DPA Cheat Sheet ยท Sacramento Metro
Sacramento DPA Stack
Cheat Sheet
Every program. Stacking rules. Real-world cash-to-close math.
By Ken Clark Jr., Certified Mortgage Advisor and Branch Manager
PRMG Mortgage | NMLS #225375 | kenclarkjr.com | (916) 275-3469
The 6 Sacramento programs that matter
1. CalHFA MyHome
State-wideSilent 2ndFTB only
- Amount: up to 3.5% of purchase price (FHA), 3% (Conventional)
- Income limit: ~80% area median income
- Credit: 660+ typical
- Structure: silent 2nd mortgage, no monthly payment, simple interest accrues
- Best for: lower-income first-time Sacramento buyers
2. GSFA Platinum
State-wideGrant optionNo FTB req
- Amount: 3-5% of loan amount
- Income limit: up to ~$202K depending on county
- Credit: 640+
- Structure: grant or repayable 2nd
- Best for: higher-income or non-first-time buyers, dual-income households
3. Forgivable Equity Builder
CalHFAForgivableFTB only
- Amount: up to 10% of purchase price (limited fund availability)
- Income limit: tighter than MyHome
- Structure: 5-year forgivable second mortgage
- Best for: lowest-income Sacramento first-time buyers when funds are available
4. SHRA (Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency)
Sacramento CountyCity-specific
- Programs: first-time homebuyer assistance, deferred mortgage
- Income limit: moderate-income thresholds
- Property: within City of Sacramento or unincorporated Sacramento County
- Best for: first-time buyers in the City of Sacramento proper
5. Chenoa Fund
Multi-stateFHA-paired
- Amount: 3.5% or 5% of loan amount
- Income limit: higher than CalHFA
- Structure: forgivable OR repayable second (your choice)
- Best for: Sacramento FHA buyers above CalHFA income limits
6. Placer County DPA
Placer CountyFor Roseville, Lincoln, etc.
- Programs: first-time homebuyer deferred mortgage
- Income limit: Placer County adjusted
- Best for: Roseville, Lincoln, Rocklin, Auburn first-time buyers
Stacking rules
| Combo | Stackable? | Notes |
|---|
| CalHFA MyHome + GSFA Platinum | No | Choose one as first-mortgage pair |
| CalHFA MyHome + Forgivable Equity Builder | Yes | Strongest stack for low-income FTB |
| CalHFA MyHome + SHRA | Yes | For Sacramento City buyers |
| GSFA Platinum + Chenoa Fund | Yes | For higher-income FTB |
| Any DPA + Seller Credits | Yes | Always layer seller credits |
Real Sacramento math: $475K home, FHA buyer
- Purchase price: $475,000
- FHA down payment (3.5%): $16,625
- CalHFA MyHome (3.5% silent 2nd): covers ~$16,625 of down payment
- Seller credit (3% negotiated): $14,250 toward closing costs
- Total estimated closing costs + prepaids: $12,000-$14,000
- Estimated cash to close: $4,000-$7,000 plus reserves
Exact numbers depend on credit, income, and current program funding availability.
Quick check: Use the DPA Finder at kenclarkjr.com/dpa-finder to see every program you may qualify for based on your county and household profile. No credit pull required to browse.
Want me to model your real stack?
20 minutes on the phone, we will pull a soft credit check and tell you exactly which DPA programs fit and what your real cash-to-close range looks like.
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