California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) CalPLUS FHA with Zero Interest Program (ZIP)

Check Rate Sheet daily for availability

Maximum Amount

3% of Purchase Price

Benefits

  • Deferred payment, zero interest rate, long term subordinate mortgage.
  • Guest houses, granny units and in-law quarters are eligible for financing under certain conditions.
  • No borrower minimum contribution required.
  • Borrowers who own or have owned rental properties may be a first-time homebuy they can document that they have not occupied any of the rental properties as the principal residence at any time within the past three years.
  • Borrowers utilizing HUD 184 programs, 203(h) programs, or borrowers previous primary residence affected by natural disasters in California do not have to be first time homebuyers. Refer to handbook for additional requirements.
  • Manual underwriting permitted as long as it isn’t a 203(h) program or manufacture homes.
  • 2-1 temporary buydowns permitted, but must meet FHA and master servicer guidelines.

Participating Lenders

Preferred Loan Officer list: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/apps/PLO/
https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/lenders.htm
How to Become a Participating Lender:
https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/directlenders.htm

Approved Education Providers

  • Homebuyer education and counseling is required for one occupying first-time homebuyer.
  • Certificates are good for one-year.
  • Homebuyer education and counseling is not required for non-first-time homebuyer
  • In-Person or Virtual Homebuyer Education through NeighborWorks America or through one of the HUD approved Housing Counseling Agencies
  • https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/borrower.htm#education

Program Provider Contact

Single Family Lending
p: 916.326.8033
sflending@calhfa.ca.gov

Customer Service / Loan Production /Lender Training
p: 916.326.8033
lendertraining@calhfa.ca.gov

Secondary Marketing
p: 916.326.8824
ratelocks@calhfa.ca.gov

Mortgage Access System (MAS)
massupport@calhfa.ca.gov

Find Out More