Federal Designated Targeted Areas

There are some definite advantages to purchasing a home in one of California’s Targeted Areas. Thirty-three of California's 58 counties have targeted areas - with Los Angeles having almost half. Purchasing a home in these areas allows greater flexibility for buying a home.

What is a Targeted Area?

Areas that are “targeted” by the Federal Government were identified in the 2000 Census as areas in California where 70 percent of the families who live there earn an income that is 80 percent or less than the statewide median income.

(While cities, counties and other governmental agencies may also have specific areas in their jurisdiction “targeted” for other program purposes, only those census tracts identified by the Federal Government as “targeted” are used for CalHFA’s purposes, as it relates to a waiver of the first-time homebuyer requirement, sales price limits and certain income limits.)

What are the benefits of buying a home in a Targeted Area?

To encourage homeownership in Targeted Areas, certain incentives are provided. These are:

  • The first-time homebuyer requirement is waived –
    • Most of CalHFA’s programs require that the borrower is a first-time homebuyer, but when the home being purchased is located in a Targeted Area, that requirement is not enforced. (The first-time homebuyer requirement does still apply for CalHFA’s down payment assistance programs.)
  • The income limits are higher–
    • The maximum allowable income is higher in Targeted Areas to expand homeownership opportunities to more borrowers. (The higher income limits apply when using any of CalHFA’s first mortgage products and only HiCAP and CHAP down payment assistance programs..)
  • The sales price limits are higher–
    • In Targeted Areas, the limit on the price you pay for the home is raised to create a larger pool of available properties.

How do I locate Targeted Areas in California?

There are several ways to determine where Targeted Areas are located in your county. Choose one of the scenarios below by clicking on the link provided:

Please Note: You should have the list of eligible census tract numbers handy for the area in which you are looking.

  • I would like to find all Targeted Areas in my county. OR
  • I have a census tract number and would like to find out if it is in a Targeted Area.
  • I would like to see the boundaries for a particular census tract number.
    • http://nkca.ucla.edu/Master.cfm?Content=Map&ZoomTo=tract
      Select County, then enter the six-digit census tract number. A map outlining the boundary streets will appear. (Note: do not enter the decimal point and use leading zeroes, e.g. Alameda- 407500; Los Angeles- 570603 San Diego- 010012; Tulare 002202)

CalHFA does not lend money directly to consumers. CalHFA works through and uses approved private lenders to qualify consumers and to make all mortgage loans. CalHFA purchases closed loans that meet CalHFA's requirements. The fees consumers pay could be different depending on the lender and the program.