Kern County DPA Programs

Down Payment Assistance in Kern County

Multiple programs exist to help Bakersfield and Kern County buyers cover their down payment and closing costs. Dan Ardis compares every available program to find the combination that puts the least cash out of your pocket.

CalHFA MyHome Up to 3.5% GSFA Platinum Grant Up to 5% VA and USDA Zero Down Programs Can Be Layered

Kern County Down Payment Assistance Programs

Availability and income limits change periodically. Dan pulls current program guidelines at the time of your consultation.

CalHFA MyHome Assistance

Deferred Junior Loan
Most common CalHFA option in Kern County
Assistance Amount
Up to 3.5% (FHA) / 3% (Conventional)
Min Credit Score
660+
First-Time Buyer Required
Yes
Repayment
Deferred, due at sale/refi

GSFA Platinum Grant

True Grant
No repayment ever, rare among DPA programs
Assistance Amount
Up to 5% of purchase price
Min Credit Score
640+
First-Time Buyer Required
Not required
Repayment
None, it is a grant

CalHFA Dream For All

Shared Appreciation Loan
Largest assistance amount, limited funding availability
Assistance Amount
Up to 20% of purchase price
Min Credit Score
660+
First-Time Buyer Required
Yes
Repayment
Repay loan + share of appreciation at sale

VA Loan (Veterans)

Zero Down Purchase Loan
Best option for eligible veterans, no PMI, no down payment
Assistance Amount
100% financing
Min Credit Score
580+ (lender overlay)
First-Time Buyer Required
Not required
Repayment
No DPA, built into loan structure

USDA Rural Development

Zero Down Purchase Loan
Available in eligible rural areas of Kern County
Assistance Amount
100% financing
Min Credit Score
620+
First-Time Buyer Required
Not required
Repayment
No DPA, built into loan structure
Dan Ardis
Dan's Take on Kern County DPA
NMLS# 1412272 | CalHFA-Approved

Most borrowers don't know the GSFA Platinum Grant exists. It's a true grant, no repayment, no shared appreciation, no deferred loan to worry about at sale. For borrowers who qualify, it's usually the first program I pull up.

Bakersfield's price point makes down payment assistance programs more impactful here than in most California markets. A 3.5% grant on a $300,000 home is $10,500 back in your pocket. The programs exist for a reason. My job is to make sure you actually use them.

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.

Find Out Which DPA Programs You Qualify For

Dan compares every available program for your income, credit, and purchase situation.

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DPA Questions for Kern County Buyers

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Ready to Buy in Kern County With Minimal Cash Down?

Dan will identify every down payment assistance program available to you. Call (661) 342-9381 or apply online.