Why Sacramento buyers choose Save Financial
California's most affordable major metro. State government, UC Davis, and an influx of Bay Area transplants drive a stable, growing market.
As a California-licensed mortgage lender shopping across 40+ wholesale and correspondent investors, Save Financial matches each Sacramento borrower to the loan program with the sharpest pricing and most flexible guidelines — not just whatever one bank happens to offer that week.
Sacramento mortgage market: what you need to know
- Median home prices sit well within the standard $806,500 conforming limit — most loans are conventional or FHA.
- Strongest first-time buyer market in Northern California; FHA and CalHFA combinations are extremely common.
- Significant DSCR investor activity from Bay Area buyers acquiring Sacramento-area rentals.
- Folsom, Rocklin, and Roseville command stronger pricing and occasional jumbo activity.
- VA loan volume strong due to McClellan, Mather, and Travis-area veteran population.
Sacramento transfer tax
$1.10 per $1,000 (county); no additional city transfer tax.
Best loan programs for Sacramento
Based on Save Financial's funded-loan data for Sacramento and Sacramento County over the past 18 months, these are the most-used loan programs in this market:
FHA Loan
Best fit for SacramentoConventional Loan
Best fit for SacramentoVA Loan
Best fit for SacramentoDSCR Investor Loan
Best fit for SacramentoRefinance
Best fit for SacramentoSacramento neighborhoods we lend in
We've funded loans throughout the Sacramento metro, including:
East Sacramento · Land Park · Midtown · Natomas · Elk Grove · Folsom · Rocklin · Roseville · Davis · Carmichael
And every other neighborhood and ZIP code in the Sacramento County area. If your target home is in California, we can finance it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the conforming loan limit in Sacramento?
the conforming loan limit in Sacramento County is $806,500 for one-unit properties. Loans above this amount are classified as jumbo loans. Save Financial originates both conforming and jumbo loans for Sacramento buyers.
What is the median home price in Sacramento?
The current median home price in Sacramento is approximately $525,000. Pricing varies significantly by neighborhood — East Sacramento and Land Park typically trade above median, while inland and outer neighborhoods offer more accessible pricing.
How much is the transfer tax in Sacramento?
In Sacramento, the real estate transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 (county); no additional city transfer tax.
What loan programs work best in Sacramento?
Based on Save Financial's lending data, the most-used loan programs in Sacramento are: FHA Loan, Conventional Loan, VA Loan, DSCR Investor Loan, Refinance. The specific program that fits you depends on your credit, down payment, employment type, and target neighborhood.
Does Save Financial close loans in Sacramento?
Yes. Save Financial is licensed across all 58 California counties, including Sacramento County. We close loans in every Sacramento ZIP code with an closes loans efficiently when borrower documentation is complete.
How much do I need to put down to buy a home in Sacramento?
It depends on the loan program. For a conventional loan in Sacramento, the minimum down payment is 3% for first-time buyers and 5% for repeat buyers. For an FHA loan, it's 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher. For a VA loan (military service members and veterans), it's $0 down. For a jumbo loan above $806,500, most lenders require 10-20% down. On a $525,000 home, that means: $20,000-$30,000 for FHA, $30,000-$50,000 for conventional, or $130,000-$260,000 for jumbo.
What credit score do I need for a Sacramento mortgage?
Minimum credit score depends on the loan program: FHA accepts 580+, VA typically 620+, Conventional 620–680, and Jumbo 700+ for best rates. See our loan program pages for credit score requirements by program, or get a custom quote tied to your actual score.
How long does it take to close on a home in Sacramento?
Save Financial closes Sacramento mortgages efficiently when documentation is complete. The the national average is meaningfully longer. We close faster because we use in-house underwriting, electronic document signing, and have direct relationships with appraisers throughout the area. Fast closes give your offer a competitive advantage — sellers prefer buyers who can close efficiently.
What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported information — it tells you roughly what you might qualify for. Pre-approval is a verified commitment based on documented income, credit pull, and asset verification — it shows sellers you can actually close. In a competitive Sacramento market, you need pre-approval to get your offer taken seriously. Save Financial provides full underwritten pre-approvals in 24 hours.
Can self-employed borrowers get a mortgage in Sacramento?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers in Sacramento have several options: conventional loans using 2 years of tax returns, bank statement loans using 12-24 months of business or personal deposits (no tax returns needed), or asset-based loans that qualify on investment portfolio rather than income. Save Financial originates all three. Bank statement loans are especially popular with Sacramento business owners who write off expenses heavily and show low taxable income.
Buying in Sacramento? Let's talk.
Get a custom rate quote in 60 seconds. A California-licensed loan officer who knows the Sacramento market will reach out within one business hour.