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.

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)
The School Facility Fee Down Payment Assistance Program is no longer available, due to the allocation of all funding. The SFF program has been responsible for more than 14,000 grants, totaling more than $61 million in assistance for people purchasing newly constructed homes. Thank you to all our lending partners for helping make SFF a success.

 

Subordination Process for CalHFA Junior Loans

Recent legislation has enabled CalHFA to subordinate existing junior loans if homeowners meet certain eligibility requirements. This legislation will help existing homeowners keep their homes by allowing them to refinance their existing first mortgage and not be forced to pay off their existing CalHFA junior loan(s).

View Subordination Process for Junior Loans

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OTHER PARTNERSHIP & PROGRAM OPTIONS

Mortgage Credit Certificate Tax Credit Program (MCC)
A federal credit which can reduce potential federal income tax liability, creating additional net spendable income which borrowers may use toward their monthly mortgage payment.  This MCC Tax Credit program may enable first-time homebuyers to convert a portion of their annual mortgage interest into a direct dollar for dollar tax credit on their U.S. individual income tax returns.
-- Becoming a CalHFA MCC participating lender
-- Access MCC Training
-- MCC Participating Lenders

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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