Unlocking California Homeownership: Down Payment Assistance Programs in California

If you’re trying to buy a home in California and down payment is the biggest hurdle, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Program may be one of the most powerful opportunities available. Fresh Home Loan Inc., led by Independent Mortgage Broker Garrick Werdmuller (DRE #01368202 | NMLS #242952) , has released a comprehensive preparation guide to help California homebuyers position themselves for the next round of funding under the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan Program. To apply visit: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/apply-now With affordability remaining one of the most pressing challenges across California, the Dream For All Program has generated significant attention by offering down payment assistance in exchange for a share of future appreciation. Previous funding rounds were depleted quickly, highlighting the importance of preparation and strategic financial positioning. “The Dream for All Program gets a lot of attention and hype. This is a great program; however, buyers should know it is an equity share and it is a lottery with limited funds and a short window. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of it but it should deter a home buyer from getting a home if you don’t win the lottery. “says Garrick Werdmuller, President and CEO of Fresh Home Loan. How the Shared Appreciation Works You Receive Down Payment Assistance CalHFA provides a second loan that helps cover your down payment (and sometimes closing costs). No monthly payments Deferred repayment Recorded as a lien on the property You Repay When a Trigger Event Happens Repayment occurs when you: Sell the home Refinance the first mortgage Pay off the loan Transfer ownership At that time, you repay: The original assistance amount PLUS a percentage of the home’s appreciation What Percentage Do They Take? The percentage of appreciation owed depends on your income level at the time you received the assistance. Historically: Lower-income borrowers → Lower share of appreciation Higher-income borrowers → Higher share of appreciation (Exact percentages depend on the program year and funding round.) 📊 Example Scenario Let’s say: Purchase price: $500,000 Assistance received: $100,000 You sell later for: $650,000 Appreciation: $150,000 If your equity share percentage was 20%, you would repay: $100,000 (original assistance) 20% of $150,000 ($30,000) = $130,000 total repayment You keep the remaining appreciation. Understanding Shared Appreciation With Dream For All, assistance is repaid when you: Sell the property Refinance Transfer ownership Repayment includes the original assistance amount plus a share of the home’s appreciation. Understanding how shared appreciation works is critical before committing to the program. Strategic planning ensures the program fits your long-term goals. Who Is the Dream For All Program Designed For? The program is generally intended for: First-time homebuyers Moderate-income California residents Buyers who meet CalHFA income limits Borrowers completing required homebuyer education Eligibility requirements and income limits vary by county, so reviewing guidelines early is key. How to Prepare for Dream For All Funding Here’s what serious buyers should be doing right now: Optimize Your Credit Profile Your credit score directly impacts loan approval and structure. Review credit reports Pay down revolving debt Avoid new credit inquiries Dispute inaccuracies Even small improvements can strengthen your file. Organize Income Documentation Prepare: Two years of tax returns (if applicable) W-2s or 1099s Recent pay stubs Bank statements Asset documentation Self-employed buyers should prepare profit-and-loss statements and business bank records. Complete Required Homebuyer Education CalHFA typically requires completion of a certified homebuyer education course. Completing this early avoids delays when funding opens. Secure a Strong Pre-Approval Not all pre-approvals are equal. A structured, document-reviewed pre-approval strengthens your offer when competing in a fast-moving market. Apply here: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/apply-now At Fresh Home Loan, we focus on: Clean file structuring Upfront documentation review Accurate DTI calculation Clear purchase strategy Why Preparation Matters in California’s Housing Market California remains one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. When assistance programs open: Buyers rush to apply Inventory tightens Sellers favor clean, well-structured offers Preparation reduces stress, shortens timelines, and increases negotiating strength. Take the Next Step Toward Homeownership If you’re serious about buying in California, preparation starts now. Fresh Home Loan Inc. serves clients across the Bay Area and Central Valley, providing strategic mortgage planning and structured pre-approvals designed for competitive markets. Garrick Werdmuller Independent Mortgage Broker DRE #01368202 | NMLS #242952 📞 510-282-5456 🌐 https://www.freshhomeloan.com For more information give me a call at 510.282.5456 or visit: https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/ All loan approvals are conditional and not guaranteed and subject to lender review of all information. Loan is conditionally approved when lender has issued approval in writing, but until all conditions are met, loan cannot be funded. Specified rates and [products may not be available to all borrowers. Rates subject to change according to market conditions and agreed upon lock times set by borrower. Fresh Home Loan Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker in California. This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. Fresh Home Loan, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate #02137513 NMLS # 2124104 # FreshHomeLoan # DreamForAll #CalHFA #CaliforniaHomebuyers #DownPaymentAssistance #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #HomeownershipGoals #MortgageBrokerCA #GarrickWerdmuller #CaliforniaRealEstate #BuyAHomeCA #HomeBuyerTips #MortgagePlanning #RealEstateFinance #BayAreaHomes  #HomeLoanHel p

Bakersfield, CA — Fresh Home Loan Inc. is officially expanding into Bakersfield, bringing a new level of flexibility, strategy, and modern lending solutions to homebuyers, investors, and self-employed borrowers across the 661. Led by Garrick Werdmuller , Independent Mortgage Broker (DRE BRKR 01368202 | NMLS 242952), Fresh Home Loan specializes in helping borrowers navigate today’s challenging housing market with creative financing options that go beyond traditional bank limitations. “With affordability, stricter underwriting, and changing buyer profiles, today’s market requires smarter loan structure — not one-size-fits-all lending,” said Werdmuller. “Our goal in Bakersfield is to help buyers and agents win with strategy, not stress.” Expanded Lending Options Now Available in Bakersfield Include: Zero Down Programs Options available with no income caps and no first-time homebuyer restrictions, allowing more buyers to compete in a competitive market. Private Money Lending Designed for investors and buyers who need speed, flexibility, or solutions for non-traditional scenarios. Bank Statement Loans for the Self-Employed Qualifying based on cash flow rather than W-2 income, ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs, and independent contractors. Fresh Home Loan’s approach focuses on clean execution, strong pre-approvals, and offer structure that helps buyers stand out — especially in multiple-offer environments. Now Serving Bakersfield Garrick Werdmuller Independent Mortgage Broker DRE BRKR 01368202 | NMLS 242952 📞 661-998-9588 ✉️ garrick@freshhomeloan.com 🌐 freshhomeloan.com 🏢 4900 California Ave, Suite 210-B, Bakersfield, CA 93309 For more information, give me a call or visit: https://freshhomeloan.com/schedule-a-meeting/ All loan approvals are conditional and not guaranteed and subject to lender review of all information. Loan is conditionally approved when lender has issued approval in writing, but until all conditions are met, loan cannot be funded. Specified rates and [products may not be available to all borrowers. Rates subject to change according to market conditions and agreed upon lock times set by borrower. Fresh Home Loan Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker in California. This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. Fresh Home Loan, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate #02137513 NMLS # 2124104 #NowInThe661 #BakersfieldRealEstate #FreshHomeLoan #MortgageBroker #661Life #HomeBuying2026

Unlock up to 89.99% of Home Equity — No Mortgage Insurance Required

CalHFA Loan Programs: A Simple Guide for California Homebuyers 

Before We Begin

1️⃣ Zero-Down & Low-Down Loans = Early Entry Instead of waiting for a 20% down payment, Gen Z buyers are using programs like: 0% down FHA / down payment assistance 3% down conventional 3.5% down FHA That’s getting people into homes years sooner than their parents or older millennials. 2️⃣ 5/1 ARMs for Lower Payments Now With Bakersfield’s median price around $400K, a 5/1 ARM can offer: Lower initial monthly payments Higher purchasing power A runway until rates drop again Gen Z sees this not as a risk — but as a strategy. 3️⃣ Digital-First Homebuying This generation researches neighborhoods, compares lenders, and shops for homes from their phone — which fits Bakersfield’s spread-out geography and fast-moving market perfectly. 4️⃣ Build Equity Instead of Paying $1,580/mo in Rent When rent is nearly $1,600/month on average, and many starter-home mortgage payments are comparable (or lower with ARMs/zero-down), it makes financial sense for Gen Z to start building wealth now. 🔑 What Real Estate Agents & Lenders Should Keep in Mind Gen Z buyers in Bakersfield respond best to: Clear, transparent numbers Flexible loan options Side-by-side comparisons (rent vs. buy, down payments, ARM vs. fixed) A roadmap for the next 5–7 years (not just the first loan) This generation cares less about the “perfect” home and more about not missing their window to start building equity. 🎯 Ready to Buy Your First Home in Bakersfield? Get Pre-Approved Today. If you’re Gen Z — or any first-time buyer — the smartest move you can make right now is getting pre-approved before rates shift again and inventory moves. A pre-approval will: Show you exactly what you can afford Lock in opportunities for zero-down or low-down financing Make you a stronger, faster, more competitive buyer Put you ahead of renters still waiting on the sidelines I’ll run your numbers, explore every available program, and give you a clear plan — even if you’re not ready to buy for a few months. 👉 Start your Bakersfield pre-approval here: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/buy Garrick Werdmuller President CEO Fresh Home Loan Inc. 4900 California Ave 210-B Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661)-727-7077 NMLS 242952 All loan approvals are conditional and not guaranteed and subject to lender review of all information. Loan is conditionally approved when lender has issued approval in writing, but until all conditions are met, loan cannot be funded. Specified rates and [products may not be available to all borrowers. Rates subject to change according to market conditions and agreed upon lock times set by borrower. Fresh Home Loan Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Mortgage Broker in California. This licensee is performing acts for which a real estate license is required. Fresh Home Loan, Inc. is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate #02137513 NMLS # 2124104

A game-changer for high-cost California markets

For millions of self-employed Americans, qualifying for a home loan has always been a challenge. Traditional underwriting focuses heavily on tax returns — documents that often show a lower taxable income due to legal deductions and business write-offs. While these deductions help reduce tax liability, they can also make it harder to qualify for a mortgage using conventional methods. That’s where P&L (Profit & Loss) Loans step in. These programs offer a more realistic, common-sense approach for entrepreneurs, contractors, gig-economy workers, and anyone who runs their own business. Instead of relying on tax returns, the lender evaluates income based on a professionally prepared P&L statement. This makes the program a powerful option for borrowers whose true income is not fully reflected on their tax filings. Why Lenders Use a Profit & Loss Statement A Profit & Loss statement provides a clear financial picture of the business — revenue coming in, expenses going out, and the actual net profit being earned. For many self-employed borrowers, this document paints a far more accurate representation of their ability to repay a loan. However, because a P&L loan removes tax returns from the equation, lenders require the P&L to be credible, consistent, and prepared by a trusted professional. That’s why the lender will only accept a P&L completed by one of the following: A Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) A CTEC-registered tax preparer An IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) with active status Borrowers can verify an Enrolled Agent’s status using the official IRS directory below: ➡ IRS Enrolled Agent Lookup: https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf These requirements ensure the lender receives accurate and verifiable financial documentation from a qualified tax professional. What the P&L Needs to Cover To assess income stability, lenders require the P&L to reflect 24 consecutive months of business activity. This can be done in one of two ways: A single 24-month P&L , covering the most recent two years, or A combination of statements , such as: Year 1 P&L Year 2 P&L Year-to-Date P&L The lender compares these periods to confirm that income is stable or increasing — a key factor in approval. If income fluctuates moderately (as it often does in self-employment), that’s okay; what matters most is that the overall trend is not declining. Who Benefits Most From a P&L Loan? P&L loans are ideal for business owners who: Write off significant expenses Earn uneven or seasonal income Have strong gross revenue but lower taxable income Prefer not to provide tax returns Need a streamlined alternative documentation loan This is especially powerful for tradespeople, small business owners, real estate agents, rideshare drivers, consultants, and freelancers — anyone whose tax returns simply don’t reflect their true financial strength. Why This Loan Is More Important Than Ever With traditional lenders tightening income guidelines and many bank-statement lenders scaling back programs, P&L loans have become one of the few remaining flexible qualifying options for self-employed borrowers. Having the right documentation — and preparing it correctly the first time — can mean the difference between an approval and a delay. That’s why working with a mortgage professional who understands these programs deeply is essential. Ready to Explore Your Options? Let’s Talk. Every self-employed borrower’s story is different, and your loan strategy should reflect that. If you’d like to see whether a P&L loan works for your situation — or if you want help gathering the right documentation — I’m here for you. 👉 Schedule a meeting with Garrick: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/contact-us I’ll walk you through the guidelines, help you avoid common mistakes, and show you the best path to approval. Garrick Werdmuller has been self-employed since the age of 29 and is the President and CEO of Fresh Home Loan Inc. , an independent mortgage brokerage serving the Bay Area and Central Valley. Garrick has helped hundreds of self-employed borrowers secure home loans — including many who were previously denied elsewhere. His mission is simple: make homeownership accessible for entrepreneurs and business owners. #SelfEmployedHomebuyer #PLLoans #AlternativeDocLoans #HomeLoanOptions #MortgageBroker #FreshHomeLoan #NonQMLoans #BusinessOwner #EntrepreneurLife #CaliforniaMortgage #RealEstateTips #HomeFinancing #FreshHomeLoan

Buying a home in California has never been more competitive, more dynamic, or more dependent on strong financing. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving up, or building wealth through real estate, the first and most important step is getting pre-approved . But not all pre-approvals are the same — and not all lenders approach the process with the same level of detail, transparency, or strategy. At Fresh Home Loan, we believe pre-approval isn’t just paperwork. It’s a blueprint for your financial future. Why Getting Pre-Approved Matters 1. You know your real numbers. Online calculators and quick quotes don’t tell the whole story. A real pre-approval evaluates income, credit, assets, property type, and guidelines across multiple lenders, giving you an accurate picture of payment and cash-to-close. 2. You make stronger offers. In competitive markets, sellers want certainty. A true pre-approval shows real estate agents and sellers that you are financially ready now — not “pre-qualified” in 60 seconds with a soft inquiry and guesses. 3. You avoid surprises. When you know your loan type, payment ranges, MI options, and total cash required, you shop with confidence — not stress. 4. You move faster. A strong pre-approval shortens closing timelines, reduces conditions, and helps you win in multiple-offer situations. Fresh Home Loan’s 5-Step Pre-Approval Process At Fresh Home Loan, we built our process around transparency, education, speed, and strategy — not pressure . STEP 1 — Strategy Call A short conversation to understand your goals, timeline, and the why behind your purchase. We want to know your story , not just your numbers. STEP 2 — Apply & Upload Documents You complete the loan application and securely upload income, asset, and identification documents through our technology platform. This allows us to begin the full underwriting review immediately. STEP 3 — Credit Report (Borrower-Paid) We run your tri-merge mortgage credit report , which is now an upfront, borrower-paid fee due to nationwide credit bureau cost increases. This report provides: Mortgage-specific credit scores Tradeline verification Fraud/OFAC checks Supplemental reporting required for underwriting This step ensures accuracy, prevents surprises, and allows us to deliver a true, fully vetted pre-approval . STEP 4 — Deep-Dive Loan Review We analyze your profile across multiple lenders — not just one. You see options for FHA, Conventional, Jumbo, ARM, Zero-Down, ITIN, Self-Employed, Investor/DSCR, and other programs. This is where we strategize your best path: Max qualifying Lower monthly payment Lower cash to close Buydown opportunities PMI vs. no-PMI structures Short-term vs. long-term planning Wealth-building strategy You’re not choosing a loan — you’re choosing the plan that works for your life. STEP 5 — Live Scenario Review We meet via phone or Zoom and go through your options line by line : ✔ Monthly payments ✔ APR ✔ Total cash to close ✔ Rate options ✔ Pros and cons of each program ✔ Short- and long-term strategies The goal is simple: Give you clarity, confidence, and control. Once everything is reviewed and verified, you receive your Fresh Home Loan Pre-Approval Letter :  Fully underwritten Fast Accurate Respected by real estate agents Backed by verified numbers — not guesses We then coordinate with your agent so your offers stand out and move fast. Ready to take the next step? Reach out at 510-282-5456 or apply now: https://www.freshhomeloan.com/apply-now