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Dan Ardis Mortgage Specialist, Barrett Financial Group
Barrett Financial Group Commercial Division
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
Find Your DPA ProgramCall Dan: (661) 342-9381

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.

DPA Questions for Kern County Buyers

What down payment assistance programs are available in Kern County?
Kern County buyers can access CalHFA MyHome (up to 3.5% for FHA, 3% for conventional), CalHFA Dream For All (up to 20% shared appreciation), Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum Grant (up to 5% as a true grant, no repayment), USDA loans (0% down in eligible rural areas), and VA loans (0% down for veterans). Some programs can be layered for additional coverage.
Do I have to repay the down payment assistance?
It depends on the program. GSFA Platinum is a true grant, no repayment ever. CalHFA MyHome and the CalHFA Conventional assistance are deferred junior loans, repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage, but you make no monthly payments on them. The Dream For All program is a shared appreciation loan with repayment tied to home value at the time of sale.
Can I combine multiple down payment assistance programs?
Sometimes. CalHFA first mortgages can be paired with CalHFA junior loans. GSFA Platinum can sometimes be paired with other programs. VA loans already come with 0% down and cannot typically be stacked with other DPA programs. Dan reviews layering options for each borrower based on their specific profile.
What credit score do I need for down payment assistance in Kern County?
Most DPA programs require a minimum 640-660 credit score. CalHFA requires 660 for FHA programs and 680 for conventional. GSFA Platinum requires 640. VA loans have no agency minimum but most lenders require 580-620.
Are there income limits for down payment assistance?
Yes. Most DPA programs have income limits based on area median income (AMI). For Kern County, CalHFA FHA income limits are roughly $159,000-$202,000 depending on household size. GSFA Platinum income limits are different. VA loans have no income limits. Dan checks current limits at the time of your application.
Does down payment assistance affect my interest rate?
CalHFA programs use CalHFA's published rates, which are set by the agency. These may be slightly above or below current market depending on the program cycle. GSFA Platinum allows market-rate first mortgages. Dan compares the effective cost of using assistance versus bringing more cash to the table so you can make an informed decision.

Related Pages

CalHFA Loans BakersfieldFirst-Time Home Buyer BakersfieldUSDA Loans BakersfieldFHA LoansBakersfield First-Time Buyers3% Down Bakersfield Q&A

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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.

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