Loan Program Handbooks

CalHFA has organized its program information into convenient handbooks for easy reference.  All the information for a given program—from qualifying criteria to forms & docs—is collected in one easy place. You can print them out for desktop reference, or browse and search them online in PDF format. Get familiar with their layout, and you'll be a CalHFA program whiz in no time.

FIRST MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAMS

Government Loan Programs

CalHFA FHA (Targeted Areas) Loan Program Handbook
This FHA first mortgage is insured/guaranteed by FHA to enhance affordability and homeownership opportunities in the form of a 30-year, fixed rate loans. (CalHFA FHA Program Summary)

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DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program (CHDAP) Handbook
Offers a deferred-payment junior loan of an amount up to the lesser of three percent (3%) of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs. (CHDAP Program Summary)

• CHDAP Funds Currently Available
• CHDAP Subordination Process

School Facility Fee Down Payment Assistance Program (SFF) Handbook
A conditional grant program that provides assistance for down payment and/or closing costs to buyers of newly constructed homes throughout California. (SFF Program Summary)

• SFF Funds Currently Available

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OTHER PARTNERSHIP & PROGRAM OPTIONS

Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) Handbook
A joint effort by CalHFA and cities, counties, redevelopment agencies and housing authorities whereby assistance from a locality is utilized by the first-time homebuyer to help them with down payment and/or closing costs. (AHPP Program Summary)

HUD - Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program may enable qualified first-time
homebuyers to receive monthly assistance for homeownership expenses in lieu of monthly rent aid. Pursuant to Congressional authority, HUD has authorized states and Public Housing Authorities (PHA's) to provide this assistance using funds available through the Section 8 rental voucher program.

The PHA's may choose to participate in offering the Section 8 for homeownership but are not required to do so. Under the Program at least 30% of the eligible homebuyers' income will go to pay the homeownership expenses with Section 8 covering the remainder.

For additional information:

• HUD - Housing Choice Voucher Fact Sheet
• HUD-approved Public Housing Agencies in California

Utility Energy Efficiency & Solar Programs
California's various Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and Publicly-Owned Utilities (POUs) offer a variety of Energy-Efficiency and Solar programs designed to assist single-family and multifamily owners in covering or deferring the cost of making their properties go green.

Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for low-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their health and safety. Among low-income households, the program focuses on those with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families with children.

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