Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
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4.6
on Google 280 Reviews
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4.7
on Trustpilot 171 Reviews
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
Jason Nichols
Partner & Chief Marketing Officer
How the process works
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Tell us what you need
Share your goal, property type, income profile and preferred way to connect.
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Tell us what you need
Share your goal, property type, income profile and preferred way to connect.
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Tell us what you need
Share your goal, property type, income profile and preferred way to connect.
real reviews
See what our clients say about our HELOCs
Quick process & great rates
Truss Financial Group did a great job handling our refi process. Gathering documents was easy and fast, which led to a quick decision. Marcus kept us updated and if challenged he found ...
Truss Financial Group did a great job handling our refi process. Gathering documents was easy and fast, which led to a quick decision. Marcus kept us updated and if challenged he found ways to manage things. We got a great rate and are using them again for our investment property.
Tyrone S.
Seamless refinancing process
Needed to refinance an inherited rental property out of state. We were concerned about proving income and revenue and Marshall was incredibly helpful through every stage. He made this a...
Needed to refinance an inherited rental property out of state. We were concerned about proving income and revenue and Marshall was incredibly helpful through every stage. He made this a seamless process and we were funded in 30 days. They made this a very low stress process.
Ed B.
Reliable investment property lender
Great service! I have several loans with Truss for my investment properties. Trust me, they will take care of you!
Great service! I have several loans with Truss for my investment properties. Trust me, they will take care of you!
Lisa R.
Excellent service for self-employed
Excellent financial services for self employed individuals. Abrahim was great to work with.
Excellent financial services for self employed individuals. Abrahim was great to work with.
Rob G.
Bank statement refinance made easy
I did a refinance using bank statements. As a self employed individual, our W2 doesn't fully reflect our take in the business. The entire process was right around 30 days and was as pai...
I did a refinance using bank statements. As a self employed individual, our W2 doesn't fully reflect our take in the business. The entire process was right around 30 days and was as painless as any large transaction can be.
Reggie O.
Fast no-doc loan for unique situation
Marshall was wonderful to work with and helped me immensely. I was able to get a no doc loan fast and easy. I had a unique situation and Marshall knew exactly how to handle my file.
Marshall was wonderful to work with and helped me immensely. I was able to get a no doc loan fast and easy. I had a unique situation and Marshall knew exactly how to handle my file.
Christopher W.
Perfect solution for retiree financing
I am retired and do not have regular monthly income so I no longer qualify for traditional loan products. I am also tech illiterate. Delania took time to help me navigate the process in...
I am retired and do not have regular monthly income so I no longer qualify for traditional loan products. I am also tech illiterate. Delania took time to help me navigate the process in a way that best fit my needs.
Sylvia L.
HELOC closed in under 15 days
Marshall was kind, patient, polite and professional with me. We got a HELOC loan and in less than 15 days they were able to do the closing! It was a great experience!
Marshall was kind, patient, polite and professional with me. We got a HELOC loan and in less than 15 days they were able to do the closing! It was a great experience!
Marislea R.
Best loan officer in 37 years of real estate
Marshall was absolutely THE BEST mortgage loan officer I've ever dealt with and I have been a Real Estate Broker for 37 years! He is knowledgeable, professional, and prompt in communica...
Marshall was absolutely THE BEST mortgage loan officer I've ever dealt with and I have been a Real Estate Broker for 37 years! He is knowledgeable, professional, and prompt in communication.
Shelia S.
HELOC approved when others said no
All the other lenders turned me down but Caesar was able to get me the HELOC I needed and saved me. It was fast and is already finished.
All the other lenders turned me down but Caesar was able to get me the HELOC I needed and saved me. It was fast and is already finished.
Ronny T.
Informative HELOC process
I worked with Reza & Delania & they were very informative regarding my HELOC and the process was easy!
I worked with Reza & Delania & they were very informative regarding my HELOC and the process was easy!
Daniel R.
Zero conditions on approval
Working with Marshall and Betty was incredibly easy. They prequalified my loan so well that I had zero conditions on my approval, just needed insurance.
Working with Marshall and Betty was incredibly easy. They prequalified my loan so well that I had zero conditions on my approval, just needed insurance.
Austin H.
Quick preapproval with best options
Very professional and easy to work with. Marshall got me preapproved quickly for my purchase and was helpful in finding the best options and rates.
Very professional and easy to work with. Marshall got me preapproved quickly for my purchase and was helpful in finding the best options and rates.
C. C D.
Completely straightforward process
Marshall was amazing to work with - responsive, on top of all the details and super efficient. He made the whole process completely straightforward.
Marshall was amazing to work with - responsive, on top of all the details and super efficient. He made the whole process completely straightforward.
Nina D.
Easy first-time home purchase
Heather made my first time home purchase an exciting and easy process. I am looking forward to using her in the future and so should you!
Heather made my first time home purchase an exciting and easy process. I am looking forward to using her in the future and so should you!
Brianna R.
I was extremely impressed by the rapid…
I was extremely impressed by the rapid response from your team. I was guided and timely informed of each step of the process. Sincerely
I was extremely impressed by the rapid response from your team. I was guided and timely informed of each step of the process. Sincerely
Dones Godwins
Delania Got Us Our Loan
Delania was able to provide the amount of money we required in a reasonable amount of time with reasonable broker fees and interest rate.
Also, they were able to h...
Delania was able to provide the amount of money we required in a reasonable amount of time with reasonable broker fees and interest rate.
Also, they were able to handle my lien and I obtained the funds with perfect timing for my purposes
Beverley H
The over all experience was good
The over all experience was good. Caesar would always respond in a timely manner, was patient explain anything I didn't understand. I enjoyed working with him very professional. <...
The over all experience was good. Caesar would always respond in a timely manner, was patient explain anything I didn't understand. I enjoyed working with him very professional.
The video sent from management was also helpful. It kept my posted, and explained what to expect.
GTI
Truss Financial provided Excellent Service.
Truss Financial was great to work with. They provided up to date information on my refinance and were able to close earlier than expected. I would definitely recommend Truss Financial.
Truss Financial was great to work with. They provided up to date information on my refinance and were able to close earlier than expected. I would definitely recommend Truss Financial.
Irving Castro
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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.