Palmdale and Lancaster buyers can stack several sources of help: CalHFA MyHome (deferred down payment and closing cost assistance from the State of California), CalHFA Dream For All when funded, LA County homeownership programs when open, lender-funded grants, and seller closing cost credits, which are common in the AV. Beyond Estates checks every program during loan intake. Call (661) 441-3706.
The programs
| Program | What it does | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome Assistance | Deferred-payment junior loan for down payment and/or closing costs, up to a percentage of the price or a capped amount, repaid when you sell or refinance | First-time buyers under CalHFA income limits, with a CalHFA first mortgage (FHA or conventional) |
| CalHFA Dream For All | Shared-appreciation down payment loan (up to 20%). The 2026 round ($150M to $200M) took pre-registrations February 24 to March 16, 2026 with randomized selection for first-generation buyers; the next round has not been announced, so check with us for current status. | First-generation first-time buyers when funding rounds open |
| LA County / LACDA programs | County homeownership assistance; the LACDA Home Ownership Program (HOP) is open on a first-come basis in 2026: up to $100,000 or 20% of price, 0% deferred with shared appreciation, price caps of $700,000 (HOP80) and $850,000 (HOP150), for unincorporated LA County and participating cities | Income-qualified buyers in participating areas including unincorporated AV communities |
| City programs (Palmdale, Lancaster) | City of Lancaster First Time Homebuyer Program: deferred 0% second loan up to $150,000 for households at or below 80% of area median income, subject to HOME funding availability (contact the City's Housing office at 661-723-6128). City of Palmdale: no active city-run down payment program found as of October 2026; CalHFA and LACDA programs apply instead. | Varies by funding year |
| Lender grants | Several lenders offer $5,000 to $10,000+ grants or credits for buyers in certain census tracts or income bands | Depends on the lender and the home's location |
| Seller credits | Seller pays part or all of your closing costs. Negotiated in the offer | Anyone. Very common in the AV |
| Gift funds | Family can gift the down payment on FHA, VA and conventional loans with a gift letter | Anyone |
How we stack it
A typical Beyond Estates first-time buyer in Palmdale: FHA first mortgage, CalHFA MyHome for the 3.5% down, a seller credit covering most closing costs, and a lender credit for the rest. Cash to close can be a few thousand dollars on a $450,000 home. Then movers, storage, pest control and warranty are included from us, and furniture at 2 to 3x less.
Income limits and fine print
CalHFA sets income limits by county; LA County limits are high enough that most AV households qualify. You usually must complete a homebuyer education course (online, a few hours) and the home must be your primary residence. Assistance loans are repaid when you sell or refinance.
What changes year to year
Funding rounds open and close, especially Dream For All and city programs. Do not rely on a blog post from two years ago. Call us; we check live availability during intake.
Last updated 2026-10-20 · About Charly · (661) 441-3706
Related
Frequently asked questions
Is there free down payment money in California?
CalHFA MyHome is a deferred loan, not a grant, but it requires no monthly payment until you sell or refinance. Some lender grants are true grants with no repayment.
Can I combine CalHFA with FHA?
Yes. CalHFA MyHome is designed to pair with a CalHFA FHA or conventional first mortgage.
Do sellers in Palmdale pay closing costs?
Often, yes. Seller credits toward buyer closing costs are common in the Antelope Valley and Beyond Estates negotiates them on most first-time buyer deals.
Talk to the #1 team in the Antelope Valley
Call or text. We answer 7 days a week, in English, Spanish or Arabic.
Charly Daoud, Team Leader · CA DRE #02023368
3001 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, CA 93551
Call or text (661) 441-3706 · charly.daoud@exprealty.com
Offices: Antelope Valley · San Fernando Valley · Bakersfield · Central Valley