2026 CalHFA 20% down program

CalHFA Dream for All 20% down program 2026

****THIS 2026 CalHFA SHARED APPRECIATION LOAN PROGRAM IS A VOUCHER-STYLE LOTTERY PROGRAM**** 

YOU'LL NEED A PRE-REGISTRATION CALHFA APPROVED LENDER'S PRE-APPROVAL LETTER TO REGISTER FOR DFA VOUCHER.

Here are just some of the CalHFA "Dream for All" program highlights:

  • Loan type:  Conventional
  • up to 20% down payment assistance (up to $150,000 down payment) can be used towards down payment and/or closing costs.  If using a portion for closing costs, mortgage insurance may be added.
  • FICO score needs to be 680 or higher
  • HUD certified home buyer 8 hour-education course is required prior to close of escrow.  
  • IN MOST CASES, upon offer acceptance, BUYER MAY BE REQUIRED TO USE THEIR OWN FUNDS such as the required 1% personal funds that can be used for good faith/earnest money deposit, as well as for in-escrow inspections, appraisal, and due diligence costs depending on your contract terms. 
  • Interest rates subject to change, so please seek the advice of a lender professional

CALHFA INCOME REQUIREMENTS:

  • LA County: $168,000 
  • Orange County: $216,000
  • Riverside county: $164,000
  • San Bernardino: $164,000
  • Ventura County:  $207,000
  • Kern County: $148,000

    CALHFA BORROWER/BUYER ELIGIBILITY (2026)

    • Borrower/Buyer must be first generation buyer
    • CURRENT resident of California
    • First Time Home Buyer

    For document requirements, please give us a call. Do NOT provide any documentation to anyone stating they represent this information website which is subject to change. All sensitive information (i.e. social security, drivers licenses, tax forms) should be given to licensed lenders through secure channels.

    REPAYMENT:  If a "trigger event" such as time of sale, refi (ask lender about exceptions), payoff or transfer of first mortgage happens, the original borrowed amount will need to be paid back, as well as shared appreciation percentage based upon borrowers median income being above or below 80% Area Median Income.  How to find the AMI https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/amilookuptool/

    REQUIRED CLASSES:

    8 hr HUD approved class:
    https://calhfa.ehomeamerica.org/sponsor_user/sponsor_main
    https://housing2.lacity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Education-Providers-List.pdf

    Shared Appreciation Class:
    https://www.calhfadreamforall.com/

    PLEASE NOTE AGAIN:  BUYER MAY BE REQUIRED TO USE A SMALL PORTION OF THEIR OWN FUNDS for various upfront costs once they get an accepted offer i.e. earnest money deposit to escrow as well as the costs of performing various inspections, appraisal, etc. depending on your contract terms). 

    CalHFA Dream for All 2026 FAQs

    TO GET ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION, do not hesitate to give us a call at 310-508-4354 and we will be happy to connect you with experienced CALHFA Dream for All lender professional.

    Questions? Just Ask!