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Mortgage options in California 

Find a California home loan that fits how you earn and what you’re buying. Truss Financial Group helps you compare conventional and jumbo mortgages, bank statement loans, rental-property financing, HELOCs and reverse mortgages. 

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55.9%

Owner-occupied housing rate

$735K

Median owner-occupied home value

$3,000

Median monthly owner costs with a mortgage

3.7M

Businesses with no paid employees

$1.2M

2026 high-cost conforming loan ceiling

Run the numbers before you sign anything

DSCR calculator to check if rental income covers the loan.

DSCR calculator to check if rental income covers the loan.

DSCR calculator to check if rental income covers the loan.

DSCR calculator to check if rental income covers the loan.

Which situation best describes you?

A salary, business income or rental income can lead to different mortgage options. Start with your situation, then compare the documents, costs and loan amounts that matter for your California property. 

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chart-bar (1) I earn a salary or W-2 income

Compare conventional, FHA and eligible VA loans. For a larger mortgage, check your county’s high-balance limit before choosing a jumbo loan. Bonuses, commissions or stock income may need additional documentation. 

chart-bar (1) I am self-employed or own a business

Business deductions can reduce the income shown on your tax returns. Bank statement mortgages may use eligible deposits, adjusted for expenses, to help you qualify for a purchase or refinance. 

chart-bar (1) I receive 1099 income

Consultants, freelancers and independent contractors can qualify without W-2s. Depending on the program, lenders may review your 1099 forms, tax returns or bank statements to understand your income. 

chart-bar (1) I own or want to buy a rental property

A DSCR loan uses the property’s rental income to help you qualify. If you’re buying a home to renovate and resell, compare fix-and-flip or bridge financing instead. 

chart-bar (1) I want to use my home equity

Planning a renovation or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? Compare a HELOC with a cash-out refinance, including how each affects your current mortgage, monthly payments and available equity. 

chart-bar (1) I am retired or approaching retirement

Retirement income or eligible savings may help you qualify for a mortgage. To access equity, compare a HELOC with HECM and jumbo reverse mortgage options, including costs and eligibility. 

Compare popular California mortgage options

Buying in the Bay Area, financing a rental in the Inland Empire or improving a home in San Diego? Start with your goal. Your county, income and property use help determine which loans fit. 

Loans to compare What to check
Buy a home Conventional, high-balance, jumbo, FHA or eligible VA County loan limit, down payment, income documents and monthly budget
Qualify with business income Bank statement, eligible 1099 or P&L programs; traditional mortgages where suitable Income history, business expenses and required documents
Access equity or fund an ADU HELOC, investor HELOC or cash-out refinance Available equity, project budget, fees and effect on your first mortgage
Buy or improve an investment property DSCR for rentals; fix-and-flip, bridge or hard money for eligible projects Rental income, property condition, cash reserves and repayment plan
Refinance your mortgage Rate-and-term or cash-out refinance; bank statement options where eligible New rate, closing costs, remaining loan term and time to recover costs
Borrow in retirement Asset depletion, HELOC, HECM or jumbo reverse mortgage Eligible income/assets, age, equity and ongoing housing expenses

Not sure which home equity option fits your situation?

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Find the right way to use your home equity

Explore flexible HELOC options designed for different borrower needs and property types.

California mortgage
guides and resources

Explore practical guides for buying, refinancing, investing and using home equity in California.

How the process works

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real reviews

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California home loans:
Your questions answered 

How do I compare mortgage rates in California?

Mortgage rates change daily and depend on your credit, down payment, loan amount and loan type. Request quotes using the same loan term and rate-lock period. Compare the interest rate, APR, points and closing costs together. For equity borrowing, also compare fixed and variable HELOC rates. 

How much income do I need to afford a $400,000 house in California?

There’s no single income requirement. With 20% down, you would need a $320,000 mortgage before financed costs. The income needed depends on the rate, property taxes, insurance, HOA fees and existing debts. A smaller down payment increases borrowing and may add mortgage insurance. Our California homebuyer guide explains the costs to plan for. 

Is California offering up to $150,000 to help first-time homebuyers?

CalHFA’s Dream For All program provides eligible buyers with assistance of up to 20%, capped at $150,000. It’s a shared-appreciation loan: repayment includes the assistance plus a share of the home’s appreciation.  Check CalHFA’s current program status for updates and eligibility requirements. 

Can I get a California mortgage with self-employed or 1099 income?

Yes. Depending on the program, lenders may review tax returns, eligible 1099 income or bank statements. Bank statement loans in California often use 12–24 months of deposits, with adjustments for business expenses. Your credit, debts, down payment and income history still matter. 

What is the jumbo loan limit in California?

There isn’t one statewide cutoff. In 2026, one-unit conforming loan limits range from $832,750 to $1,249,125, depending on the county. Borrowing above your county’s limit generally requires jumbo financing. The threshold applies to your loan amount, not the home’s price. Check the FHFA county loan limits. 

What are the requirements for a DSCR loan in California?

California DSCR loans use rental income to help qualify for investment-property financing. Lenders compare eligible rent with housing payments and review credit, down payment or equity, and cash reserves. Required ratios vary by program. These loans are for investment properties, not a home you plan to live in. 

Should I use a HELOC or refinance my California home?

A second-lien HELOC lets you borrow against equity while keeping your existing mortgage. A cash-out refinance replaces that mortgage with a larger loan. When comparing a HELOC with a cash-out refinance, consider combined payments, fees, rate changes and how long you expect to keep the debt. 

How does a reverse mortgage work in California?

A reverse mortgage lets eligible homeowners access equity. FHA-insured HECMs generally require age 62 or older, a primary residence and approved counseling. Monthly principal and interest payments aren’t required while loan conditions are met, but the balance grows. You must keep paying taxes and insurance and maintain the home. Proprietary programs have different rules. 

Can I use a HELOC to build an ADU in California?

A California HELOC may help fund an accessory dwelling unit if you have sufficient equity and qualify. Compare it with cash-out refinancing and suitable construction financing. Budget for permits, site work and unexpected costs. Ask the lender whether projected ADU rent can count toward qualification.