Conventional
3-5% down
Standard at conforming price points
Mortgage Rates in California | CA Lender
TouchPoint is licensed to lend across California. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds, see your real rate, and close in 18–25 days. California market varies dramatically by region, but the loan process is the same: pre-qualify in 60 seconds, see a real rate, close with a loan officer who knows your county.
No credit impact to see your personalized rates. Pre-qualification is a soft pull.
About the California mortgage market
California housing is one of the most expensive in the country and varies dramatically by region. The Los Angeles and San Diego metros are dominated by jumbo loans because the conforming loan limit is well below the median home price. Sacramento and the Central Valley are more affordable and lean toward conventional and FHA financing. Property taxes are capped at 1% of purchase price under Proposition 13, which makes long-time owners tax bills much lower than recent buyers. There is no state income tax, but city and county transfer taxes typically add another $1.10 per $1,000 of value at closing.
| Median home price | ~$810,000 statewide (LA $925K; Sacramento $485K) |
|---|---|
| Avg property tax rate | ~1.1% effective (capped at 1% of purchase price by Prop 13) |
| State transfer tax | ~$1.10 per $1,000 (city + county combined) |
| Capital | Sacramento |
Loan programs available across California
FHA
3.5% down
Popular for first-time buyers statewide
VA
0% down
Strong VA usage across CA, especially near military bases
Jumbo
to $3M+
Required for most LA, SF, San Diego, Orange County homes
CalHFA
Up to $10K
California Housing Finance Agency first-time buyer assistance
Portfolio
Flexible
Bank statement, asset-based, P&L loans for self-employed borrowers
California cities we serve
Pick your city for California-specific market data, neighborhoods, and program availability.
Mortgages in California: common questions
Do you lend across all of California?
Yes. We are licensed statewide in California. Most closings happen in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Riverside, and Orange County metros, but we lend in every county.
What credit score do I need in California?
Conventional loans start at 620, FHA at 580 with 3.5% down, VA loans have no official minimum but most lenders want 580+. Higher credit scores help you qualify for better rates, especially on jumbo loans.
Does California offer down payment assistance?
Yes. CalHFA MyHome Assistance offers up to 3.5% of purchase price for first-time buyers in California. Plus CalHFA FHA and CalHFA VA programs. Income and purchase price limits apply.
Why is everything a jumbo loan in California?
California home prices are well above the conforming loan limit in most metros. LA and San Diego medians are above $850,000. TouchPoint specializes in jumbo lending across California.
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