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NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California)

California

Last verified
Assistance

5%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Income limit

150% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Grant

Not repaid

What is NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California)?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) is a grant for homebuyers in California.

  • NHF Sapphire FHA variant: up to 5% of loan amount as a grant for California homebuyers using FHA financing. No income limits, no repayment required. Available through participating lenders.
  • Up to 5.0% of purchase price in assistance.
  • non-repayable grant.
  • Funding comes from NHF.

How much assistance does it provide?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) provides assistance worth 5% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • The program asks buyers to contribute 1% 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?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

  • Repayment is triggered by N/A (non-repayable grant).
  • The assistance is recorded in N/A (grant - no lien) position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) is open to buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Minimum 640 FICO score required for all borrowers
  • Residency: Must occupy as primary residence
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or other eligible non-citizen
  • 5% grant (no repayment required). Income at or below 150% AMI. Min 620 FICO. Must use NHF-approved lender. Available for FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • 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?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) 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?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) caps the purchase price as follows: Contact program for current purchase price limits.

  • Eligible property types include Single-family (1-4 unit), FHA-approved condominium, townhome/PUD.
  • New construction is eligible.
  • Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) serves buyers purchasing anywhere in California.

How do you apply?

Applications for NHF Sapphire Grant Program - FHA (California) go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Contact provider directly; subject to funding availability, and are subject to availability.

  2. 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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