Buy a home in Sacramento with less out-of-pocket cash.
Sacramento County buyers have access to some of California's most generous Down Payment Assistance programs. Below are the programs I see borrowers stack most often to reduce the cash needed at closing, some clients qualify for assistance covering 100% of their down payment.
Up to 3.5% of purchase price as a deferred-payment second mortgage. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional loans. Income limits apply by household size.
Combined CalHFA conventional first + TEAP second for educators working in California public schools. Often eliminates down payment entirely.
Grant of up to 5%, never repaid. Can be stacked with FHA, VA, or Conventional. No first-time-buyer requirement. Sacramento buyers especially qualify.
FHA-paired program with two structures: forgivable second after 36 months of on-time payments, or repayable second at low rate. Up to 5% in assistance.
Sacramento-specific second mortgage for purchases within city limits. Income-restricted, owner-occupied required.
Federal tax credit equal to a portion of mortgage interest paid annually. Doesn't reduce down payment but reduces tax liability, essentially extra income to qualify.
Income limits: For most CalHFA programs in Sacramento County, household income limits are around $235,000-$300,000 depending on program and family size. GSFA Platinum has no income limits.
Maximum purchase price: Maximum purchase price for most CalHFA programs in Sacramento County is approximately $1,000,000 (verify current limits, they update annually).
Free 2-minute eligibility check across all Sacramento County programs. No credit pull, no obligation.
Verify current guidelines, income limits, purchase price limits, and funding availability directly with the issuing agencies. Programs are real, but they have to be matched carefully to the buyer, property, county, income limits, and current funding availability.