California home loans & mortgage programs

Conventional loans in California are popular among buyers with stable income and good credit. These loans include conforming and non-conforming options, with loan limits that vary by county. Conventional loans often require a down payment but offer competitive rates and terms for qualified borrowers.

USDA loans serve eligible rural and some suburban California areas, offering no down payment options for low- to moderate-income buyers. These loans support affordable homeownership in less urbanized regions of the state.

VA loans provide eligible Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members and Surviving Spouses in California with no down payment mortgage options. These loans come with favorable terms and are especially relevant near military communities such as Fort Irwin National Training Center near Barstow, Presidio of Monterey in the Monterey Bay area, Los Angeles Air Force Base near Los Angeles, Naval Base San Diego, Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, Travis Air Force Base near Sacramento and Edwards Air Force Base north of Los Angeles.

FHA loans in California cater to buyers with lower credit scores or limited savings, requiring a minimum 3.5% down payment. These government-backed loans have county-specific limits and flexible qualification criteria.

Jumbo loans are an important option for many California homebuyers due to the state’s high average home prices. These loans exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and are designed for buyers who need to borrow larger amounts. Jumbo loans often require higher credit scores, larger down payments, and more stringent underwriting compared to conventional loans. They provide an essential financing solution for purchasing homes in high-cost areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and other expensive California markets.

California homeowners can access home equity loans or lines of credit to tap into their property’s value for renovations, debt consolidation or other financial needs. These options offer flexible borrowing against accumulated equity.

Refinancing in California includes rate-and-term, cash-out and streamline options. Refinancing can help homeowners adjust loan terms, access cash or lower monthly payments depending on their financial goals.

Non-qualified mortgage (Non-QM) loans in California serve borrowers who do not meet traditional underwriting guidelines, such as self-employed individuals or those with unique income situations. These loans offer alternative documentation and flexible terms.

Some California lenders offer specialized loans for financing ADU construction or renovation, supporting homeowners in expanding living space or generating rental income.

FHA solar loans in California enable buyers to finance solar energy system installations as part of their FHA mortgage, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in homeownership.

The CCM Smart Start program is designed to help California homebuyers overcome the challenge of saving for a down payment. This program offers down payment assistance to qualified buyers, making it easier to purchase a home without the burden of upfront cash. With CCM Smart Start, eligible borrowers can receive financial support to cover a portion of their down payment, helping them move closer to owning their dream home.

The CCM ZeroDown program is designed to help California homebuyers purchase a home with no down payment required. This program provides qualified borrowers with a mortgage option that eliminates the upfront cash needed for a traditional down payment, making homeownership more accessible. CCM ZeroDown can be combined with other assistance programs and loan options to provide added flexibility.

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers a variety of mortgage and assistance programs designed to make homeownership more accessible for eligible buyers in California. These programs provide options for first-time homebuyers and other qualified buyers, often featuring favorable terms, down payment assistance and flexible credit requirements.

• CalHFA Conventional
• CalHFA FHA
• MyHome Assistance Program
• California Dream For All

The Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) provides additional down payment assistance programs that complement CalHFA offerings. These programs are available to both first-time and repeat buyers and are designed to help with down payment and closing costs, making homeownership more affordable across California.

• GSFA Platinum Program
• GSFA Golden Opportunities Program

Our local loan officers can help you explore your options and find a mortgage that fits your homebuying goals.

California mortgage programs often have income limits that vary by county and loan type. For example, CalHFA income limits differ across counties, with higher limits in areas like San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties compared to other regions. These limits help ensure that assistance is targeted toward moderate- and low-income buyers.

Most down payment assistance loan programs require the property to be used as the borrower’s primary residence. This means the home must be occupied by the buyer within a specified time after closing and cannot be used as a rental or investment property.

Many down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers, especially those offered by CalHFA, require borrowers to complete a homebuyer education course. These courses prepare buyers for the responsibilities of homeownership and are often mandatory before loan approval.

Eligible properties typically include one-unit single-family homes, 2- to 4-unit properties, condominiums and planned unit developments (PUDs). Some programs also allow manufactured homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and in-law quarters, but eligibility can vary by program.

Lenders evaluate your credit history and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to assess your ability to repay the loan. Generally, a higher credit score improves your chances of approval and better interest rates. The DTI ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income and must meet program-specific thresholds.

California has varying conforming and jumbo loan limits depending on the county. High-cost counties have higher loan limits to accommodate the state’s diverse housing markets. Understanding these limits is essential when selecting a loan program and determining your borrowing capacity.

Most California first-time homebuyer programs, including CalHFA loans, don’t allow non-occupant co-borrowers. CrossCountry Mortgage does have some programs available to accommodate non-occupant co-borrowers. All borrowers typically must intend to occupy the property as their primary residence.

When applying for a California mortgage, be prepared to provide documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, employment history and prior tax returns. These documents help verify your financial situation and support the loan approval process. If you need flexibility in how you document your income, there are non-qualified mortgage products available.

Start by contacting a CrossCountry Mortgage loan officer who understands California’s diverse housing markets and mortgage programs. Your loan officer will be your guide throughout the home loan process.

Meet with your loan officer to review your financial situation, homebuying goals and timeline. They will explain different California home loan programs, including county-specific loan limits, income requirements and down payment assistance options.

To get pre-approved, complete a loan application and submit necessary documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements and credit information. Your loan officer will review your profile and provide a pre-approval letter to strengthen your position when making an offer.

Work with your loan officer to finalize your loan application, including selecting the best mortgage program for your needs. If required, complete any mandatory homebuyer education courses to prepare for responsible homeownership.

Once your offer is accepted, your loan moves through underwriting and closing. Your loan officer will explain closing costs, final loan terms and what to expect at signing. After closing, they continue to support you with future mortgage needs such as refinancing or renovation loans.