What are the CALHFA income limits?

The CalHFA income limits vary significantly by county, with the highest limits found in the San Francisco Bay Area and the lowest limits in more rural parts of the state.

The income limits are adjusted annually to account for changes in the area median income (AMI) in each county.

CalHFA sets its own income limits, which can be lower than the federal maximum limits, in order to target assistance to lower-income homebuyers.

The income limits apply to the household size, not just the individual borrower.

So a larger household can have a higher income limit.

CalHFA has special higher income limits for certain programs, like the California Dream for All down payment assistance, to reach moderate-income buyers.

Borrowers must meet the income limits at the time of loan application, not just the home purchase.

Changes in income during the process can affect eligibility.

CalHFA requires homebuyers to complete homebuyer education courses to ensure they understand the home buying process and can afford the mortgage long-term.

The income limits are based on a percentage of the county AMI, typically 140% for conventional loans and 80-120% for government-backed loans.

CalHFA regularly publishes updated income limit charts on their website, so borrowers can check the current limits for their area.

Some CalHFA programs, like the Forgivable Equity Builder Loan, have even lower income limits to target very low-income first-time buyers.

Exceeding the income limits by even a small amount can disqualify a borrower from CalHFA assistance, so careful calculation is required.

The income limits are just one part of the eligibility criteria for CalHFA loans - borrowers must also meet credit, debt-to-income, and other requirements.