First-Time Buyers

First-Time Home Buyer Specialists in Galt, CA

Do I need 20% down to buy my first home in Galt? No. The most common misconception Madison and Devon Delbrugge correct with first-time buyers is that a 20% down payment is required. The most common loan program for first-time buyers is FHA, which allows as little as 3.5% down — and based on their local data, FHA loans make up close to 30% of Galt buyers, compared to roughly 14% in Sacramento County overall. The main out-of-pocket costs before closing are typically the inspection and appraisal, commonly around $800–$1,500 combined.

Busting the 20%-Down Myth

A lot of would-be first-time buyers assume they need a 20% down payment to purchase a home — and put off buying for years because of it. In reality, the most common loan program for first-time buyers is FHA, which offers a down payment option as low as 3.5%. Madison and Devon walk every first-time buyer through exactly how that works before they ever talk numbers with a lender.

First-Time Buyers Are Winning in Galt

Based on Devon and Madison's local MLS and lending data, FHA financing accounts for close to 30% of buyers in Galt — compared to roughly 14% in Sacramento County overall. That gap means first-time buyers are finding real success purchasing in Galt relative to neighboring markets, and it's a big part of why Devon and Madison focus on this client type.

What to budget upfrontBefore closing, your main out-of-pocket costs are typically the home inspection and appraisal — commonly around $800–$1,500 combined. Most other costs are handled at closing.

What Galt Buyers Say

★★★★★

“Highly recommend Madison and Devon!! We were first time home buyers and they made the process so easy for us! In this competitive market they were able to get us a off market deal and into our new home as soon as possible. They are very involved in our community and know the ins and outs of what's going on in this market! They will always be honest & trustworthy with their opinions, which is something you value very much in a agent especially as a first time buyer!”

tonykenzie45 — Bought in Galt, CA (2020)

★★★★★

“Madi and Dev helped us buy our first home back in 2024 and it was a phenomenal experience. They helped us every step of the way to ensure the process was seamless and even taught us about the home-buying process so we could accurately weigh our options.”

Savannah Medina — Bought in Ione, CA (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need 20% down to buy a home in Galt?

No — that's the most common misconception Madison and Devon correct with first-time buyers. The most common loan program for first-time buyers is FHA, which offers a down payment option as low as 3.5%.

How common are FHA loans among first-time buyers in Galt?

Based on Devon and Madison's local MLS and lending experience, FHA financing represents close to 30% of buyers in Galt, compared to roughly 14% in Sacramento County overall — meaning first-time buyers are finding real success in Galt relative to neighboring markets.

What upfront, out-of-pocket costs should a first-time buyer expect?

Before closing, the main out-of-pocket costs are typically the home inspection and the appraisal, which together commonly run around $800–$1,500. Most other costs are handled at closing, often with seller or lender credits negotiated into the deal.

Can The Delbrugge Team walk me through loan programs before I talk to a lender?

Yes — Madison and Devon regularly walk first-time buyers through how programs like FHA work in plain language, then connect them with a trusted local lender to get pre-approved.

Ready to buy your first home in Galt?

Tell us a bit about your situation and we'll help you understand your real options — no pressure, no jargon.

Talk to Madison & Devon About Buying Your First Home