A City-funded program aimed at expanding homeownership in underserved Sacramento neighborhoods is already showing strong results. The CLTRE Keeper First-Time Homebuyer Program, launched in 2023 in partnership with local nonprofit CLTRE, has helped several residents purchase their first homes through a mix of financial assistance, housing education, and one-on-one support.
The program is designed to guide participants through the homebuying process while connecting them with trusted real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, and financial empowerment resources.
Each participant receives a $15,000 forgivable home loan and an additional $2,500 “flex amount” to reduce credit debt or cover closing costs — resources that have proved pivotal for new homeowners.
Doug and Vanessa Marchbank Cupid were among the first to complete the program and close on a home.
“This was such an incredible experience,” said Vanessa Marchbank Cupid. “The level of confidence we came into the homebuying process with is a testament to the CLTRE Keeper program. So grateful for the team we worked with!”
Another participant, Lai Jo Teurn, shared how the program helped his family overcome financial barriers that had long kept them out of the housing market.
“For years, we thought owning a home was out of reach,” Teurn said. “Thanks to CLTRE’s partnership with River City Bank and the support we received through this program, we’re finally in a place we can call our own.”
To date, four families have successfully purchased homes through the program, with more in progress. CLTRE continues to offer additional cohorts and encourages eligible residents to apply.
“The CLTRE Keeper program is more than just a homebuyer course — it’s a community-driven investment in Sacramento’s future,” said Axel Magallanes, the City’s housing administrative analyst. “We are proud to support a program that is helping families build wealth, stability, and generational opportunity.”
Eligible participants must reside in the 95817, 95820, 95824, or 95828 zip codes, earn no more than 80% of the Area Median Income, and commit to living in their purchased home for at least 7 years to have their loan fully forgiven. CLTRE Keeper has opportunities for those outside this criteria.
This program is part of the City’s $10 million Stockton Boulevard Housing Stabilization initiative, which supports neighborhoods surrounding the Aggie Square project and other historically underserved areas.
For more information or to apply, visit www.clrtre.org.
