Sacramento County has more layered DPA options than almost any other California county. SHRA administers the active local programs (CalHome and PLHA, with MCC currently suspended). CalHFA provides the first mortgage backbone. NHF is FHA-only. GSFA Platinum works for higher-income buyers above CalHFA limits. Knowing which stacks together and which is standalone matters - in Sacramento, only CalHFA + SHRA is a verified working stack.
In Sacramento County the verified working DPA stack is a CalHFA first mortgage paired with an SHRA-administered 2nd (CalHome or PLHA). All other programs (GSFA, NHF, Chenoa) are typically standalone. Stacking the wrong pair is one of the most common Sacramento DPA mistakes.
CalHFA program-level credit minimums: 640 for CalHFA FHA, 680 for CalHFA Conventional. These are program rules. Lender overlays may set a higher floor. Income limits vary by household size.
SHRA CalHome targets first-time buyers in eligible SHRA service areas (City of Sacramento and unincorporated Sacramento County). Income limits typically tied to 80% of area median income. Check the SHRA eligibility map for your target property.
GSFA Platinum is a statewide DPA with higher income limits than CalHFA (often up to $200K depending on county). Comes as a grant or repayable second. Standalone - does NOT stack with CalHFA or SHRA.
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) is FHA-only DPA. Income limits often up to 140% AMI. Standalone - does NOT stack with CalHFA. Best when CalHFA income limits don't fit but you still want DPA on an FHA loan.
The Sacramento Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program is currently suspended. MCC historically allowed a federal income tax credit on a portion of mortgage interest. If MCC reopens, the credit can stack with CalHFA + SHRA on eligible loans.
CalHFA first mortgage + SHRA second (CalHome or PLHA) is the verified working stack in Sacramento. GSFA, NHF, and Chenoa are standalone.
These are CalHFA program-level rules. FHA loans accept lower credit generally; CalHFA aligns its conventional minimum with conventional MI risk pricing.
Yes, in eligible service areas. SHRA covers City of Sacramento and certain unincorporated areas. Check the SHRA eligibility map for your target property.
MCC is currently suspended pending funding. Subject to legislative or agency reauthorization. Watch SHRA announcements for updates.
Once funding is reserved and documents are gathered, typical closes run 30-45 days. DPA transactions sometimes take slightly longer than non-DPA due to program-specific document requirements.
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Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or guarantee of approval. Loan programs, rates, terms, eligibility, and program availability are subject to change and depend on credit, income, assets, property, occupancy, location, and underwriting. Not all borrowers will qualify. Individual results vary. Equal Housing Opportunity. PRMG Mortgage. NMLS #75243. Ken Clark Jr. NMLS #225375. Licensed in 49 states, excluding New York.