CalHFA Combos: California's Down Payment Stack
California runs its own assistance through CalHFA: a CalPLUS first mortgage layered with silent seconds for down payment and closing costs. Approved lender and first-time-buyer status required — income limits apply by county.
The open year-round stack
| Piece | What it is | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CalPLUS first | FHA, conventional (HFA Preferred), VA, or USDA first mortgage | Standard program LTVs |
| MyHome second | Deferred junior lien for down payment or closing costs (not debt payoff); due on sale, transfer, or first payoff | Up to 3.5% of price on FHA; 3% on conventional / VA / USDA |
| ZIP third | Only with CalPLUS Conventional; 0% interest, closing costs only, deferred for the life of the first; stacks with MyHome | 2% or 3% of the first mortgage — CLTV can reach 105% |
| MyAccess | 2.5% junior lien, only with CalPLUS Access Conventional | 2.5% |
Dream For All (status)
The shared-appreciation program (up to 20% of the price / $150,000, conventional only, first-generation buyers, minimum 95% CLTV, 680 score) closed 2026 registration — it is not an open combo right now. The CalPLUS + MyHome + ZIP stack above is the year-round path.
Key rules
- California only, through a CalHFA-approved lender. First-time buyer required.
- Homebuyer education required.
- County income limits apply (see the 2026-07 bulletin).
- Minimum credit commonly 660 on conventional combos; 680 for Dream For All.
Handbook and matrix references: conventional handbook 6/15/2026, conventional matrix 1/1/2026, government matrix 1/1/2026. Always verify the current handbook before quoting.
Program guidelines change frequently. Verify the current guidelines and matrix before locking or quoting. This is educational information, not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Common questions
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for CalHFA?
Yes — unlike the national 100% combos, CalHFA programs require first-time-buyer status.
Is Dream For All still open?
No — 2026 registration closed. The open path is CalPLUS + MyHome, optionally with ZIP.
What does the ZIP assistance cover?
Closing costs only — 2% or 3% of the first mortgage at 0% interest, deferred for the life of the first lien.
Are there income limits?
Yes — county-level limits published in CalHFA's 2026-07 bulletin.
See what you qualify for
Tell us where you want to buy and how much you can put down. We'll match you with the assistance programs that fit — 100% combos, 1% down grants, or CalHFA — and walk you through every step.