Down Payment Assistance Grant Program
Down Payment Help for First-Time Homebuyers
Supporting First-Time Homebuyers in the Sacramento Region
The Sacramento Association of REALTORS® (SAR), in partnership with the National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates and the Asian Real Estate Association of America, has launched a Down Payment Assistance Grant Program to help first-time homebuyers overcome one of the most common barriers to entering the housing market: the down payment.
The program begins with $75,000 in secured funding, including a $50,000 grant from the California Association of REALTORS®, along with additional contributions from SAR, NHORA Greater Sacramento, and AREAA Greater Sacramento.
Grant recipients will be announced at the First-Time Homebuyer Expo on April 18, where prospective buyers will have the opportunity to connect with lenders, housing professionals, and community organizations.
Why This Program Matters
Homeownership remains one of the most effective ways families build long-term financial stability, yet many qualified buyers face difficulty saving for the upfront costs required to purchase a home.
In the Sacramento region, rising home prices and higher borrowing costs have increased the amount buyers must bring to closing. Even households that can comfortably manage monthly mortgage payments may struggle to accumulate the initial funds needed for a down payment.
The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program was created to help bridge that gap by providing targeted financial assistance and connecting buyers with trusted professionals who can guide them through the homebuying process.
Through collaboration between industry leaders and community organizations, the program aims to expand access to homeownership and support buyers entering the market for the first time.
Key Program Dates
Application Period Opens: Spring 2026
First-Time Homebuyer Expo: April 18, 2026
Grant Recipients Announced: At the First-Time Homebuyer Expo
Additional program updates and application instructions will be shared as they become available.
Program Overview
The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program provides financial assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing a home in the Sacramento region.
Initial funding for the program totals $75,000, representing the first phase of a broader initiative designed to expand access to homeownership.
The program partners have established a long-term goal of raising $1 million and assisting at least 100 households in achieving homeownership in the coming years.
Grant recipients will be selected based on eligibility criteria and announced at the First-Time Homebuyer Expo on April 18.
Funding Partners
The program is supported through a regional partnership that includes:
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Sacramento Association of REALTORS®
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National Hispanic Organization of Real Estate Associates
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Asian Real Estate Association of America
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California Association of REALTORS®
By combining financial contributions, professional expertise, and community outreach, these organizations are working together to expand access to housing opportunities across the Sacramento region.
First-Time Homebuyer Expo
The Down Payment Assistance Grant Program is part of the First-Time Homebuyer Expo, an event designed to connect prospective buyers with trusted resources and professional guidance.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Meet with real estate professionals and mortgage lenders
- Learn about financing options and homebuyer programs
- Receive guidance on navigating the homebuying process
- Explore resources available to first-time buyers in the Sacramento region
More details about the event, including registration information, will be available soon.