closing costs, layered on CalHFA first mortgages.

Terms, income limits and participating lenders: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

How state assistance is usually structured

Grants Money that never has to be repaid. Rarer, and usually smaller.
Forgivable second loans A lien that disappears after you live in the home a set number of years. Sell early and part comes due.
Deferred seconds No monthly payment; repaid when you sell or refinance. Cheap to carry, not free.
Amortizing seconds A small second mortgage with its own payment, help now, cost monthly.

Common questions

Does California offer down payment assistance?

Yes. California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) is the state's housing finance agency. MyHome deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and closing costs, layered on CalHFA first mortgages. Current terms and income limits are on the official site.

Who qualifies for down payment assistance in California?

Typically buyers under income and purchase-price limits, often with a first-time buyer definition, which usually means not owning a home in the last three years, not never having owned. Exact limits change; check California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA).

Is down payment assistance free money?

Sometimes. Programs come as grants, forgivable loans that vanish after a set number of years in the home, or deferred loans repaid at sale or refinance. The structure matters as much as the amount, and it is stated in each program's terms.

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