Bakersfield is located in Kern County. Residents qualify for city-specific programs plus all county-wide and statewide California DPA programs. This page lists every program available to Bakersfield homebuyers.
View all Kern County programs → | View California statewide programs →
Quick Answer
Bakersfield, California (Kern County) has 34 active down payment assistance programs with up to $300,000 in assistance (via ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program). 7 programs are grants requiring no repayment. Minimum credit score: 600. Programs include state, county, and local assistance for Bakersfield homebuyers.
If you're buying a home in Bakersfield, you have access to 34 active down payment assistance programs — ranging from outright grants that never need repayment to deferred loans worth up to $125,000. Because Bakersfield is in Kern County, you qualify for city-specific programs, county programs, and every statewide California DPA program.
I've spent 25+ years originating mortgages in California, and the most common thing I hear from first-time buyers is "I didn't know these programs existed." That's the whole reason this guide exists — to lay out every program available to Bakersfield homebuyers and help you figure out which ones fit your situation.
Bakersfield DPA at a Glance
Program Types Available
- ✓ Grant Programs (9)
- ✓ Shared Appreciation Loans (1)
- ✓ Forgivable Loans (2)
- ✓ Deferred Payment Loans (20)
- ✓ Repayable Second Mortgages (3)
- ✓ Other Programs (2)
Key Numbers
- Max Assistance: Up to $300,000 (ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance...)
- Lowest Credit Score: 600
- County: Kern County
- First-Time Buyer Required: Not always
Grant Programs (9)
Grants are the gold standard of DPA — you don't pay them back. Here are the grant programs available to Bakersfield homebuyers.
CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL)
CalHFA
Assistance Amount
Up to 10% of purchase price
up to 10% of purchase price
Repayment: Fully forgiven after 5 years of owner-occupancy. Pro-rated forgiveness if sold before 5 years.
Requirements: Must be paired with CalHFA first mortgage. Must be first-time homebuyer. Must occupy as primary resi...
Official Program PageMiddle-Income Downpayment Assistance (MDPA)
FHLBank San Francisco
Assistance Amount
$50,000
Requirements: Must contribute a minimum of $10,000 toward downpayment, must purchase as primary residence, must op...
Official Program PageMiddle Income Downpayment Assistance Program
Sierra Central Credit Union
Assistance Amount
$50,000
Requirements: Must contribute a minimum of $10,000 toward down payment (which may come from savings or gifted fund...
Official Program PageGreenline Housing Foundation Down Payment Grant
Greenline Housing Foundation
Assistance Amount
$50,000
10 of purchase price
Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH)
Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
Assistance Amount
up to $32,099
Repayment: Fully forgiven after 5 years (20% per year). If home is sold before 5 years, remaining balance must ...
Requirements: Must work with a participating FHLB SF member financial institution (bank or credit union). 4-to-1 m...
Official Program PageDown Payment Assistance
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde - Housing
Assistance Amount
$20,000
20 of purchase price
Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America's Home Grant
Bank of America
Assistance Amount
up to $17,500
up to 3% (DPA) + $7,500 (closing costs) of purchase price
Repayment: Non-repayable grants. Down Payment Grant up to 3% of purchase price (max $10,000). America's Home Gr...
Requirements: Must fund first mortgage through Bank of America. Must complete homebuyer certification course. Avai...
Official Program PagePathway to Home Closing Cost Assistance Grant
California Association of REALTORS Housing Affordability Fund (C.A.R. HAF)
Assistance Amount
$10,000
Repayment: No repayment required (true grant)
Requirements: Must be from an underserved community (people of color, persons with disabilities, or LGBTQ+). Must ...
Official Program PagePathway to Homeownership Closing Costs Assistance Grant Program
Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, Inc.
Assistance Amount
$10,000
Shared Appreciation Loans (1)
Shared appreciation loans provide large amounts of assistance — you repay the original amount plus a share of your home's appreciation when you eventually sell.
CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan
CalHFA
Assistance Amount
up to $150,000
up to 20% of purchase price
Repayment: When the home is sold, transferred or the first mortgage is paid in full - the homebuyer repays the ...
Requirements: One borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer. One borrower must be current resident of Californ...
Official Program PageForgivable Loans (2)
Forgivable loans are forgiven after a set period (typically 3-7 years) of living in the home. If you stay, you keep the money.
ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program
Golden State Finance Authority
Assistance Amount
$300,000
Requirements: applicants must have had their primary residence in a designated Qualifying Disaster Area (for examp...
Official Program PageChenoa Fund DPA
CBC Mortgage Agency (CBCMA)
Assistance Amount
$17,500
3.5% of purchase price
Repayment: Two options: (1) Rate Advantage — soft second, 0% interest, forgiven after 36 consecutive on-time fi...
Requirements: Must use approved correspondent lender. Must complete HUD-approved homebuyer education. Property mus...
Official Program PageDeferred Payment Loans (20)
Deferred loans charge zero monthly payments while you live in the home. You repay when you sell, refinance, or move out.
Homebuyer Assistance
Chico Rancheria Housing Corporation
Assistance Amount
$125,000
25 of purchase price
Manufactured Homes Mortgage Assistance Loan
NHSIE CityLIFT
Assistance Amount
$95,000
Repayment: Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance
Official Program PageBakersfield Hope to Home Program
City of Bakersfield (administered by VCCDC)
Assistance Amount
up to $40,000
Repayment: Deferred-payment loan. No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, transfer, refinance, or when no longer...
Requirements: Must be first-time homebuyer. Property must be in Bakersfield city limits. Can be combined with VCCD...
Official Program PageVCCDC CalHome Deferred Loan Program
Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC)
Assistance Amount
up to $40,000
Repayment: 30-year deferred loan. No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, transfer, refinance, or loss of primar...
Requirements: Must be first-time homebuyer. CalHome-funded. Can be combined with other VCCDC programs including WI...
Official Program PageGSFA Member County "Assist-to-Own" DPA
Golden State Finance Authority
Assistance Amount
$27,500
5.5 of purchase price
Repayment: Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance
Official Program PageGSFA Platinum® Program
Golden State Finance Authority
Assistance Amount
$27,500
5.5 of purchase price
Repayment: Fully Amortizing
Official Program PageNHF Downpayment Assistance
National Homebuyers Funds, Inc.
Assistance Amount
$25,000
5 of purchase price
Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Forgivable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Assistance Amount
$25,000
5 of purchase price
Repayment: 0
Official Program PageChenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Repayable
CBC Mortgage Agency (Chenoa Fund)
Assistance Amount
$25,000
5 of purchase price
Repayment: This loan does require a monthly payment on the second mortgage.
Official Program PageSelf-Help Enterprises SAFE Equity Boost Home Loan
Self-Help Enterprises / Self-Help Federal Credit Union
Assistance Amount
up to $20,000
Repayment: 0% interest for 30 years. Deferred payment — no monthly payments on DPA portion.
Requirements: Must use Self-Help's SAFE mortgage product. Equity Boost allows 105% LTV with no PMI. Buyers under 8...
Official Program PageCalHFA Down Payment Assistance - FHA
CalHFA
Assistance Amount
$17,500
Up to 3.5% (MyHome) plus up to 4.5% (ZIP) of the loan amount of purchase price
Repayment: Deferred-payment junior loan. No monthly payments required. Repaid upon sale, refinance, or payoff o...
Requirements: Must occupy property as primary residence. Must complete homebuyer education counseling. Must work w...
Official Program PageMyHome Assistance Program
CalHFA
Assistance Amount
$17,500
Up to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (Conventional) of purchase price or appraised value of purchase price
Repayment: Deferred-payment junior loan. No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, refinance, or payoff of first m...
Requirements: Must occupy property as primary residence. Non-occupant co-borrowers not allowed. Must complete home...
Official Program PageCalHFA Down Payment Assistance - Conventional
CalHFA
Assistance Amount
$15,000
Up to 3% (MyHome) plus up to 3% (ZIP) of the loan amount of purchase price
Repayment: Deferred-payment junior loan. No monthly payments required. Repaid upon sale, refinance, or payoff o...
Requirements: Must occupy property as primary residence. Must complete homebuyer education counseling. Must work w...
Official Program PageMyAccess
California Housing Finance Agency
Assistance Amount
$12,500
2.5 of purchase price
Repayment: Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
Official Program PageCalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP)
CalHFA
Assistance Amount
$10,000
2-3% of first mortgage (CalPLUS Conventional) or 3.5-4.5% of first mortgage (CalPLUS FHA) of purchase price
Repayment: Deferred payment at 0% interest until home is sold, refinanced, transferred, or first mortgage is pa...
Requirements: Must occupy property as primary residence; non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed. Must complete ...
Official Program PageSOAR Program
NHSIE CityLIFT
Assistance Amount
$10,000
Repayment: Fully Amortizing
Official Program PageKern County First-Time Homebuyer Program
Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department
Assistance Amount
Varies
Repayment: Deferred-payment second mortgage. No monthly payments. Repaid upon sale, transfer, refinance, or los...
Requirements: Must be first-time homebuyer. HOME/CalHome funded. City of Bakersfield has its own separate DPA prog...
Official Program PageSelf-Help Enterprises Down Payment Assistance
Self-Help Enterprises
Assistance Amount
Varies
Repayment: Deferred-payment loan (varies by city/county funding source)
Requirements: Min 1% down from own funds. Must qualify for first mortgage. Must complete homebuyer education (SHE ...
Official Program PageSacramento Neighborworks CALHome DAP
NeighborWorks Sacramento Region
Assistance Amount
Varies
Repayment: Deferred Payment - Repayment at sale or refinance
Official Program PageFirst Time Home Buyer Program
Town of Paradise
Assistance Amount
Varies
Repayment: Deferred Payment – Repayable at sale or refinance
Official Program PageRepayable Second Mortgages (3)
These programs provide DPA as a second mortgage with monthly payments. The amounts are significant and qualification is broader.
Golden Opportunities
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)
Assistance Amount
$25,000
up to 5% of first mortgage loan amount (3.5% amortizing second + up to 1.5% gift) of purchase price
Repayment: 3.5% as 15-year fully amortizing second mortgage with monthly payments. Up to 1.5% available as gift...
Requirements: Property must be occupied as primary residence. Must work with a GSFA Participating Lender. No minim...
Official Program PageGSFA Platinum Select
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)
Assistance Amount
$25,000
up to 5% (3.5% amortizing second + up to 1.5% gift) of purchase price
Repayment: 3.5% as 15-year fully amortizing second mortgage. Up to 1.5% available as gift (no repayment).
Requirements: Property must be primary residence, debt-to-income ratios up to 50% allowed in certain cases, gift p...
Official Program PageGSFA Platinum Standard
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)
Assistance Amount
$25,000
up to 5% of first mortgage loan amount of purchase price
Repayment: 15-year fully amortizing second mortgage with monthly payments
Requirements: Property must be primary residence, debt-to-income ratios up to 50% allowed in certain cases
Official Program PageOther Programs (2)
Additional assistance programs available to Bakersfield homebuyers.
My Way Home Down Payment Assistance
My Way Home (formerly Ventura County Community Development Corporation)
Assistance Amount
thousands in down payment assistance
Requirements: Programs designed for low- and moderate-income households. Available for both first-time buyers and ...
Official Program PageSchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Reduced Down Payment Program
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Assistance Amount
Varies
Repayment: Standard 30-year fixed mortgage terms
Requirements: Must be SchoolsFirst FCU member (serving school employees across California). Reduced from 5% to 3% ...
Official Program PageIncome Limits for Bakersfield DPA Programs
Income limits for Bakersfield are based on Kern County Area Median Income (AMI). Here's the breakdown:
| AMI Threshold | 4-Person Household | Programs at This Level |
|---|---|---|
| 80% AMI | ~$75,100 | Golden Opportunities, GSFA Platinum Standard, Workforce Initiative Subs..., CalHFA Forgivable Equity ... +6 more |
| 120% AMI | ~$98,050 | CalHFA Dream For All Shar... |
| 150% AMI | ~$122,550 | Self-Help Enterprises SAF... |
Don't know your AMI level? Use our AMI Lookup Tool to check Kern County's limits by household size.
How to Apply for Down Payment Assistance in Bakersfield
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1
Check Your Eligibility
Use our free eligibility tool to see which programs match your situation. Enter your county, income, and target home price.
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2
Get Pre-Approved with a DPA-Approved Lender
Not every lender participates in every DPA program. Work with a lender who is approved for the programs you want. Ask specifically about CalHFA, NHF, Chenoa Fund, and GSFA approval.
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3
Complete Homebuyer Education (If Required)
Many programs require an 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online options through eHome America and Framework are accepted by most programs.
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4
Find a Home in Bakersfield & Make an Offer
Your lender will structure the DPA into your loan package. Some programs have purchase price limits and property type restrictions, so confirm eligibility before making offers.
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5
Close & Move In
The DPA funds are disbursed at closing alongside your first mortgage. No separate application process — your lender handles everything.
Stacking Programs: Combining Multiple DPA Sources in Bakersfield
One of the most powerful strategies is combining multiple DPA programs. Here are proven combinations available to Bakersfield homebuyers:
CalHFA Stack (Most Popular)
CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) + CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - FHA + CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - Conventional
Maximum Assistance Stack
ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program ($300,000) + Homebuyer Assistance ($125,000)
Key rule: Not all programs can be combined. Your lender must confirm layering compatibility before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Bakersfield?
Up to $300,000 through available programs. Top programs: ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program ($300,000), Homebuyer Assistance ($125,000), Manufactured Homes Mortgage Assistance Loan ($95,000). Multiple programs can often be combined.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?
Not always. 13 programs are open to repeat buyers, including Golden Opportunities, GSFA Platinum Select, GSFA Platinum Standard.
What credit score do I need for DPA in Bakersfield?
As low as 600 (Chenoa Fund DPA). Most programs accept 620-660.
Are there income limits?
Many programs have income limits based on Kern County AMI. Common thresholds: 80%, 120%, 150% AMI. Some have no limits.
Do I have to repay the assistance?
It depends on the type. Grants = no repayment. Forgivable loans = forgiven after 3-7 years. Deferred loans = repaid when you sell (no monthly payments).
Can I use DPA with an FHA loan in Bakersfield?
Yes. Most programs work with FHA loans. CalHFA MyHome offers up to 3.5% for FHA borrowers. Chenoa Fund, GSFA, and NHF also pair with FHA.
How long does it take to get down payment assistance?
DPA is built into your mortgage process — typically 30-45 days from accepted offer to closing. Start with homebuyer education and lender pre-approval before house hunting.
| Program Name | Type | Max Assistance | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA Zero Interest Program (ZIP) | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Open |
| CalHFA Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan | Shared Appreciation | $150,000 | Closed |
| Golden Opportunities | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open |
| GSFA Platinum Select | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open |
| GSFA Platinum Standard | Repayable Second | $25,000 | Open |
| My Way Home Down Payment Assistance | Other | Varies | Verify |
| Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) | Grant | $32,099 | Closed |
| Chenoa Fund DPA | Forgivable Loan | $17,500 | Open |
| CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (FEBL) | Grant | $50,000 | Closed |
| Bank of America Down Payment Grant + America's Home Grant | Grant | $17,500 | Verify |
| Bakersfield Hope to Home Program | Deferred Loan | $40,000 | Verify |
| Self-Help Enterprises SAFE Equity Boost Home Loan | Deferred Loan | $20,000 | Verify |
| VCCDC CalHome Deferred Loan Program | Deferred Loan | $40,000 | Verify |
| Kern County First-Time Homebuyer Program | Deferred Loan | Varies | Open |
| SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Reduced Down Payment Program | Other | Varies | Open |
| Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance (MDPA) | Grant | $50,000 | Verify |
| Middle Income Downpayment Assistance Program | Grant | $50,000 | Open |
| ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | $300,000 | Open |
| CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - FHA | Deferred Loan | $17,500 | Open |
| CalHFA Down Payment Assistance - Conventional | Deferred Loan | $15,000 | Open |
| MyHome Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | $17,500 | Open |
| Pathway to Home Closing Cost Assistance Grant | Grant | $10,000 | Verify |
| Self-Help Enterprises Down Payment Assistance | Deferred Loan | Varies | Verify |
| MyAccess | Deferred Loan | $12,500 | Verify |
| Homebuyer Assistance | Deferred Loan | $125,000 | Verify |
| GSFA Member County "Assist-to-Own" DPA | Deferred Loan | $27,500 | Verify |
| GSFA Platinum® Program | Deferred Loan | $27,500 | Verify |
| Greenline Housing Foundation Down Payment Grant | Grant | $50,000 | Open |
| Manufactured Homes Mortgage Assistance Loan | Deferred Loan | $95,000 | Open |
| SOAR Program | Deferred Loan | $10,000 | Open |
| NHF Downpayment Assistance | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Open |
| Sacramento Neighborworks CALHome DAP | Deferred Loan | Varies | Verify |
| Pathway to Homeownership Closing Costs Assistance Grant Program | Grant | $10,000 | Verify |
| First Time Home Buyer Program | Deferred Loan | Varies | Open |
| Down Payment Assistance | Grant | $20,000 | Open |
| Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Forgivable | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Verify |
| Chenoa Fund FHA Down Payment Assistance Repayable | Deferred Loan | $25,000 | Verify |
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