Davis is a unique market: high-cost housing offset by a strong, stable employment base (UC Davis, Mondavi, biotech). DPA programs work here, and a few are specific to UC employees, faculty, and staff.
Yolo County offers a first-time homebuyer DPA program through housing-related agencies. Funds are limited and rotate by fiscal year. Eligibility is income-tested at moderate-income thresholds adjusted for Yolo's higher cost of living.
CalHFA MyHome and GSFA Platinum both work in Davis. CalHFA's tighter income limits work well for many Davis renters making the jump to ownership. GSFA's higher income tolerance fits dual-income academic households.
UC Davis offers employee home loan programs (UC Mortgage Origination Program, Supplemental Home Loan Program) for faculty and staff. These can layer with FHA or conventional financing depending on your scenario. We help eligible UC employees stack them correctly.
Davis is more expensive per square foot than Sacramento proper. Median home prices typically run $700K-$900K. With FHA at 3.5% down on a $750K Davis home, you need $26,250 in down payment plus closing costs. DPA stacking and seller credits can reduce that meaningfully, but expect higher cash-to-close than Elk Grove or Antelope due to the underlying price. Exact figures depend on credit, income, and current program availability.
Old North Davis, Old East Davis, and Old West Davis carry premium pricing. Mace Ranch, Wildhorse, and Stonegate are more entry-friendly. Woodland and West Sacramento (technically Yolo County for Woodland) offer lower price points for Davis-area workers willing to commute 15-25 minutes.
Yes, CalHFA is a statewide program. Yolo County is fully covered. Income limits adjust for Davis cost of living.
Not at the same time as the FIRST mortgage. You typically choose one or the other for the first mortgage. Secondary DPA may layer with either.
It's expensive, but if you work locally and your income is stable, the demand stability makes it a safer purchase than markets dependent on commuter inflow.
You can use Davis or Sacramento programs depending on where you buy. UC employee assistance programs follow you to either location.
21-35 days typical when stacking county DPA + CalHFA + FHA. UC employee programs may add additional documentation timelines.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or guarantee of approval. Loan programs, rates, terms, and eligibility requirements are subject to change and depend on credit, income, property, occupancy, program guidelines, and other underwriting factors. Equal Housing Opportunity. PRMG Mortgage. NMLS 225375. Ken Clark Jr. NMLS #225375.
Certified Mortgage Advisor and Branch Manager at PRMG Mortgage (NMLS #75243). 28 years in mortgage lending. Specializes in FHA, VA, conventional, DPA, jumbo, Non-QM, renovation, and construction financing for buyers and investors in Sacramento, New Jersey, and 47 other states (NY excluded). Three-time Gold Award winner for Best Mortgage Company in Sacramento (2023, 2024, 2025). NMLS #225375.
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