California Homebuyer's Downpayment Assistance Program (CHDAP)

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The CHDAP provides a deferred-payment junior loan – up to 3% of the purchase price, or appraised value, whichever is less, to be used for their down payment and/or closing costs. This program may be combined with a CalHFA or non-CalHFA, first mortgage loan.

Review the sections below to find out more about the CHDAP program.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY | INTEREST RATE | HOMEBUYER EDUCATION | HOW TO APPLY

Program Eligibility

Am I eligible to apply for this program? 

Review the guidelines below for both “Borrower” and “Property” Requirements to determine if you may be eligible to apply for the CHDAP program.

Borrower Requirements

• • Be a first-time homebuyer. See the definition of a first-time homebuyer.

  • Occupy the property as their primary residence, non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed

  • CalHFA borrowers must complete homebuyer education counseling and obtain a certificate of completion through an eligible homebuyer counseling organization.

  • Your income must be less than the allowable CHDAP income limits.

    • CHDAP Income Limits when using an FHA first mortgage

    • CHDAP Income Limits when using a VA, USDA or Conventional first mortgage

  • Meet the requirement of the lender and mortgage insurer / guarantor

*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive.

Property Requirements

• • Sales price of the home cannot exceed CalHFA's sales price limits established for the county in which the property is located

  • Be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs

    • • Guest houses, granny units and in-law quarters may be eligible

  • Manufactured housing allowed when combined with a FHA first mortgage only and home must be on a permanent foundation

*In the case of conflicting guidelines, the lender must follow the more restrictive.

Additional Property Guidelines

• • Condominiums must meet the guidelines of the first mortgage

  • There is a five acre maximum on the size of the property

  • Leaseholds/Land Trusts and Co-ops are not permitted

  • Meet the requirements of the mortgage insurer/guarantor

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Interest Rate

What is the interest rate?

Interest rates will vary depending on your financial circumstances, lender fees, and other factors. Interest rates can also change daily. We recommend that you check with a CalHFA-approved loan officer to receive an accurate rate quote for this program.

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. View the sample Truth in Lending disclosure here.

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Homebuyer Education Requirement

CalHFA firmly believes that homebuyer education is critical to the success and happiness of a homeowner, and requires homebuyer education for all its homebuyer programs. CalHFA will accept hard or online copies of homebuyer education counseling certificates.

Who has to take this Homebuyer Education course?

Only one occupying borrower on each loan transaction.

How do I take this education course?

• • ONLINE: You can take eHome's eight-hour Homebuyer Education course online 

  • (fee: $50)

  • IN-PERSON: face-to-face Homebuyer Education through NeighborWorks America or any HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency

  • (fee: varies by agency)

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How To Apply

How do I apply for this loan program?

CALL your CalHFA specialist Massey Kouhssari 949-244-1880

What documents should I have ready when contacting a loan officer?

When initially contacting a loan officer, you may want to have this list of documents and information available to help answer questions that they will ask you:

• • Pay stubs

  • Bank statements

  • Employment history

  • Previous tax returns