You need to either 1. Use a loan officer who works for one of our Approved Lenders: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/apps/approvedlenders/ 2. Use a broker who can work through one of our approved wholesale lenders: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/brokers.htm

Yes, you certainly can buy a home if you have an existing car loan. Please contact one of our Preferred Loan Officers, and they can help get you rolling! Here's our list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

We follow federal guidelines for eligibility, which aren't quite as black-and-white as Citizen or green card. Your best bet would be to chat with one of our Preferred Loan Officers. They can look at your situation and let you know where you stand. Here's our list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

We don't administer the Open Door program. I'd suggest you call a CalHFA Preferred Loan Officer--they're very familiar with the needs of first-time homebuyers, and can help prepare you with what you need for your first steps. Here's our list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

It's tough to say without knowing the details of the financial situation. We'd suggest talking with one of our Preferred Loan Officers. They can get into the nitty-gritty and let you know your best path toward owning a home. Here's a list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

We use the lender's calculations for your qualifying income as our figure, so you'd want to talk to your loan officer about how they calculate. If you don't already have one, consider using a CalHFA Preferred Loan Officer. They have expertise in the challenges that first-time homebuyers face. Here's a link to our list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory Loan officers can work in any county, so don't limit yourself to one or two.

Two people can definitely be on title, and use their combined income to qualify. That combined income would also be used for our maximum income limits. Please talk with one of our Preferred Loan Officers to get more details about the benefits of the programs and whether they're right for your situation. Here's a list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

Your lender will need to follow either Fannie Mae or FHA underwriting guidelines for the length of time needed between the bankruptcy and new loan. Talk to a CalHFA Preferred Loan Officer for more details. https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

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You can certainly use our programs for closing costs. Both ZIP and MyHome loans can be used for closing cost assistance. They are loans, however, not grants. You should contact one of our Preferred Loan Officers to get more details on how our loans work. Here's a list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

The legislature has allocated new funding for the program for 2026, and we anticipate the program portal opening in the winter. Please check back after the New Year for updates. If you'd rather not wait, we offer several loan programs for first-time homebuyers. I’d suggest you chat with one of our Preferred Loan Officers—if you’re interested in buying your first home, they’ll get you started right. Here’s our list, searchable by county: https://welcomehome.calhf  More...

Check out our list of Preferred Loan Officers: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory Any one of the loan officers listed will be more than happy to help you understand and proceed with securing a CalHFA loan for your home purchase. They also should be able to help if you are unfamiliar with the process of buying a home. Additionally, you can call our toll-free number at 877.9.CalHFA (877.922.5432) and one of our representatives can put you in touch with a loan officer in your area.

Credit scores (also known as FICO [Fair Isaac COrporation] scores) are generally indicative of a borrower's likelihood to stay current on debts. Our minimum is currently 640-680, depending on the debt-to-income ratio in the loan application and which loan program you choose. For more details on eligible FICO scores, please work with a CalHFA-approved lender. You can find a list of our Preferred Loan Officers here: https://welcomehome.calhfa.ca.gov/directory

CalHFA only has income limits. There are not currently limits on the purchase price of the home, although the maximum income essentially limits the amount of home a buyer can purchase.

From our Lender Manual, Page 7: CalHFA will allow electronic signatures on all loan documents except the original Note and Deed of Trust. https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/programs/lender-manual.pdf

CalHFA has not issued Mortgage Credit certificates for several years. If your CalHFA loan is older than 2019, then please try these steps: 1. Talk to the loan officer/broker who originated your mortgage. 2. Talk to your current loan servicer. 3. Call our Loan Servicing division directly at 800.669.1079.

We use your credit-qualifying income for our income limits, so whatever you're using for your borrower to qualify, we'll accept that. Follow your underwriting and insurance guidelines.

Unfortunately, all ADU Grant funds were used as of this past December, and the legislature has not allocated any new funding for the program. Since there is no funding for the program, there is not currently any wait list or application. Your local city or county may have incentives for building an ADU, so check that out.

We don't have any overlays about flipping properties. Follow Fannie and Lakeview guidelines.

We don't have any overlays about maximum seller credit, and it looks like Lakeview, our master servicer, doesn't either: https://www.lakeviewcorrespondent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/CalHFA-Conventional-V23.6.pdf Follow Fannie guidelines and you'll be okay.

We generally need at least 35 homebuyers to show up for a real estate agent/loan officer class. Please work with our lender training unit--drop them a note at lendertraining@calhfa.ca.gov and we'll see what we can put together.

Yes, CalHFA’s newsletter, Housing Matters, is available here.

We don't have overlays about work history. Please follow Fannie/Freddie and your underwriting guidelines.

CalHFA only allows resubordination if the borrower is part of their servicer's loss mitigation program: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/programs/refi.htm There is also one resubordination allowed of the Dream For All Shared Appreciation loan: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/programs/policy-resubordination-cadfa.pdf

Please call our loan servicing division at 800.669.1079 and they can let you know where to send the info for the loan.