CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
California Housing Finance Agency offers CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) to home buyers in California: you can get up to 3% of the home loan amount, as a deferred loan.
- Amount
- You can get up to 3% of the home loan amount.
- Type of assistance
- A loan with deferred payments
- Only first-time buyers
- No
- Course for homebuyers
- Required
How is CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) paid back?
You make no payments on this 0% loan until you sell your home, refinance or pay off the loan.
With a deferred loan you pay nothing monthly, but the full balance comes due once you sell, refinance or finish paying the first mortgage loan.
Who qualifies for CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)?
- It depends on your county, up to $325,000.
- Being a first-time buyer isn't required.
- Take a homebuyer education course ahead of your purchase.
- A first mortgage, either CalPLUS Conventional or CalHFA CalPLUS FHA, comes with it.
Find the precise limit set for your county and the size of your household in the agency's income chart. Use our HUD income limits lookup to see the median income where you live.
How to apply for CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
- You apply for this help together with your home loan at one of the approved lenders that California Housing Finance Agency pays the money through.
- Your income, your credit and the home all get checked against the program's rules by the lender, who then reserves the money for you.
- This help is paid out at closing, toward your down payment and the costs of closing.
Check California Housing Finance Agency's page for CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) for the full rules and to see if it's taking applications, or choose a lender from the agency's participating lender list.
Ask a lender about CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
Tell us where you're buying and a lender that works with California's programs can tell you whether CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) fits you, and what you could combine with it.
Prefer not to call? Share your details and the lender will get in touch.
More programs in California for first-time buyers
- CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program:
A deferred loan covering up to 3.5% of either the price or the value.
- California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan:
A deferred loan for up to 20% of the home's price, capped at $150,000.
- CalHFA MyAccess:
Deferred loan, as much as 2.5% of the home loan amount.
Every California first-time buyer program · Down payment help in every state