CalHFA loans for first-time buyers in Shasta and Tehama counties
CalHFA is California's state housing finance agency. It offers first mortgages and down payment help through participating lenders. Its MyHome Assistance Program is a deferred-payment junior loan of up to 3.5%source of the price or appraised value (whichever is less) with a CalHFA FHA loan, or up to 3%source with a CalHFA conventional loan.
Programs CalHFA lists
- First mortgages: CalHFA FHA, CalPLUS FHA, CalHFA Conventional, CalPLUS Conventional, CalHFA VA and CalHFA USDA.
- Down payment assistance: the MyHome Assistance Program, and closing-cost help through the Zero Interest Program (ZIP) when combined with a CalPLUS loan.
- Shared appreciation: a program called Dream For All, which CalHFA describes as down payment assistance for first-generation homebuyers.
Source: CalHFA loan programs, checked October 6, 2026. Program names, limits and availability change.
How a CalHFA purchase works
- Talk to a lender who participates in CalHFA programs and ask whether you qualify.
- Get pre-approved on a CalHFA loan.
- Shop for homes with me. The home and offer need to fit the program's rules, which is where an agent who has done these purchases helps.
- Your lender handles the loan paperwork and the assistance loan. We handle the offer, inspections and negotiation.
One I did
I helped Elisabeth use a CalHFA loan to buy her home. CalHFA shares her story in its Featured Videos:"A home for Elisabeth" (checked October 6, 2026). Your options may be different, so check with a lender.
Common questions
What is CalHFA?
CalHFA is the California Housing Finance Agency. It offers first mortgage loans and down payment assistance for eligible buyers, delivered through participating lenders.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
CalHFA's conventional loan handbook defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has not had an ownership interest in a principal residence during the previous three years. Programs have other requirements too, so check CalHFA or a participating lender for your situation.
Can CalHFA help with the down payment?
CalHFA's MyHome Assistance Program is a deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and closing costs. The amount is capped as a share of the price or appraised value and depends on the type of first mortgage. See the figures above and CalHFA's page for current terms.
I'm not a CalHFA representative or a lender, and nothing here is a loan offer or a rate quote.
Last verified: 2026-10-06