Mortgage pre-approval in California.

Closing commonly handled by

escrow and title company

State housing agency

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)

Stellar agency approval

Not a participating lender

2026 conforming limit

$832,750 (higher in 17 of 58 counties, up to $1,249,125)

2026 FHA limit

$541,287 to $1,249,125, by county

Our license

Financing Law License

Company NMLS

#2190975

Your officer

Steve Umansky, NMLS #61764

What we offer in California

Purchase and refinance loans for primary residences, second homes and investment properties. We offer conventional loans with low down payment options, FHA loans with a low down payment, VA and USDA loans with little or no money down for eligible buyers and properties, and jumbo, renovation and non-QM financing, including bank statement and DSCR loans. Full list: all loan programs.

How closings work in California

California closings are commonly handled through an escrow company together with a title company, and buyers usually sign with a notary a few days before the loan funds. Property taxes follow the purchase price, and a supplemental tax bill usually arrives after closing to cover the difference from the prior owner’s assessment, so we explain that bill before you close.

Transfer and recording taxes. California counties may charge a documentary transfer tax of 55 cents for each $500 of the price, and a city inside the county may charge half that rate, credited against the county tax. Many cities add their own transfer tax on top, so the total depends on the city. The statute does not say which side pays; the purchase contract decides. Source: California Revenue and Taxation Code § 11911. Property taxes are set locally; we take the figure from the tax record for the address.

Loan limits in California

For 2026 the conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 (higher in 17 of 58 counties, up to $1,249,125). Loans above the county limit are jumbo. FHA limits are set separately by HUD for each county. Sources: FHFA conforming loan limit values and HUD FHA mortgage limits.

First-time buyer programs in California

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) runs California’s homebuyer programs, which can include a first mortgage and help with the down payment and closing costs for buyers who meet its income and purchase price limits. This is general information: Stellar Mortgage is not a participating lender for these programs. We offer conventional loans with low down payment options, FHA loans with a low down payment, VA and USDA loans with little or no money down for eligible buyers and properties, and jumbo, renovation and non-QM financing, and we will tell you when an agency program looks like the better fit. Official source: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). See also our first-time buyer guide.

USDA eligibility is decided address by address: check the property on the USDA eligibility map. VA: no VA minimum credit score; lender overlays apply.

Questions California buyers ask

California notice. Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. Stellar Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #2190975.

Loan limits, tax rates and agency programs are set by third parties and change. Confirm current figures before relying on them. Not a commitment to lend.