CalHFA Loans in Bakersfield
Dan Ardis is a CalHFA-approved lender helping Bakersfield and Kern County buyers access down payment and closing cost assistance. Buy a home with little to nothing out of pocket.
What Is CalHFA and How Does It Work?
The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers state-backed loan programs specifically designed to make homeownership more accessible for California residents. CalHFA does not lend directly to borrowers. You apply through an approved lender like Dan, who structures the CalHFA loan and the down payment assistance together as a package.
The most common structure pairs a CalHFA first mortgage (FHA or conventional) with a junior loan that covers your down payment and sometimes closing costs. The junior loan is deferred, meaning no monthly payments until you sell or refinance.
For Bakersfield buyers, CalHFA is one of the most effective paths to buying with minimal cash out of pocket. Kern County purchase prices are lower than coastal California, which means the assistance covers a larger percentage of the total transaction.
CalHFA Programs Available in Bakersfield
Dan structures these programs based on your income, credit, and property type.
CalHFA FHA + MyHome
The most common CalHFA combination. An FHA first mortgage paired with the MyHome Assistance Program, which provides up to 3.5% toward down payment or closing costs as a deferred junior loan. Minimum 660 credit score.
CalHFA Conventional + MyHome
A conventional first mortgage at CalHFA's below-market rate, paired with MyHome assistance of up to 3%. Requires 680+ credit and allows PMI cancellation once you reach 20% equity.
Dream For All Shared Appreciation
CalHFA provides up to 20% of the purchase price as a loan. When you sell or refinance, you repay the loan plus a share of the home's appreciation. No monthly payment on the assistance. Subject to program availability and income limits.
CalHFA School Teacher + Employee Programs
Additional assistance for K-12 teachers, school administrators, and classified employees. Often combined with the MyHome program for layered assistance.
Why CalHFA Borrowers Work With Dan
CalHFA transactions are more complex than a standard purchase loan. You are stacking a first mortgage, a junior assistance loan, and sometimes a third program on top. Each layer has its own guidelines, income limits, and documentation requirements. Not every loan officer is set up to close these correctly.
- Dan is a CalHFA-approved lender, he can originate the first mortgage and the assistance loan directly
- He knows Kern County income limits and can tell you immediately whether you qualify
- He has structured CalHFA + FHA and CalHFA + Conventional transactions across multiple price points
- He coordinates homebuyer education course requirements as part of the file prep
- He shops both CalHFA and non-CalHFA down payment assistance options so you get the best combination
CalHFA is one of the most underutilized programs in Kern County. Bakersfield home prices are low enough that the assistance covers a significant chunk of the transaction. I have closed CalHFA deals where the buyer brought less than $3,000 to the table on a $350,000 home purchase.
The key is structuring it correctly from the start. CalHFA has specific appraisal, income, and timing requirements that can kill a deal if you don't know them. I work these transactions regularly, so I know exactly where the landmines are.
What Most Lenders Get Wrong With CalHFA
A Message From Dan to First-Time Buyers
Feeling overwhelmed is normal. Here's how Dan approaches working with first-time buyers, plain English, no pressure.
Check Your CalHFA Eligibility
Dan will review your income, credit, and purchase plans to identify the best CalHFA program for you.
CalHFA FAQs for Bakersfield Buyers
Related Pages for Bakersfield CalHFA Buyers
Ready to Buy in Bakersfield With CalHFA?
Dan is a CalHFA-approved lender who closes these transactions regularly in Kern County. Call (661) 342-9381 or apply online.