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Dan Ardis Mortgage Specialist, Barrett Financial Group
Barrett Financial Group Commercial Division
Teachers, Classified Staff & School Employees

Teacher Home Loans in Bakersfield

Bakersfield teachers, school staff, and classified employees have access to down payment assistance programs that most people don't know exist. Dan Ardis structures CalHFA school programs and other options to help educators buy with minimal cash out of pocket.

CalHFA School Employee Program Up to 4% Additional Assistance K-12 Teachers and Classified Staff KUSD, BCSD & All Kern County Districts
Check Teacher Program EligibilityCall Dan: (661) 342-9381

Who Qualifies for Teacher Home Loan Programs?

The CalHFA School Program is broader than most people think. It covers more than just classroom teachers.

Certificated Staff

  • K-12 classroom teachers
  • School principals
  • Assistant principals
  • School counselors
  • Special education teachers
  • Librarians

Classified Staff

  • Instructional aides
  • Custodial and maintenance
  • Food service workers
  • School bus drivers
  • Clerical and office staff
  • Campus supervisors

Other School Employees

  • Speech and language pathologists
  • School psychologists
  • Nurses and health staff
  • Technology coordinators
  • District office staff
  • Early education staff

How the CalHFA School Program Works

The School Program layers assistance on top of a standard CalHFA first mortgage.

1

CalHFA First Mortgage

You get a CalHFA FHA or conventional first mortgage at CalHFA's published rate. This is your primary loan that covers most of the purchase price.

2

School Program Assistance

The School Program provides up to 4% of the first loan amount as a deferred junior loan for down payment or closing costs. No monthly payments on the assistance.

3

Additional MyHome Layering

In some cases, the standard CalHFA MyHome assistance can be layered on top of the School Program, increasing total assistance. Dan checks eligibility for each program.

Min Credit Score
660+
School Assistance
Up to 4%
First-Time Buyer
Required
Homebuyer Ed
Required
Dan Ardis
Dan's Take on Teacher Programs
NMLS# 1412272 | CalHFA-Approved

Teachers and school staff are some of the most overlooked borrowers for down payment assistance. The CalHFA School Program exists specifically because California recognized that educators were being priced out of the communities where they work. In Bakersfield, the price point makes these programs even more effective.

I've seen school employees qualify for more than $15,000 in combined assistance when all the programs are properly layered. That changes the entire calculation on whether buying makes sense right now. If you work in a Kern County school district, the first call should be to understand exactly what you qualify for.

Teacher Program FAQs

Are there specific home loan programs for teachers in Bakersfield?
Yes. CalHFA offers the School Teacher and Employee Assistance Program (School Program), which provides additional down payment assistance on top of the standard CalHFA first mortgage. Eligible borrowers include K-12 public school teachers, administrators, school counselors, classified employees, and other school staff. The program applies to schools in California, including those in KUSD, BCSD, and other Kern County unified districts.
How much assistance is available through the CalHFA School Program?
The CalHFA School Program provides assistance up to 4% of the first loan amount, which can be used for down payment or closing costs. This is on top of the standard CalHFA first mortgage, meaning school employees can often layer assistance programs to minimize cash to close.
Do I have to teach in Kern County to qualify?
CalHFA School Program eligibility is based on your employment with a qualifying California school, not the county where you are buying. However, the property you are purchasing must be located in California. Dan works with teachers who work in Kern County school districts and who may be buying anywhere in the state.
What if I am a classified employee, not a teacher?
Classified employees, including instructional aides, food service workers, custodial staff, bus drivers, and administrative support, are eligible for the CalHFA School Program alongside certificated staff. You do not need to hold a teaching credential to qualify.
Can I use the teacher program if I already own a home?
The CalHFA School Program requires you to be a first-time homebuyer, meaning you have not owned a home in the past three years. If you currently own a home and are looking to buy a new one, Dan will review other program options that do not have this restriction.
Do I have to take a homebuyer education course?
Yes. CalHFA requires completion of a homebuyer education course from an approved provider before closing. The course is available online and typically takes 6-8 hours. Dan provides the list of approved providers as part of the pre-approval process.

Related Pages

CalHFA Loans BakersfieldDown Payment Assistance Kern CountyFirst-Time Home Buyer BakersfieldFHA Loans BakersfieldApply Now

Check Your Teacher Program Eligibility

Dan reviews your school employment, income, and credit to identify every program available to you.

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Teachers and School Staff: Let's Find Your Programs

Dan identifies every program available for Kern County educators and structures your loan to minimize cash out of pocket. Call (661) 342-9381 or apply online.

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