Mortgage Loans in
Sacramento, California
Sacramento Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Sacramento, California skyline

Mortgage broker serving Sacramento, CA, offering a full range of loan programs - purchases, refinancing, investment properties, FHA, VA, jumbo, DSCR, bank statement loans, down payment assistance, and more. Personalized programs for your unique situation. 40+ years California mortgage experience.

Why Sacramento Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Sacramento, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program and give you the best rate for your unique situation.

We as brokers shop hundreds of lenders for you. Banks offer their own limited products.

As mortgage specialists serving Sacramento buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

In Sacramento's market, the right loan program can save thousands over the life of your mortgage.

  • Local neighborhoods with varying price points require strategic financing to match each property's requirements.
  • Conventional loans with 5% down work well here, but FHA offers flexibility for credit challenges.
  • Recent job changers need lenders who understand employment gap explanations.

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Sacramento purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Sacramento

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a Sacramento mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

Complete your loan application online and upload your documents. We'll review everything to make sure it's complete before submitting to our lending partners.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Sacramento home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Sacramento, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Sacramento sits right in the sweet spot for California affordability. The median home price is $472K, and prices dropped 2.7% over the last year. That cooling matters. Sellers are finally negotiating again instead of taking the best of 15 offers. Your conforming loan limit here is $832,750, so almost nobody needs a jumbo loan. FHA caps at $764,750. Most buyers stay well under both limits. This is one of the few California markets where you can actually afford a house on a normal income without a trust fund or selling crypto at the peak.

Who's Buying in Sacramento

First-time buyers dominate here because Sacramento is attainable. The median household income is $78,954, and that's enough to buy if you've saved anything for a down payment. You've got state workers, healthcare folks, people who got priced out of the Bay Area and said forget it. Homeownership sits at 50.7%, so it's split between owners and renters. Investors love Sacramento for rentals because the yields actually work. And this is a military county, so VA buyers get a massive advantage with zero down. Dual-income families in their 30s are buying. So are retirees downsizing from expensive areas. The range is wide here.

Your Loan Fit

FHA is popular because 3.5% down gets you in the door. But conventional at 5% down often makes more sense if you've got decent credit. VA is unbeatable if you qualify. Here's what works at this price point:
  • FHA with 3.5% down if your credit is under 680 or you're stretching on income
  • Conventional with 5-10% down if your credit is 700+ and you want lower monthly costs
  • VA with zero down if you're military or a veteran, no contest
  • DSCR loans for investors buying rentals, based purely on the property's cash flow instead of your W-2
  • USDA in some outer areas if you want zero down and meet income limits
Stay conventional if you can. The rates are better and PMI drops off easier. But FHA isn't wrong if that's what gets you to closing.

Down Payment & Refinance in Sacramento

Refinancing in Sacramento right now depends on when you bought. If you locked in during 2021-2022 at 3%, you're not touching that rate. Stay put. But if you bought with FHA and you've got 20% equity now, drop that mortgage insurance. That's $200-300 back in your pocket every month. Cash-out refis make sense if you're renovating or paying off high-interest debt. Investors should look at DSCR cash-out loans to pull equity for another rental property. Rates aren't amazing right now, but sometimes the refi isn't about the rate. It's about eliminating PMI or accessing equity you've built.

Get Started

Real talk on down payments. FHA at 3.5% means you need about $16,500 for a median-priced home here. Conventional at 5% is around $23,600. That's real money, but it's not Bay Area money. A lot of buyers use gift funds from parents or sell a condo they owned somewhere cheaper. Some people tap their retirement accounts for a first-time purchase. Down payment assistance programs exist in Sacramento County if you're under income limits. And look, if you've got zero saved, we have our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. You pay it back over time, but it gets you in now instead of waiting two more years to save. VA buyers put down nothing and keep their cash for closing costs or reserves.

Local Sacramento Expertise

Get preapproved before you look at houses. Sacramento moves faster than people expect, especially under $500K. Sellers want to see you're serious and actually qualified. Schedule a free call with our team and we'll map out what you can afford, what loan type fits your situation, and what your monthly payment actually looks like. We know Sacramento. We close loans here every week. Stop renting and building someone else's equity when you could buy at this price point.

Popular Sacramento Neighborhoods

Midtown Sacramento • East Sacramento • Land Park • Natomas • Pocket-Greenhaven

Zip Codes We Serve

What Types of Mortgages Are Available in Sacramento, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in Sacramento starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Sacramento home buyers—covering purchase loans, refinance, commercial real estate, and specialized financing like bank statement and jumbo loans. Explore the general programs to compare down payment options and requirements, or apply now for a custom financing solution tailored to your Sacramento property.

Purchase Loans

Speed & Certainty

Whether you're buying your first condo or a $3M estate, we offer comprehensive financing solutions with 14-day closings. Explore our complete range of purchase loan programs below.

Refinance

Rate & Term, Cash-Out

Refinance to lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or access home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or investment opportunities. Explore all refinance programs below.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

Loan Programs

Sacramento Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Sacramento homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Sacramento Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military, surviving spouses
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750
FHA 3.5% minimum 580+ First-time buyers with limited savings
Down Payment Assistance $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) 640+ First-time buyers needing down payment help
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Rental income properties, real estate investors

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in Sacramento

FHA Loans

FHA is the go-to for Sacramento buyers with limited savings. 3.5% down, flexible credit.

VA Loans

Military families get zero down in Sacramento. VA loans are the best deal for eligible veterans.

Conforming Loans

Nearly all Sacramento homes qualify for conforming loans. Best rates available for qualified buyers.

Calhfa Programs

Sacramento buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.

Bank Statement Loans

Self-employed Sacramento buyers can use bank statements. Deposits count when tax returns don't show full income.

Usda Loans

USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Sacramento areas. Check rural designation by address.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans available for Sacramento transitions. Finance new purchase before selling.

LLC Funding Programs

Entity purchase programs for Sacramento. LLC financing for investment properties.

Best Refinance Options in Sacramento

FHA Loans Refinance

Sacramento FHA homeowners use streamline refi. Fastest path to lower monthly payments.

Conforming Refinance

Nearly all Sacramento refinances qualify as conforming. Competitive rates with quick approval.

VA Loans Refinance

Sacramento veteran homeowners use IRRRL. Easiest refinance option with no appraisal.

Cash Out Refinance

Cash-out refinance for Sacramento homeowners with equity. Access funds for any purpose.

HELOC Refinance

Sacramento owners can add HELOC for equity access. Credit line for improvements or reserves.

Home Equity Refinance

Home equity loans for Sacramento homeowners. Lump sum with fixed monthly payments.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Sacramento

DSCR Loans

Sacramento rental properties qualify with DSCR. No personal income verification needed.

Fix And Flip Loans

Sacramento renovation deals use fix-and-flip loans. Quick funding for rehab opportunities.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Hard money options for Sacramento commercial. Fast financing for competitive markets.

Multifamily Loans

Apartment financing in Sacramento. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit investment properties.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Sacramento

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Sacramento buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

Sacramento buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.

Local Down Payment Programs

Local DPA strong in Sacramento. City programs plus CalHFA can cover most down payment.

Elite Grant Program

Grant programs for Sacramento first-time buyers. Elite grants don't require repayment.

USDA Zero Down Loans

USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Sacramento areas. Check rural designation by address.

Gift of Equity

Gift of equity for Sacramento family transactions. Reduced price creates instant equity.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Non-occupant co-borrower helps Sacramento buyers qualify. Add parent income to yours.

Every situation is unique. The right loan program depends on your unique situation. See what works best for you.

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Why Sacramento is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Sacramento is the state capital sitting in the Central Valley where I-5 and I-80 cross, about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco. Population is 523,600, median household income $78,954. The homeownership rate here is 50.7%, right at the California median, and that tells you something important. At $472K median home price, you're looking at a city where state workers, healthcare professionals, and tech employees can still qualify for conventional financing without stretching into jumbo territory. It's one of the last real cities in Northern California where a household pulling in $75-80K can actually buy a house with a yard.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you've got kids or you're planning to, the school ratings matter for both your daily life and your resale value down the road. Mira Loma High pulls an 8, C.K. McClatchy a 7, Kennedy a 6, and Sutter Middle an 8. Those aren't bad numbers, especially for a city this size. The districts are established and stable, which means you're not gambling on some experimental charter situation when you're locking in a 30-year mortgage. Families who buy in East Sacramento or Land Park tend to stay put because the school situation works, and that stability shows up in property values. When your neighbors aren't turning over every two years, your home equity builds more predictably.

  • Mira Loma High School
  • C.K. McClatchy High School
  • John F. Kennedy High School
  • Sutter Middle School

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in Sacramento changes everything about what loan you'll need and what your monthly payment looks like. Midtown runs $550K-$750K, mostly older homes with character on tree-lined streets, and you'll see a lot of conventional 20% down loans from young professionals who want walkable urban living. East Sacramento sits at $500K-$850K with those classic bungalows everyone wants, so you're looking at conventional or low-end jumbo depending on the property. Land Park offers $450K-$650K for solid single-family homes near William Land Park, perfect for conventional financing if you're a family wanting good schools and a yard. Natomas is your entry point at $400K-$600K with newer construction, and FHA loans are common here for first-time buyers who need that lower down payment option. Pocket-Greenhaven runs $350K-$550K along the river, newer builds that work well for buyers using conventional or VA loans who want suburban space without the premium prices of East Sac.

  • Midtown Sacramento
  • East Sacramento
  • Land Park
  • Natomas
  • Pocket-Greenhaven

Getting Around

The freeway access here is actually pretty solid. I-5 runs north-south, I-80 heads west to the Bay Area, US-50 shoots east to Tahoe, and CA-99 connects you south through the Valley. If you're commuting to Roseville for a tech job, you're looking at 26 minutes, which is manageable. Sacramento RT runs light rail and bus service that actually works if you're commuting downtown to a state job, and that matters when you're calculating your total housing cost. The truth is, a lot of people buy here because they work for the state or one of the big hospital systems, and their commute is 15 minutes instead of 90. That's money you're not burning in gas, and it's time you get back every single day of your mortgage.

Jobs & Economy

Here's the thing about Sacramento: it's a government town first, and that stability shows up in the housing market. The State of California is the biggest employer by far, and those jobs come with decent pay and benefits that help people qualify for mortgages. UC Davis Health, Sutter Health, and Kaiser Permanente add thousands of healthcare jobs that pay well enough to support home buying. Intel's presence brings tech sector wages, and Sacramento City Unified employs a solid chunk of people too. The job mix means you've got steady public sector employment mixed with private healthcare and some tech, which creates a more stable lending environment than cities that live and die by one industry. When lenders look at Sacramento buyers, they see consistent employment and that affects your rate and approval odds.

  • State of California
  • UC Davis Health
  • Sutter Health
  • Intel
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Sacramento City Unified School District

Sacramento Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Sacramento homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Sacramento?

Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.

How long does it take to close on a house in Sacramento?

Typical Sacramento closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Sacramento?

You have several low down payment options in Sacramento: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sacramento buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Sacramento?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sacramento buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.

Can I buy a home in Sacramento with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Sacramento buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many Sacramento families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Sacramento?

2026 Sacramento County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Sacramento properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Sacramento?

For Sacramento's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sacramento. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Sacramento?

Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Sacramento?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Sacramento. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sacramento County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Sacramento. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Sacramento County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Sacramento?

Closing costs in Sacramento typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Sacramento?

Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Sacramento?

You have several low down payment options in Sacramento: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sacramento buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sacramento. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Sacramento County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Sacramento?

Closing costs in Sacramento typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.

How long does it take to close on a house in Sacramento?

Typical Sacramento closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Sacramento?

Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.

What are the loan limits in Sacramento?

2026 Sacramento County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Sacramento properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Sacramento?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sacramento buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.

Can I buy a home in Sacramento with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Sacramento buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many Sacramento families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Sacramento?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Sacramento. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sacramento County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Sacramento. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Sacramento?

For Sacramento's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.

What is the FHA loan limit in Sacramento?

The 2026 FHA loan limit for Sacramento (Sacramento County) is $764K for a single-family home. This is a moderate-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Sacramento?

With Sacramento's median home price at $472K, many properties are near or above the $833K conforming limit. Higher-priced homes will require jumbo financing.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Sacramento County?

The 2026 Sacramento County loan limits are: FHA: $764K, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $833K. Any loan amount above $833K is considered a jumbo loan.

Can I get a VA loan in Sacramento?

Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Sacramento with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Sacramento County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.

How long does it take to get approved for a Sacramento mortgage?

We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.

What down payment do I need for a Sacramento home?

Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 3-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Sacramento's median price of $472K, typical down payments range from 5-10%.

What credit score do I need to buy in Sacramento?

Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.

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