Every kind of home loan. One straight answer.
Buying, refinancing, pulling equity, building new or investing, I handle the whole range of residential lending for borrowers in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County, Ventura County and across California. Here is how every program works and who it fits.
Which loan fits you?
Most people don't need to know every program. They need to know the two or three that actually fit their situation. Start with the row that sounds like you.
Conventional loans
Good credit, steady income, as little as 3% down for qualifying first-time buyers. Mortgage insurance drops off as you build equity.
FHA loans
3.5% down with a 580+ credit score and more flexible debt-to-income rules. Built for first-time and credit-rebuilding buyers.
VA loans
$0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible veterans, active-duty service members and some surviving spouses.
Jumbo loans
Loan amounts above $1,249,125 in LA County. Common in Valencia, Stevenson Ranch and most of coastal and westside LA.
Refinancing
Lower your rate, drop mortgage insurance, shorten your term or take cash out. I only recommend it when the break-even math works.
HELOCs
Borrow against your equity without touching the low rate on your first mortgage.
Self-employed & bank statement
Qualify on bank deposits instead of tax returns when write-offs make your income look smaller than it is.
Investor & DSCR
Qualify on the property's rent, not your personal income. Rentals, short-term rentals, 2 to 4 units.
New construction
Builder incentives, long rate locks and preferred-lender math for the new communities in the Santa Clarita Valley.
First-time buyers
The 90-day credit prep, real monthly cost and down payment assistance options, step by step.
Move-up buyers
Buy before you sell, bridge options and how to keep from carrying two mortgages longer than you have to.
Not ready yet?
Get a 6, 12 or 18-month plan to get mortgage-ready, built around your credit and savings.
2026 loan limits for Los Angeles County
Loan limits decide which program you land in. For 2026, the numbers that matter in LA County are:
- Conforming baseline (most of the U.S.): $832,750 for a single-family home.
- LA County high-balance conforming limit: $1,249,125. Loans between $832,750 and $1,249,125 are "high-balance conforming" and still use conventional guidelines.
- LA County FHA limit: $1,249,125 for a single-family home.
- Jumbo: anything above $1,249,125 in LA County.
Limits in Ventura, Kern and other counties are different. Tell me the property address and I'll tell you exactly which bucket you're in.
How I work with you
I originate through American Family Funding. That means I can shop the full range of programs above instead of pushing whatever one bank happens to offer.
- Tell me your situation. Take the 2-minute quiz or call me. No credit pull to start.
- I show you the real numbers. Payment, cash to close and the trade-offs between your two or three best options.
- You decide. If now isn't the right time, I'll tell you and give you a plan.
Common questions
What credit score do I need to buy a home in California?
It depends on the program. FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580 score. Conventional loans generally start at 620. VA loans have no official minimum set by the VA, though lenders set their own floor. Jumbo loans usually expect 700 or higher.
How much do I need for a down payment in Santa Clarita?
As little as 0% with a VA loan, 3% with some conventional first-time buyer programs and 3.5% with FHA. Down payment assistance programs may cover part of that. Plan separately for closing costs, which often run 2% to 4% of the price.
Can you help if I live outside Santa Clarita?
Yes. I'm based in the Santa Clarita Valley but originate loans throughout California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
Does talking to you affect my credit?
No. The first conversation and the quiz don't pull credit. A credit check only happens when you decide to move forward with a pre-approval.
Every kind of home loan, one straight answer.
Want your real numbers?
No credit pull to start. Tell me what you're trying to do and I'll show you the payment, the cash to close and your best two or three options.
Already have a quote? Send me a Loan Estimate →
Rather text? Text “SCV ready” to (661) 284-1150 and I’ll send you my calendar.