CalHFA is alive and well in 2026, and Roseville buyers can absolutely use it. But the program landscape has shifted slightly, and a few things work differently than they did in past years. If you’re a first-time buyer in Roseville wondering whether CalHFA assistance is still on the table, here’s exactly where things stand.
CalHFA Is Active and Funded for 2026
CalHFA expects to make $150 million to $200 million available for 2026 through its programs, with a portion of that reserved for buyers in qualified census tracts. This means the agency is actively funding new loans this year — CalHFA has not paused or shut down.
The California Housing Finance Agency’s Dream For All program allows first-time buyers as much as 20% in down payment assistance, up to a maximum of $150,000. The 2025-26 state budget set aside $300 million for Dream For All, enough to help roughly 2,000 additional households, including buyers already on the program’s waitlist.
For Roseville buyers, this means the flagship down payment assistance program is back and funded but with some important caveats below.
Dream For All Works on a Lottery System
This is the part that catches a lot of buyers off guard. Dream For All isn’t a “first come, first served, apply anytime” program. Applications were accepted from February 24, 2026 through March 16, 2026 for the most recent round, and funding rounds typically close within 3 to 14 days of opening due to demand.
If you weren’t ready when the window opened, you’ll need to wait for the next round. California has repeatedly allocated new funding for Dream For All since it launched in 2023, so additional rounds are expected.
The key takeaway: you can’t wait until a window opens to start the process. You need a CalHFA lender pre-approval letter just to enter the Dream For All lottery, and the recommendation is to start working with a CalHFA-approved lender at least 60 days before the expected lottery date.
MyHome Assistance Is Still Your Reliable Year-Round Option
If Dream For All’s lottery system feels like a long shot, the good news is CalHFA’s other major program is much more dependable. MyHome offers 3-3.5% of the purchase price as a deferred loan, subject to funding, and is generally available year-round with no lottery and no limited funding windows for most periods.
On California’s median home price, that translates to roughly $27,475 in down payment assistance. For a Roseville buyer, this is often the more practical path — no lottery, no narrow application window, just a steady program you can plan around.
MyHome can also be combined with ZIP zero-interest loans and CalPLUS first mortgages for maximum benefit, and even stacked with local grants for additional support.
What’s Not Available Right Now
Not every CalHFA-adjacent program is currently funded. The Forgivable Equity Builder program, which provided 10% forgiveness after 5 years for lower-income buyers, has had its funding exhausted, so availability for 2026 should be confirmed directly with CalHFA.
Similarly, the CalHFA ADU Grant Program is currently paused and not accepting new applications due to funding exhaustion, with no confirmed relaunch date. If you were hoping to use CalHFA funding for an accessory dwelling unit alongside your purchase, that specific program isn’t an option right now — though it could return in the future.
Income Limits Still Apply and Vary by Program
Income limits vary significantly by county, ranging up to $325,000 in San Francisco/Marin and $270,000 in Orange County. Placer County (which includes Roseville) has its own published limits that are updated periodically, so it’s worth checking your specific number with a local Roseville mortgage lender rather than relying on a statewide figure.
Most CalHFA programs require a minimum 660 credit score, though related programs like CalHFA VA accept scores down to 620.
How to Get Ready for CalHFA in Roseville Right Now
Whether or not a Dream For All window is currently open, here’s what you can do today:
- Get pre-approved with a CalHFA-approved lender. CalHFA is not a direct lender — they work through trained loan officers who understand the program’s nuances and can maximize your benefits. Not every lender is approved or experienced with CalHFA.
- Confirm your eligibility for MyHome now. Since MyHome doesn’t operate on a lottery, there’s no reason to wait — if you’re ready to buy, this program can move forward immediately.
- Sign up for Dream For All alerts. Checking CalHFA.ca.gov and signing up for email alerts is the best way to be notified immediately when the next funding round opens.
- Complete your homebuyer education course. This is required for all CalHFA programs and can be done on your own schedule — so it’s a great first step while you wait for other pieces to line up.
Common Questions About CalHFA Availability in 2026
Is CalHFA shutting down? No. CalHFA is a self-supporting state agency funded through bond programs, not a temporary grant that runs out and disappears. Some specific programs (like the ADU Grant) have paused due to funding exhaustion, but CalHFA’s core lending programs remain active and funded.
If I miss a Dream For All window, can I still buy a home in Roseville with CalHFA help? Yes — MyHome Assistance is available year-round and doesn’t require waiting for a lottery window. Many Roseville buyers use MyHome as their primary assistance program rather than waiting on Dream For All.
How do I know if Dream For All is currently open? The application windows are announced by CalHFA and tend to be brief. Working with a CalHFA-approved lender in Roseville means you’ll be notified and ready to apply the moment a window opens, since you need a pre-approval letter in place beforehand.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer for all of these programs? For CalHFA’s state programs, including Dream For All and MyHome, yes — you must not have owned a home in the last three years. Some other down payment assistance programs outside of CalHFA don’t have this requirement, so it’s worth discussing your full range of options with your lender.
Ready to Find Out What CalHFA Can Do for You in Roseville?
CalHFA programs change year to year, and funding windows can open and close quickly. The best way to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity is to work with a Roseville mortgage lender who stays current on CalHFA programs and can get you pre-approved before the next window opens.
The JJ Mack Team is a CalHFA-approved lender serving Roseville and all of Placer County. Reach out today for a free consultation — we’ll review your eligibility for MyHome, Dream For All, and other programs, and make sure you’re ready the moment the right opportunity comes along.
Contact us or fill out the form below to get started.