First-Time Home Buyer Programs in California
Buying your first home in California? The California Housing Finance Agency runs the state's flagship program — CalHFA MyHome Assistance — and it stacks with federal loans and local DPA. Here's the full picture, plus how to qualify.
CalHFA MyHome Assistance
Below-market first mortgage from CalHFA paired with down payment and closing-cost assistance, plus an optional MCC tax credit. Available to qualified California first-time buyers meeting income and purchase-price caps.
How first-time homebuyer programs work in California
"First-time buyer" in California usually means you haven't owned a principal residence in the past three years — a wider net than most people expect. CalHFA programs typically pair a competitive first mortgage with down payment and closing-cost assistance, often as a forgivable second lien or grant, plus an optional Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) that converts a portion of mortgage interest into a federal tax credit for the life of the loan.
Eligibility hinges on three inputs: your credit score (typically 620–640 for conventional, 580 for FHA), your household income relative to program caps that vary by county in California, and the purchase price of the home. Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required before closing on most CalHFA products.
The best part: California first-time buyer programs stack with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages, so an FHA borrower with a 620 score can still access CalHFA DPA. And city or county programs in California often layer on top for even larger totals — see the Grant Finder for your ZIP-specific total.
How to qualify: California first-time buyer steps
- 1
Check your credit for CA program eligibility
Most California first-time buyer programs require a minimum credit score (typically 620–640 for conventional, 580 for FHA). Pull your score for free with a soft inquiry so you know where you stand before applying.
- 2
Confirm California first-time buyer status
CalHFA defines "first-time buyer" as someone who hasn't owned a principal residence in the past three years. Some California targeted areas waive this rule.
- 3
Take a CA approved homebuyer education course
CalHFA requires a HUD-approved homebuyer education course before closing on most first-time programs. Most run 6–8 hours and can be completed online.
- 4
Apply through a CalHFA-approved lender
CalHFA MyHome Assistance is originated by participating CA lenders, not by the HFA directly. Your loan officer submits the DPA package alongside your main mortgage application.
- 5
Close on your California home
First mortgage funds and DPA come to closing together. Keep documentation of the assistance terms — some California DPA is forgivable after a residency period.
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Start my CA readiness checkCalifornia first-time buyer programs: FAQ
What is the flagship first-time buyer program in California?▾
CalHFA MyHome Assistance is the headline first-time homebuyer product from the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Below-market first mortgage from CalHFA paired with down payment and closing-cost assistance, plus an optional MCC tax credit. Available to qualified California first-time buyers meeting income and purchase-price caps.
What credit score do I need for California first-time buyer programs?▾
Most California first-time buyer programs require a minimum credit score of typically 620–640 for conventional, 580 for FHA. Higher scores unlock better interest rates and more DPA options. If your score is below the floor, use HomeApproach's Credit Readiness tool to see the fastest path to qualifying.
Do California first-time buyer programs work with FHA or VA loans?▾
Yes. CalHFA MyHome Assistance and most CalHFA products layer on top of FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages. Your lender submits the DPA application alongside your first mortgage — no separate credit pull required.
Can I stack California first-time buyer programs with local city or county DPA?▾
In most cases, yes. California buyers regularly combine CalHFA state assistance with city or county DPA and federal loans. Home Approach's Grant Finder waterfalls through all four layers by ZIP to show your specific total.
Do I have to be a California resident to qualify?▾
CalHFA MyHome Assistance requires the home you're buying to be in California and to become your primary residence. You do not typically need to be a current California resident to apply, but check program-specific residency rules.