Dream For All
Up to 20% down, shared appreciation, first-generation.
California Down Payment Assistance: Dream For All, GSFA & CalHFA
California has the boldest down payment programs in the country, from GSFA Platinum's grant to CalHFA's Dream For All shared-appreciation loan. Here is how to use them, and which one fits you.
How California down payment assistance works
California is expensive, and the state built its programs to match. Three statewide paths do most of the work. GSFA Platinum gives you up to 5% of your loan (5.5% on government loans) as a grant or second, with no first-time-buyer requirement, so even repeat buyers qualify. CalHFA MyHome adds a deferred second for down payment and closing costs. And Dream For All, the boldest of the three, can put up to 20% of the price down for first-time, first-generation buyers in exchange for a share of the appreciation, when a funding round is open. A 640 credit score opens the door, and we confirm your county limits before you shop.
The California options at a glance
GSFA Platinum
Up to 5.5%, no first-time rule, grant option.
CalHFA MyHome
A deferred 3%–3.5% second that layers.
Compare the programs
Which of the three fits your situation.
DPA + VA loan
Cover closing costs on a zero-down VA loan.
Eligibility & limits
640 credit, income limits by county.
Why work with us
A participating lender, not a referral site.
Cornerstone First Mortgage originates CalHFA and GSFA loans directly, we are an approved participating lender, not a lead broker that sells your information. Mike Certo will tell you straight which program fits, Dream For All if a round is open and you qualify, GSFA Platinum if you have owned before, or MyHome to layer, before you apply. No obligation, no pressure.
Ready to see what you qualify for?
Tell us your county, credit range, whether you have owned before, and whether you would be the first in your family to own, and we will map your California options in a no-pressure call. Start with the quiz above, or reach Mike at (480) 296-6513.
FAQ
Common questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in California?
California offers up to 5% of the loan on conventional (5.5% on FHA/VA/USDA) through GSFA Platinum, a 3% to 3.5% deferred second through CalHFA MyHome, and, when a funding round is open, up to 20% of the price (max $150,000) through CalHFA Dream For All for first-time, first-generation buyers.
What is the California Dream For All program?
Dream For All is a CalHFA shared-appreciation loan of up to 20% of the price (max $150,000) for first-time, first-generation buyers. It is deferred with no monthly payment; at sale or payoff you repay the original amount plus a share of the appreciation. Funding is released in limited rounds.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer for California down payment assistance?
Not for GSFA Platinum, which has no first-time-buyer requirement, so repeat buyers qualify. CalHFA MyHome and Dream For All are for first-time buyers; Dream For All also requires that at least one buyer be a first-generation homebuyer.
What credit score do I need for California down payment assistance?
GSFA Platinum requires a 640 minimum credit score; CalHFA's conventional minimum is generally 680 (660 on the HomeReady low-income rate). Income and sales-price limits are set by county. Confirm your county's current figures with CalHFA and GSFA.
See your California options
Tell us your county, credit range, and price target, and we’ll map your California path in a no-pressure 20-minute call. No obligation.