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CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program

California

Last verified
Assistance

3%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

150% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$765,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 3 years

What is CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in California.

  • CalPLUS Conventional first mortgage combined with ZIP closing cost assistance of 3% of loan amount at 0% interest. No repayment until sale, refinance, or payoff. Statewide CA.
  • Up to 3.0% of purchase price in assistance.
  • no monthly payments on DPA.
  • Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program provides assistance worth 3% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • The program asks buyers to contribute 3% of purchase price (borrower minimum).
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program is forgiven after 3 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, refinance, or payoff of first mortgage.
  • The assistance is recorded in Second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Minimum 660 FICO score required for all borrowers
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Residency: Primary residence
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizen
  • CalPLUS Conventional first mortgage paired with ZIP (3%); ZIP forgivable after 3 years

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $765,000 price cap
  • Households above 150% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program limits household income to 150% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Contact program provider for current income limits.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program caps the purchase price at $765,000.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family (1-2 unit), conventional condominium, townhome, PUD.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program serves buyers purchasing anywhere in California.

How do you apply?

Applications for CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through CalHFA Lender Portal (CLMS), and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program, explained

A short, free course on CalHFA CalPLUS Conventional + ZIP Combined Program: what it is, who it is for, when it is repaid, where it applies and how to apply. Based on program data from July 2026. About ten minutes.

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