
California opens a 20-day window for up to $150K in down-payment help for first-time buyers, via a shared-appreciation loan
First-time California buyers have a 20-day window (Feb. 24–Mar. 16) to enter a lottery for up to $150,000 in down-payment assistance through CalHFA’s Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan. The aid is a shared-appreciation loan repaid at sale or refinance plus 15–20% of the home’s appreciation, with funds recycled into the program. Eligibility requires at least one borrower to be a first-generation homebuyer, all borrowers to be first-time buyers, California residency, county income limits, a DFA lender pre-approval letter, and completion of a mandatory one-hour education course.


