Quick Answer
Sacramento first-time buyers can access 6+ down payment assistance programs offering $10,000 to $50,000 in help. The median home price (~$494,000) sits comfortably below the FHA loan limit ($580,250), and most Sacramento household incomes fall within program eligibility. Programs include forgivable loans, silent seconds, grants, and closing cost assistance. Many can be combined.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for anyone buying their first home in Sacramento County who needs help covering the down payment or closing costs. That includes buyers purchasing in the City of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Folsom, and unincorporated Sacramento County.
If you earn under $160,000 as a household, have a credit score of 580 or higher, and haven't owned a home in the past three years, you likely qualify for at least two or three of these programs. Some are available even if you've owned before.
Sacramento is one of the strongest metros in California for first-time buyers. Prices are below FHA loan limits, income caps capture most working households, and state programs layer on top of local options. It is a genuine sweet spot in an otherwise expensive state.
What Counts as "First-Time" in Sacramento?
First-Time Home Buyer = No ownership in the past 3 years
If you have not owned and occupied a home as your primary residence in the past three years, you qualify as a first-time buyer. This applies whether you have never owned at all or you sold a previous home more than three years ago.
Key details that Sacramento buyers should know:
- Owned a home 4+ years ago? You qualify as first-time again for CalHFA, GSFA, and most local programs.
- Veterans: Several CalHFA programs waive the first-time buyer requirement entirely for veterans buying in a targeted area.
- Some programs skip first-time status altogether. GSFA Platinum, Chenoa Fund, and NHF are open to repeat buyers. You can use these even if you currently own a home (as long as the new purchase is owner-occupied).
- Homebuyer education is required by virtually every program. Plan on completing an 8-hour HUD-approved course before closing. Online options (eHome America, NeighborWorks) cost $50 to $99 and satisfy all major programs at once.
How Sacramento DPA Programs Work
Down payment assistance in Sacramento comes in four forms. Understanding the differences matters because it affects your total cost of homeownership over time.
1. Grants (No Repayment)
Free money. GSFA Platinum provides a 5.5% gift (roughly $27,000 on a $494K home) that never has to be repaid. CalHFA ZIP provides a closing cost grant when paired with a CalPLUS loan. These are the most favorable type of assistance.
2. Forgivable Loans
You owe nothing if you stay in the home. Chenoa Fund forgives its 3.5% loan after 36 on-time mortgage payments. CalHFA FEBL forgives up to $50,000 after 5 years. Miss payments or sell early, and the balance comes due.
3. Silent Second Mortgages (Deferred Loans)
CalHFA MyHome is a silent second: no monthly payments, no interest accruing. You repay the original amount when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. On a median Sacramento home, that's $10,000 to $17,500 in deferred assistance.
4. Shared Appreciation Loans
CalHFA Dream For All offered up to 20% of the purchase price, but required repayment of the original amount plus a share of your home's appreciation. This program is currently closed to new applicants. It may reopen in future funding cycles.
Sacramento First-Time Buyer Programs: Side-by-Side
Here is a direct comparison of the major programs available to Sacramento County buyers. All figures are based on the Sacramento median home price of approximately $494,000.
| Program | Amount | Type | Min Credit | Income Limit | First-Time? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome | $10K-$17.5K | Silent Second | 660 | 150% AMI (~$160K) | Yes* |
| CalHFA FEBL | Up to $50K | Forgivable (5yr) | 660 | 80% AMI (~$85.6K) | Yes |
| GSFA Platinum | ~$27K (5.5%) | Grant | 620 | Varies | No |
| Chenoa Fund | 3.5% (~$17.3K) | Forgivable (3yr) | 580 | None | No |
| CalHFA ZIP | Closing costs | Grant | 660 | 150% AMI (~$160K) | Yes* |
| Dream For All | Up to 20% | CLOSED | 660 | 150% AMI | Yes |
*Veteran exemption available. Veterans may not need first-time buyer status for CalHFA programs in targeted areas.
Eligibility: What You Need to Qualify
Every program has its own requirements, but they all evaluate four things: credit score, income, first-time buyer status, and homebuyer education. Here is how Sacramento buyers stack up.
By Credit Score
580-619: One strong option
Chenoa Fund (3.5% forgivable). No income limits, no first-time requirement. This is the go-to program for buyers with lower credit scores.
620-659: Two to three options
Everything above plus GSFA Platinum (5.5% gift). If income qualifies, you can layer GSFA with other assistance for significant help.
660+: Full access
All programs open. CalHFA MyHome, FEBL, ZIP, plus Chenoa and GSFA. This is where stacking becomes possible: combine a CalHFA first mortgage with MyHome, ZIP, and potentially GSFA for maximum benefit.
By Income
Sacramento County's Area Median Income (AMI) is approximately $107,000 for a family of four. Most programs use AMI as their benchmark.
Under 80% AMI (~$85,600)
Qualifies for every program including CalHFA FEBL, which offers the largest forgivable amount at $50,000. This income tier gets the most options.
80%-150% AMI (~$85,600-$160,000)
Qualifies for CalHFA MyHome, CalHFA ZIP, GSFA Platinum, and Chenoa Fund. FEBL drops off at this level, but you still have strong options.
Over 150% AMI (~$160,000+)
Chenoa Fund (no income limits) and potentially GSFA remain available. CalHFA programs phase out at this level.
5 Mistakes Sacramento First-Time Buyers Make
1. Assuming they need 20% down
FHA loans require just 3.5% down. On a $494K Sacramento home, that's $17,290. With Chenoa Fund or GSFA covering that entire amount, your out-of-pocket down payment can be zero.
2. Working with a lender who doesn't offer DPA
Not all lenders are approved to originate CalHFA, GSFA, or Chenoa Fund loans. If your lender doesn't participate, you won't even hear about these programs. Ask specifically: "Are you an approved CalHFA and GSFA lender?"
3. Skipping homebuyer education until the last minute
The 8-hour course takes time, and you need the certificate before closing. Starting it after you're in escrow creates unnecessary pressure. Complete it before you start house hunting.
4. Not checking local programs alongside state programs
Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) and local CDCs sometimes offer additional assistance that can be layered with CalHFA or GSFA. These programs have smaller budgets and change frequently, so check current availability.
5. Waiting for Dream For All to reopen
Dream For All offered up to 20% assistance, but it's been closed since it ran out of funding. Waiting for a program that may or may not come back means missing out on the programs that are available right now. GSFA, Chenoa, and MyHome are all currently accepting applications.
See Which Sacramento Programs You Qualify For
Enter your income, credit score, and target price. Get a personalized list of every program available in Sacramento County with exact assistance amounts.
Check Sacramento Programs →Free tool • No signup required • Instant results
Prefer a quick estimate? Try the California DPA Calculator →
Stacking Programs: How to Maximize Your Assistance
One of the biggest advantages of buying in Sacramento is the ability to combine multiple programs. Not every combination works, but here are two realistic scenarios based on the median home price.
Scenario A: Maximum forgivable assistance (income under $85.6K, 660+ credit)
- CalHFA first mortgage + CalHFA FEBL: up to $50,000 forgivable (5 years)
- CalHFA ZIP: closing cost grant on top
- Total potential assistance: $50,000+ with closing costs covered
Scenario B: Moderate income, lower credit (income under $160K, 620+ credit)
- GSFA Platinum: ~$27,000 gift (5.5%, no repayment)
- Covers entire FHA down payment plus closing costs
- No first-time buyer requirement needed
The key to stacking is working with a lender who is approved for multiple programs. A lender who only offers conventional loans without DPA overlays will not be able to structure these combinations.
Sacramento Local Resources
Beyond the statewide programs, Sacramento has local agencies and nonprofits that provide additional support for first-time buyers.
- Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA): Administers local DPA programs and can connect buyers with housing counselors. Funding varies by fiscal year.
- NeighborWorks Sacramento: HUD-approved housing counseling and homebuyer education courses.
- Sacramento Valley CDC: Community development programs including down payment assistance for qualifying households.
- CalHFA-Approved Lenders: Search CalHFA's lender directory for Sacramento-area loan officers who are certified to originate MyHome, FEBL, and ZIP loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Sacramento?
Sacramento buyers can access CalHFA MyHome ($10K-$17.5K silent second), CalHFA FEBL (up to $50K forgivable), GSFA Platinum (~$27K gift), Chenoa Fund (3.5% forgivable), CalHFA ZIP (closing cost grant), and local SHRA programs. Multiple programs can be combined for maximum benefit.
How much down payment help can I get in Sacramento?
Assistance ranges from about $10,000 to $50,000 depending on your income, credit score, and which programs you combine. A buyer under 80% AMI with a 660+ credit score could access up to $50,000 through CalHFA FEBL alone, plus closing cost help through ZIP.
What credit score do I need?
Chenoa Fund accepts 580+. GSFA Platinum requires 620+. CalHFA programs (MyHome, FEBL, ZIP) require 660+. Even at 580, you have a solid forgivable option through Chenoa Fund.
Do I have to pay back the assistance?
It depends on the program. GSFA Platinum is a gift (no repayment). Chenoa Fund forgives after 36 on-time payments. FEBL forgives after 5 years. MyHome is a silent second repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.
Can I buy anywhere in Sacramento County?
Yes. CalHFA, GSFA, and Chenoa Fund cover all of Sacramento County, including Sacramento city, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Folsom, and unincorporated areas. Some local SHRA programs may have specific geographic restrictions.
Is homebuyer education really required?
Yes. CalHFA, GSFA, and Chenoa Fund all require an 8-hour HUD-approved course. Complete it online through eHome America or NeighborWorks for $50 to $99. One certificate satisfies all programs. Do this early, not during escrow.
Is Dream For All still available in Sacramento?
No. CalHFA Dream For All is currently closed and not accepting applications. It may reopen in a future funding cycle, but there is no confirmed date. Do not wait for it. GSFA Platinum, CalHFA MyHome, and Chenoa Fund are all open and accepting applications now.
What's the FHA loan limit in Sacramento?
The 2026 FHA loan limit for Sacramento County is $580,250 for a single-family home. Since the median price (~$494,000) is well below this cap, most Sacramento buyers can use an FHA loan and pair it with any of the DPA programs listed above.
Ready to Find Your Sacramento DPA Programs?
Use our free eligibility tool to see every program you qualify for, with exact dollar amounts and step-by-step application guidance.
Check My Eligibility →Free tool • No signup required • Instant results
Prefer a quick estimate? Try the California DPA Calculator →