Sacramento home buying calculator
Estimate your monthly payment, or start with your budget and see how much home you can afford. Figures use Sacramento County averages and update as you type.
Questions about buying costs in Sacramento
How much do I need for a down payment in Sacramento?
It depends on your loan. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down, FHA is typically 3.5%, and putting 20% down lets you skip mortgage insurance (PMI). On a $500,000 home that's roughly $15,000 to $100,000. I help you weigh a lower payment now against a smaller monthly cost later.
What are typical closing costs when buying a home here?
Plan for roughly 2 to 3 percent of the purchase price in closing costs, on top of your down payment, plus a couple of months of reserves that lenders like to see. This calculator estimates around 2.5 percent so you have a realistic cash-to-close number before you start shopping.
How is property tax calculated in Sacramento County?
Sacramento County reassesses property at your purchase price, with an average effective rate of about 1.1 percent per year. Newer developments in areas like Natomas, Elk Grove, or Folsom can also carry Mello-Roos assessments that add a few hundred dollars a month, so always ask about special assessments before you offer.
When does PMI go away?
Private mortgage insurance generally comes off once you reach 20 percent equity in the home. That's why a 20 percent down payment skips it entirely, and why many buyers refinance or request removal once their equity grows.