Last reviewed by Ken Clark Jr., Certified Mortgage Advisor, NMLS #225375, on September 7, 2026.
CalHFA MyHome is one of the most widely used Down Payment Assistance programs in California. It pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages, and provides a deferred-payment subordinate loan toward down payment and closing costs.
Up to 3.5% of purchase price when paired with FHA, up to 3% when paired with conventional. Funds can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both. The MyHome second is silent (no monthly payment) and repaid at sale, refinance, or full payoff of the first mortgage.
First-time homebuyers (no homeownership in the past 3 years), with income at or below the program's county limit (typically 80-120% of area median income), and a minimum 660 credit score on conventional or 640+ on FHA. Property must be owner-occupied primary residence in California.
FHA first mortgage at 3.5% down, MyHome covers the down payment as the silent second. Borrower covers closing costs (often with seller credits up to 6%) and prepaid items. Funding fee and MIP apply standard to FHA. Best for borrowers with credit scores 640-720.
Conventional first mortgage at 3% down, MyHome covers the down payment. Conventional PMI applies (can be removed at 20% equity). Best for borrowers with 700+ credit scores who plan to refinance or reach 20% equity within a few years.
VA first mortgage at 0% down (eligible veterans), MyHome can cover the VA funding fee and closing costs. Especially helpful for veterans with no down payment cash.
CalHFA publishes a county-specific household income limit each year. The 2026 limits took effect on 06.30.2026 and apply to all CalHFA first mortgages and subordinate mortgages (including MyHome) except the Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan, which has its own limits.
Selected 2026 CalHFA county income limits:
Limits update each year, so always verify the current limit for your county before assuming eligibility. Full list: CalHFA 2026 Government & Conventional Income Limits (PDF).
Through a CalHFA-approved lender. Not every lender is CalHFA-approved. The lender originates the first mortgage and the MyHome second simultaneously, submits to CalHFA for program review, and closes both at the same time.
Common questions on this topic, answered by Ken Clark Jr., Certified Mortgage Advisor.
MyHome covers down payment, closing costs, or both, up to 3.5% of purchase price when paired with FHA, or 3% when paired with conventional. It's a deferred-payment subordinate (second) loan with no monthly payment.
When the home is sold, the first mortgage is refinanced, or the loan reaches full payoff. There is no monthly payment for as long as you own the home and the first mortgage remains active.
CalHFA MyHome is designed to work as a complete standalone solution with a matched CalHFA first mortgage, which is one of the reasons it can deliver such attractive pricing for income-eligible buyers. For Sacramento buyers who qualify, one CalHFA-approved combination is documented: pairing MyHome with SHRA CalHome or PLHA as a second, subject to SHRA and lender approval. Outside of that Sacramento-specific structure, the strategy is picking the right single program for your income, credit, and property. Seller credits are a separate item negotiated with the seller and can often be used alongside a DPA program within program guidelines.
660 minimum on conventional CalHFA, 640 minimum on FHA CalHFA. Higher scores get better first-mortgage pricing but the MyHome rules are the same.
CalHFA sets a household income cap by county. The 2026 Sacramento County limit is $245,000, effective 06.30.2026 per CalHFA's official 2026 Income Limits PDF. Bay Area counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara) are $322,000 to $325,000. Los Angeles County is $214,000. San Diego is $259,000. Orange is $274,000. The limit applies to all CalHFA first mortgages and subordinate mortgages including MyHome, except Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan which has its own limits.
Yes. CalHFA requires an approved homebuyer education course before closing. Many are available online and free.
Schedule a free discovery call with Ken Clark Jr. and get clarity on your buying power, programs, and next steps.
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Certified Mortgage Advisor and Branch Manager at PRMG Mortgage (NMLS #75243). 28 years in mortgage lending. Specializes in FHA, VA, conventional, DPA, jumbo, Non-QM, renovation, and construction financing for buyers and investors in Sacramento, New Jersey, and nationwide. PRMG is licensed in 49 states, excluding New York. Three-time Gold Award winner for Highly Reviewed Mortgage Team in Sacramento (2023, 2024, 2025). NMLS #225375.
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Source materials are publicly available agency and government resources. Program availability and guidelines may change. Always verify current guidelines with the agency or with Ken Clark Jr. before relying on them for a transaction.