What is a "Targeted Area" and what does it mean to me?  Federally designated "Targeted Areas" were identified by the US Census Bureau in the 2000 Census as areas in California where 70 percent of the families who live there earn an income that is 80 percent or less than the statewide median income.  Thirty-three of California's 58 counties have Targeted Areas and through the CalFHA program homebuyers may find greater flexibility when buying a home in one of these areas.

Advantages to purchasing a home in one of these Targeted Areas include:

1. No first-time homebuyer requirement - Most of CalHFA's programs require that the borrower be a first-time homebuyer.  However, when the home being purchased is located in a Targeted Area, that requirement does not apply.  Though, the first-time homebuyer requirement still applies for CalHFA's down payment assistance programs.
2. Income limits are higher - The maximum alowable income is higher in Targeted Areas to expand homeownership opportunities to more borrowers. (Higher income limits will apply with some CalHFA's mortgage products and down payment assistance programs.) 
3. Sales price limits are higher - In Targeted Areas, the limit on the price you pay for the home is raised to create a larger pool of available properties.

To find Targeted Areas in Sacramento County or any of the other 32 counties please visit the CalHFA web site.