Loan Programs

Sacramento Home Loan Programs: FHA, VA, CalHFA, Conventional, Jumbo

I work with all major loan types so the program fits you, not the other way around.

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FHA Loan

VA Loan

For Veterans and Active Duty

VA loans are one of the most powerful benefits available to those who have served. No down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates.

Down Payment: $0 required
Mortgage Insurance: None
Funding Fee: 1.25% to 3.3% (waived for disabled vets)
Loan Limit: No limit with full entitlement

Best for: Eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses who want maximum buying power.

Learn more about VA in Sacramento →

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Conventional Loan

Most Flexible at Higher Credit Scores

At 20% down, there's no mortgage insurance at all. At 3%, it's still possible and PMI goes away once you hit 20% equity.

Minimum Down Payment: 3%
Minimum Credit Score: 620 (better rates at 740+)
Mortgage Insurance: Only if below 20% down
Loan Limit (Sacramento): $766,550

Best for: Buyers with strong credit who want to minimize long-term costs and eventually eliminate mortgage insurance.

Learn more about Conventional in Sacramento →

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USDA Loan

Underused and Often Overlooked

USDA loans offer $0 down for eligible buyers in qualifying areas. More Sacramento-metro neighborhoods qualify than most people realize, including parts of Elk Grove, Lincoln, and Placer County.

Down Payment: $0 required
Income Limits: Moderate income households
Property Eligibility: Rural and suburban areas
Mortgage Insurance: Annual fee (lower than FHA)

Best for: Buyers targeting suburban or outlying Sacramento communities who want $0 down without a VA benefit.

Learn more about USDA in Sacramento →

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Construction Loan

Build New in the Sacramento Region

Construction-to-permanent loans finance the lot, the build, and convert to your permanent mortgage at completion — one close, one set of fees. Common for Placer and El Dorado County builds.

Down Payment: Typically 20 to 25%
Interest During Build: Interest-only on drawn funds
Closings: One (construction-to-permanent)
Typical Timeline: 9 to 14 months to completion

Best for: Buyers building a custom home on owned or to-be-purchased land in the Sacramento region.

Learn more about Construction in Sacramento →

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Jumbo Loan

Above Conforming Loan Limits

When a purchase price exceeds the conforming loan limit, a jumbo loan takes over. Rates are competitive for well-qualified borrowers.

When It Applies: Above $766,550 in Sacramento
Typical Down Payment: 10 to 20%
Minimum Credit Score: 700+ typically
Mortgage Insurance: Not required

Best for: Buyers purchasing higher-priced Sacramento properties with strong income, credit, and reserves.

Learn more about Jumbo in Sacramento →

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CalHFA / Down Payment Assistance

California State Program

CalHFA offers programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance to California buyers. In some cases, you can close with little to nothing out of pocket.

Down Payment Assistance: Up to 3 to 10% of price
Income Limits: Varies by county
First-Time Buyer Required: Yes (most programs)
Homebuyer Education: Required

Best for: Buyers who qualify income-wise but haven't been able to save enough for a down payment.

Learn more about CalHFA / Down Payment Assistance in Sacramento →

Not sure which program fits you?

Tell me a little about your situation and I'll show you the two or three programs worth comparing for your numbers.

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