CalHFA MyHomeAssistance Program
Get up to $10,000 in down payment assistance with the CalHFA MyHome assistance program. Zero interest, no monthly payments, and no repayment until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Available statewide for California first-time home buyers.
CalHFA MyHome Benefits
What is the CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program?
CalHFA MyHome is a deferred-payment junior loan from the California Housing Finance Agency that helps eligible first-time buyers cover down payment or closing costs. It pairs with a CalHFA first mortgage, requires no monthly payment, and is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the loan.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-03
How much down payment assistance does CalHFA provide?
CalHFA provides down payment assistance ranging from about 3% to 10% of the loan amount, depending on program. MyHome offers up to 3.5% as a deferred junior loan. Forgivable Equity Builder offers up to 10% forgivable after five years. Specific amounts depend on county loan limits.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-03
What are the income limits for CalHFA 2026?
CalHFA 2026 income limits vary by county and program but apply as a single combined-household cap, not a per-person schedule. Examples: Los Angeles roughly $180,000, Orange County $180,000, Riverside and San Bernardino around $178,800. Always confirm the current cap on calhfa.ca.gov before applying.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-03
Why Choose CalHFA MyHome?
CalHFA MyHome helps eligible buyers bridge the gap between savings and cash-to-close by adding deferred down payment assistance to a CalHFA first mortgage. It is most useful when you qualify for the payment but need help covering upfront funds.
The CalHFA MyHome assistance program offers unmatched benefits for California first-time home buyers.
Up to $10,000 Assistance
Zero-interest deferred payment loan for down payment and closing costs
No Monthly Payments
Deferred payment - no monthly payments required on the assistance loan
Deferred Until Sale or Refi
No repayment until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. MyHome is a deferred junior loan, not a forgivable grant.
Statewide Availability
Available throughout California in all 58 counties
First-Time Buyer Friendly
Designed specifically for first-time home buyers in California
Combine with Other Programs
Stack with other CalHFA programs and county-specific assistance
Understanding the MyHome Assistance Program
The MyHome assistance program is CalHFA's most popular deferred-payment solution for California first-time buyers who need help with down payment and closing costs.
What Makes MyHome Different?
Unlike forgivable grants, the MyHome assistance programis structured as a zero-interest deferred junior lien. This means you receive up to $10,000 at closing to cover down payment or closing costs, but you must repay the full amount when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
The key advantage: no monthly payment is required during the life of the loan. The MyHome assistance sits as a silent second lien, allowing you to focus your monthly budget on your first mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and homeownership expenses.
Because MyHome charges no interest, the balance never grows. If you receive $10,000 today, you will owe exactly $10,000 at repayment—no matter how many years pass.
Who Benefits Most from MyHome?
The MyHome assistance program is ideal for buyers who:
- Have steady income to qualify for the first mortgage payment but lack sufficient savings for a 3–5% down payment plus closing costs
- Want to preserve liquid reserves for emergencies, home maintenance, or future investments rather than depleting all cash at closing
- Plan to stay in the home for several years and build equity through appreciation and principal reduction before selling
- Prefer a deferred repayment structure over programs that require monthly payments on subordinate liens
MyHome Assistance Program Repayment Scenarios
Home Sale
When you sell your home, the MyHome balance is paid from your sale proceeds at closing, just like your first mortgage payoff.
Refinance
If you refinance your first mortgage, you must repay the MyHome balance from your new loan proceeds or out-of-pocket funds.
Early Payoff
You can pay off the MyHome balance any time during the loan term without penalty—useful if you come into additional funds.
2026 CalHFA MyHome Income Limits
Income limits vary by county and household size. These are the 2026 limits for Southern California counties.
| County | 1 Person | 2 Person | 4 Person | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | $113,480 | $129,680 | $162,080 | $725,000 |
| Orange County | $96,040 | $109,760 | $137,200 | $965,000 |
| Riverside County | $71,520 | $81,720 | $102,120 | $565,000 |
| San Bernardino County | $69,080 | $78,920 | $98,640 | $485,000 |
Income limits are based on 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).Check your specific qualification
Source: CalHFA Income & Sales Price Limits (calhfa.ca.gov). Limits are revised periodically — confirm with CalHFA before submitting an application. Last reviewed: 2026-05-03.
CalHFA MyHome Eligibility Requirements
Make sure you meet all CalHFA MyHome program requirements before applying.
First-Time Buyer Status
Income Limits (2026)
Property Requirements
Financial Requirements
CalHFA MyHome Application Process
Follow these 6 simple steps to apply for CalHFA MyHome assistance.
Complete Homebuyer Education
1-8 hoursTake a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (online or in-person)
Get Pre-Approved
1-3 daysApply for pre-approval with CalHFA approved lender (Aditya Choksi)
Find Your Home
2-8 weeksShop for homes within program purchase price limits
Submit Full Application
1-2 daysComplete CalHFA MyHome assistance application with purchase contract
Processing & Underwriting
2-3 weeksCalHFA processes assistance application alongside your mortgage
Close on Your Home
1 dayReceive assistance funds at closing to reduce your cash needed
Combine CalHFA MyHome with Other Programs
Maximize your benefits by combining CalHFA MyHome with other CalHFA loan programs.
CalHFA Conventional + MyHome
Cal FHA + MyHome
CalPLUS + MyHome
CalHFA MyHome Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to the CalHFA MyHome loan when I sell or refinance?
Whenever you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage, the CalHFA MyHome balance is due in full. MyHome is a deferred, zero-interest junior loan, not a forgivable grant. Repayment is triggered by title transfer or first-lien payoff.
Can I use CalHFA MyHome with a VA loan?
No, CalHFA MyHome can only be used with CalHFA first mortgage programs (Cal FHA, CalHFA Conventional, or CalPLUS). However, veterans may have access to other VA-specific assistance programs.
Is CalHFA MyHome available for condos and townhomes?
Yes, CalHFA MyHome can be used for single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes, as long as the property meets CalHFA requirements and is your primary residence.
Ready to Get $10,000 in Down Payment Assistance?
Don't miss out on this incredible California program. Apply for CalHFA MyHome assistance today with California's trusted CalHFA approved lender.