Helping You Bridge the Gap to Homeownership

CALHFA vs LIPA/MIPA & Down Payment Assistance Programs

​At Equitable Lending, we know that coming up with a down payment can be one of the biggest hurdles to buying a home—especially for first-time buyers. That's why we work closely with clients to explore the best available assistance programs, including CALHFA, LIPA/MIPA, and other local and state-funded grants that can reduce or eliminate your upfront costs.
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🔍 CALHFA: California Housing Finance Agency

CALHFA is a state-sponsored agency that offers affordable mortgage programs to eligible California homebuyers, often with low interest rates and flexible credit requirements. It also provides down payment and closing cost assistance, making it easier to get into a home without perfect credit or a large savings account.
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Key Features:

• Designed for first-time homebuyers

• Offers MyHome Assistance Program (up to 3.5% for down payment/closing costs)

• Can be used with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans

• Deferred payments: no monthly payment required on assistance until refinance, sale, or payoff
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Ideal for: Buyers with stable income, decent credit, but limited savings.
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🔄 LIPA & MIPA: Local and Municipal Assistance Programs

LIPA (Local Incentive Program Assistance) and MIPA (Municipal Incentive Program Assistance) refer to city- or county-level programs designed to help buyers in specific communities. These programs often work in conjunction with state or federal funding and can be incredibly valuable when layered with other assistance.
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Key Benefits:

• Targeted to specific zip codes, cities, or workforce categories

• May offer grants, forgivable loans, or second mortgages

• Some programs are income-based, while others focus on first responders, teachers, or veterans
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• Can sometimes be combined with CALHFA and other programs
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Ideal for: Buyers seeking local support and layered assistance options.
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💡 Other Grants & Down Payment Assistance Programs

In addition to CALHFA and local incentives, we help our clients explore a wide range of state, nonprofit, and private DPA programs, including:

• + FHA Down Payment Assistance programs

• + Freddie Mac BorrowSmart℠

• + FHLB (Federal Home Loan Bank) Grants

• + NeighborhoodLIFT by Wells Fargo Foundation

• + Chenoa Fund

• + Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) programs

• + Veterans-specific grants

​These programs may provide:

• + Grants (no repayment required)

• + Deferred or forgivable second loans

• + Matched savings plans

• + Employer assistance
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✅ Which Program is Right for You?

Our mortgage advisors will assess your:

• + Income & credit profile

• + Location & profession

• + Purchase price & home type

​Then we'll match you with the best-fitting program(s) to reduce your upfront costs and improve your long-term affordability.
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🏡 Let's Get You Home

Down payment shouldn't stand between you and homeownership. At Equitable Lending, we'll walk you through the options, explain the fine print, and help you take full advantage of the support that's available.
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