Mortgages in California: what to know before you borrow.
How closings, taxes, insurance and building actually work in California, in plain English, and which program fits which borrower. Buying in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, San Diego or anywhere else in the state: start here, then ask Rosie the specifics. Sean originates in all 50 states.
The California realities that shape a loan
How closings work
Escrow and title companies run the closing; attorneys are optional, not customary. Expect a signing appointment with a notary rather than a closing table.
Taxes and transfer costs
Property tax is based on the purchase price and reassessed only when the home changes hands, so long-time owners and new buyers next door can pay very different bills. Supplemental tax bills arrive after closing and surprise first-time buyers.
Insurance
Wildfire zones drive insurance availability. In many areas the California FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort, and a lender needs a bound policy before funding, so start the insurance search the day the offer is accepted.
Building and renovating
Permit timelines vary enormously by city and county, and coastal and hillside lots add review layers. Newer state laws opened accessory dwelling units and lot splits in many neighborhoods; the local planning desk is the first call before the loan.
Veterans
High-cost counties are common, which matters for veterans using partial entitlement. Full-entitlement veterans are not capped by county limits.
State programs
First-time and lower-down-payment programs in California run through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Ask Rosie whether one fits before you assume it does not.
Plain-English notes, not legal or tax advice. Verify the specifics for your county and town.
Pick the page for who you are
The program fits the borrower, not the zip code. Each page is written for California.
California mortgage FAQ
Does Sean lend in California?
Yes. Sean originates in all 50 states, California included, through a national portfolio lender with the same file and the same underwriter from application to close.
What is different about buying in California?
Escrow and title companies run the closing; attorneys are optional, not customary. Expect a signing appointment with a notary rather than a closing table. Property tax is based on the purchase price and reassessed only when the home changes hands, so long-time owners and new buyers next door can pay very different bills. Supplemental tax bills arrive after closing and surprise first-time buyers.
Which program fits me in California?
It depends on who you are, not where you are: physicians, veterans, builders, renovators and high-net-worth borrowers each have a page for California below. If you are not sure, ask Rosie first, free, any hour, and book Sean when you are ready.
Ask first. Book when you're ready.
No forms. No credit check. No follow-up calls unless you ask for one. Just a conversation with Rosie about California.
Ask Rosie