10 Best CalHFA Mortgage Lenders of 2022
CalHFA loan programs help you purchase a home in California with down payment and closing cost assistance. See our picks for CalHFA participating lenders.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.
The California Housing Finance Agency, or CalHFA, provides mortgage and assistance programs to help Californians buy their first home.
To take advantage of these loan programs, you’ll have to work with a participating loan officer. But how do you know which lender is right for you?
NerdWallet compared several of CalHFA’s participating lenders, identifying the best ones for a variety of borrower needs so you can start your mortgage search with confidence.
Best CalHFA Mortgage Lenders
Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3.0/5 Best for nonbank | 620 | 3% | ||
3.5/5 Best for veterans | 580 | 0% | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage | 3.5/5 Best for nonbank | 620 | 3% | Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage |
5.0/5 Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | ||
3.5/5 Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | ||
3.5/5 Best for low credit | 620 | 3% | ||
4.0/5 Best for low credit | 620 | 5% | ||
4.5/5 Best for veterans | 500 | 0% | Learn moreat New American Fundingat New American Funding | |
3.5/5 Best for fixer-uppers | 620 | 3% | ||
4.5/5 Best for fixer-uppers | 620 | 3% |
- Offers an ITIN qualification path for borrowers ineligible for Social Security numbers.
- Has a digital application process.
- Offers government-backed mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
- No mortgage rates published online.
- No home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
- Branch offices not available in all states.
- Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.
- Participates in some down payment assistance and first-time home buyer programs.
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loans, including jumbo and interest-only products.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans.
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including home improvement loans and mortgages for manufactured homes.
- Has retail branches in most states.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Does not offer home equity loan products.
- Origination fees tend to be higher, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a full array of mortgage products, including government and renovation loans.
- Online portal keeps borrowers up to date on the loan application's progress.
- Offers home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs.
- Doesn't post interest rates on its site.
- Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.
- Offers a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers government-backed mortgage and refinance options, including FHA, USDA and VA loans.
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
- Doesn't offer home equity products.
- Offers specialty loans, such as construction and renovation loans and loans for second homes and investment properties.
- Participates in first-time home buyer assistance programs in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
- Sample rates for some loan products are available only by contacting a loan officer.
- Physical locations aren't available in all states.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on October 4, 2022
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
NerdWallet's Best CalHFA Mortgage Lenders of 2022
- Alterra: Best for nonbank
- Caliber: Best for veterans
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for nonbank
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for online experience
- Guild Mortgage: Best for online experience
- Homebridge: Best for low credit
- loanDepot: Best for low credit
- New American Funding: Best for veterans
- PrimeLending: Best for fixer-uppers
- Wintrust Mortgage: Best for fixer-uppers
