Buying a home
Down Payment Assistance by State: Programs Worth Knowing
Short answer
Down payment assistance can help with the cash needed to buy, but the repayment terms matter as much as the amount. MortgageOne participation is confirmed for the California programs below. Funding and borrower eligibility still need a current check. For other states, ask us to verify an approved program before building assistance into your purchase budget.
Chris Lamm, NMLS# 209221Published Last reviewed
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How state DPA works
Assistance is often paired with a specific first mortgage. A grant, a forgivable second and a deferred loan have different obligations. Some balances become due when you sell or refinance. Compare the first-mortgage payment, total cash to close and repayment triggers together. Lender participation does not guarantee available funds or borrower approval.
California: approved program paths
MortgageOne’s Redding branch appears on the CalHFA approved-lender list for the CalHFA paths below. MortgageOne also appears on the GSFA participating-lender list for Platinum and Golden Opportunities. Participation snapshot: November 4, 2026. Current funding, pairing and eligibility must be checked for your file.
CalHFA MyHome
MyHome is a California down payment and closing-cost assistance path. Review its repayment obligation and its pairing with an eligible CalHFA first mortgage before choosing it.
CalHFA MyHome (as of 2026-11-04).
California Dream For All
Dream For All uses shared appreciation. Funding rounds open and close; participation on the lender list does not mean a round is open or a reservation is available. Review how repayment and shared appreciation work before relying on it.
California Dream For All (as of 2026-11-04).
CalHFA MyAccess
MyAccess is another approved CalHFA path to ask us about. We confirm the eligible first-mortgage combination, current program conditions and availability for the specific purchase.
CalHFA MyAccess (as of 2026-11-04).
CalHFA and CalPLUS first mortgages
Approved first-mortgage paths include CalHFA FHA, CalPLUS FHA, CalHFA Conventional and CalPLUS Conventional. These are first mortgages, not interchangeable grants. The assistance pairing and full loan package need to be reviewed together.
CalHFA FHA (as of 2026-11-04).
CalPLUS FHA (as of 2026-11-04).
CalHFA Conventional (as of 2026-11-04).
CalPLUS Conventional (as of 2026-11-04).
GSFA Platinum and Golden Opportunities
MortgageOne is listed as participating in both GSFA Platinum and Golden Opportunities. Ask us to compare the current program structure, any assistance repayment terms and the first-mortgage costs with an option without assistance.
GSFA Platinum (as of 2026-11-04).
GSFA Golden Opportunities (as of 2026-11-04).
Other states: ask us
Buying in Texas, Florida, Arizona, Washington or another state? Ask us to check current lender participation and program availability. This guide does not establish MortgageOne approval for assistance outside California. Company licensing alone does not establish approval for a state assistance program.
The strings that matter
A deferred balance can become due when you refinance or sell. Forgiveness can depend on occupancy and completing the full period. Shared appreciation can change what you repay as value changes. Income and purchase-price limits, education, funding and first-mortgage pricing can affect the answer. Get the actual repayment documents before building an offer around assistance.
Is DPA the right move?
Compare one assistance option with one option without it. Include all loan payments, closing costs, deferred balances and your likely move or refinance date. Leave room for repairs and normal household expenses. Assistance can be useful without being the lowest-cost choice over your whole ownership period.
How we help
Tell us the buying state, budget, household picture and timing. We confirm program participation, current funding and eligibility before comparing cash to close, monthly payments and repayment triggers. Your self-reported answers start a review; they do not reserve funds or establish approval.
Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Not a commitment to lend. Not available in all states. This is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
Common questions
Which states have approved MortgageOne assistance paths in this guide?
California is the only state with confirmed program participation in this guide as of November 4, 2026. Ask us to verify participation and availability in another state.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
The rule depends on the specific program and any eligible exception. We check ownership history and the current program requirements before choosing a path.
Is down payment assistance free money?
Some assistance can be a grant, but many programs involve deferred, repayable, conditionally forgivable or shared-appreciation obligations. Read the actual agreement.
What happens if I refinance or sell?
A deferred balance may become due, forgiveness conditions may still apply and shared appreciation may affect repayment. The actual program documents control.
Is Dream For All open right now?
Funding rounds open and close. We confirm current availability and reservation requirements before treating it as an option.
Can I combine assistance with an FHA or conventional loan?
Approved CalHFA and CalPLUS FHA and conventional paths are listed above. The assistance and first-mortgage pairing must meet the current program rules; not every combination is available.
Written by Chris Lamm
Senior Loan Advisor and Branch Manager, MortgageOne Inc. NMLS# 209221. 25 years in mortgage lending.
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