National Homebuyers Fund (NHF)

Administered by National Homebuyers Fund, Inc. (Sacramento-based 501(c)(3))

Up to 5% grant — multi-state, no FTHB requirement

Multi-state non-repayable grant DPA — up to 5% of the loan amount, layered onto FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages. Smaller lender network than GSFA, but more flexible on some overlays.

How it works

National Homebuyers Fund is a Sacramento-based 501(c)(3) affiliated with the Rural County Representatives of California. It runs a multi-state grant DPA program structured most commonly as a non-repayable grant at closing — up to 5% of the loan amount.

For California brokers, NHF fills the gap when GSFA Platinum's rate premium is uncompetitive on a specific scenario, or when the wholesale panel doesn't have a GSFA correspondent. The grant economics are similar — funded via a rate premium on the first mortgage — but pricing tiers differ enough that comp-shopping the two on every grant scenario is worthwhile.

The constraints: NHF's lender network is meaningfully thinner than GSFA's, and NHF doesn't publish a single consolidated county income chart (each participating lender issues county-specific overlays). For brokers building a pipeline, GSFA Platinum should be the primary play and NHF the comp.

Who it's for

California buyers who don't fit GSFA Platinum (rate premium too high, lender panel mismatch) and want a non-repayable grant alternative.

Eligibility at a glance

First-time buyer?: No
Minimum FICO: 640
Maximum DTI: 45%
Income limit: Location-and-household-size based, tied to county AMI. NHF does not publish a single public chart — each participating lender issues county-specific overlays. Confirm with lender at time of quote.
Homebuyer education: Required on most product tracks.

Repayment terms

Grant — non-repayable in most structures. Silent-second tiers (when used) typically forgive on a schedule.

Interest

0% (deferred)

Due at

Never (grant tier)

Property rules

Eligible property types: Single-family residence, PUD, Condo
Owner-occupancy required: Not required

Layering & first mortgage options

Works with these first mortgages: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional

Broad first-mortgage compatibility. Cannot stack with GSFA or CalHFA DPA — pick one DPA carrier per file.

Stacks with

MCC LA County MCC

Cannot combine with

GSFA Platinum MyHome Dream For All

How to apply

Process: Through an NHF Participating Lender at first-mortgage lock.

Funding cycle: Continuous when allocation available.

Typical timeline: 30-35 days.

Things that trip borrowers up

NHF's lender network is thinner than GSFA — verify panel access before quoting.
Grant pricing baked into the rate, like GSFA. Run breakeven against the grant amount.
NHF doesn't publish a public county income chart — every quote requires a lender overlay lookup.