ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance
ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program
Up to $350,000 in Forgivable Loans for Eligible Households in Wildfire Impacted Areas of California
Program Overview
The ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) Program is designed to help low- to moderate-income households impacted by past California wildfires purchase a home in the state outside these high-risk areas.
The Program provides homebuyer assistance of up to $350,000 per household through a forgivable Second Mortgage Loan. This assistance may help bridge the financial gap between what an individual or family can afford for a mortgage loan payment and the actual cost of purchasing the home.
To qualify for the current funding, applicants must have resided in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Qualifying Areas in 2017 and meet the Program's Income Limits (approximately 80% of the area’s median income). First-time homebuyer status is not necessary.
How to Get Started
Use our Preliminary Eligibility Tool to answer questions like where you lived in 2017 and your household income. The tool will help assess your information and provide an initial evaluation of your eligibility, along with the next steps. For any assistance, feel free to Contact Us.
When you're ready to discuss your financial situation and/or begin the formal application process, you'll need to work with a ReCoverCA HBA Lender. GSFA partners with a network of trusted lenders who will determine your final eligibility, provide current interest rates and APRs, and process your application for the Program.
Availability of Funds
Updated June 19, 2025
Grant funds for the 2017 allocation have been fully committed. The 2017 Allocation is now closed.
ReCoverCA HBA Loan Terms and Other Guidelines(1)
The ReCoverCA HBA Program provides valuable financial support to help low- and moderate-income households achieve homeownership in areas that are not designated as high fire hazard zones. Below, you'll find further explanations regarding the eligibility guidelines and the terms for the homebuyer assistance.
Who is Eligible?
Current eligibility is limited to low- and moderate-income households whose primary residence, whether rented or owned, was located in High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones within one of the 2017 qualifying areas listed below:
- County of Sonoma
- County of Ventura
- Zip Code 95470 – Mendocino County
- Zip Code 95901 – Yuba County
- Zip Code 94558 – Napa County
- Zip Code 95422 – Lake County
- Zip Code 93108 – Santa Barbara County
Homebuyer Assistance Terms
The Program offers up to $350,000 in homebuyer assistance per household to help cover the gap between the applicant's First Mortgage Loan and the home's purchase price. This assistance can be used for down payments, closing costs, and prepaid expenses, up to the $350,000 limit.
HBA Loan Terms
The assistance is provided as a deferred Second Mortgage Loan (HBA Loan) with a 0% interest rate. This means there are no monthly payments and no interest accrues on the HBA Loan. The HBA Loan will be forgiven after five years, provided the homeowner keeps the mortgage current and continues to live in the home.
Calculating the Assistance Amount
ReCoverCA HBA Lenders will help applicants determine their eligible assistance under the Program. The amount of the assistance is based on the difference between the applicant's qualifying First Mortgage Loan and the lower of the purchase price or appraised value of the home being purchased.
Please note that the HBA Loan amount may be reduced by any unused housing assistance from other sources and by any applicant cash reserves that exceed $100,000. The maximum HBA Loan amount is $350,000 per household.
What Properties Qualify for Purchase?
Properties eligible for purchase through the ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance Program must be located in California outside of designated High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Applicants are encouraged to consult with a ReCoverCA HBA Lender to determine if a property meets the eligibility requirements.
Eligible Property Types
- Single-family homes (1 unit only)
- Townhomes
- Agency approved condominiums
- Planned unit developments (PUDs)
- Manufactured housing
Number of Bedrooms
The number of bedrooms allowed is based on the number of persons in the household as set forth below:
Questions or Ready to Get Started?
(1)This web page contains general program information, is not an offer for extension of credit nor a commitment to lend and is subject to change without notice. Complete program policies, eligibility requirements, loan applications, interest rates and annual percentage rates (APRs) are available through ReCoverCA HBA Lenders.
The ReCoverCA Homebuyer Assistance (DR-HBA) Program is provided by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in collaboration with GSFA as Program Manager. Funding for the Program is made possible through a Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from HUD.
What People Say?
It felt like a heavy weight was lifted.
Thanks to the ReCoverCA program, I am now the proud owner of a gorgeous new home in Chico, California. Because of this program, I was not only able to afford a home outside of the high fire danger area, but a home with the most up to date fire prevention possible. Even as a single income family.
— Mary and James BunnButte County, February 2025
ReCoverCA HBA Program