Buying a Home in California: Your Mortgage Game Plan

Most California buyers start by estimating their payment, checking for down payment help and learning how rate locks work — before talking to a lender. Here's each step.

  • 1 Estimate your payment
  • 2 Check down payment help
  • 3 Understand rate locks

    • The short answer

    To plan a California mortgage: (1) estimate your full monthly payment including CA property tax and insurance, (2) check whether you qualify for state or local down payment assistance, and (3) decide when and how long to lock your rate once you're under contract. You can see your options with RealMortgage without an SSN or credit check.

    Three steps before you talk to a lender

    1. Estimate your payment

    See your full payment with CA property tax and insurance.

    2. Check down payment help

    State and local programs that help with down payment and closing costs.

    3. Understand rate locks

    Lock lengths, timing and float-downs explained.

    What's different about California

  • Under Proposition 13, the base property tax rate is 1% of the purchase price, plus local bonds and assessments that often bring the total to about 1.1%–1.25%. Mello-Roos districts in newer communities can add more.
  • High price points mean many California buyers use high-balance conforming or jumbo loans, and homeowners insurance availability and cost vary widely by area.

    • California questions

    Do I need 20% down to buy a home in California?

    No. Conventional loans allow as little as 3% down, FHA 3.5%, and VA zero down for eligible borrowers. CalHFA assistance can help cover part of the down payment or closing costs.

    Can I see California mortgage options without a credit check?

    Yes. You can get a quote from RealMortgage without an SSN or a credit check. A credit check happens only with your written permission when you apply.

    Next step

    Estimate your payment in California

    Keep exploring

    First-time buyers in California

    Programs, credit minimums and steps.

    Mortgage pre-approval guide

    What lenders verify and how long it takes.

    The home buying process

    All 8 steps from search to closing.

    Closing costs explained

    What you'll pay at closing and why.