Mortgage Loans &
Refinance in California Home Loans Across All 58 Counties

Southern California represents the largest and most diverse housing market in the state, home to over 22 million residents across Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties. From the beachfront communities of Newport Beach and La Jolla to the family-friendly suburbs of Irvine and Pasadena, this region offers housing options for every lifestyle. First-time buyers often find opportunities in emerging neighborhoods, while move-up buyers pursue homes in established communities with top-rated schools. With all four counties qualifying as high-cost areas, California mortgage brokers can help buyers access conforming loan limits up to $1,249,125, making conventional financing available for properties that would otherwise require jumbo loans. The entertainment, technology, aerospace, and healthcare industries drive strong employment, supporting sustained housing demand throughout the region.

Working with a California mortgage broker who understands Southern California's competitive dynamics gives buyers a decisive advantage. AGL has helped homebuyers throughout this region for over four decades, whether you're a first-time buyer exploring FHA loans in the San Fernando Valley or securing a jumbo loan for a coastal Orange County home. Coastal areas see intense competition, so getting pre-approved before house hunting is essential. Inland communities like Riverside-adjacent areas offer relative value with improving amenities. We recommend exploring both conventional and portfolio loan options to maximize your purchasing power in this market.

The Bay Area commands some of the highest home prices in the nation, driven by the concentration of technology companies in Silicon Valley and San Francisco's global appeal as a cultural and financial center. San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco, and Fremont anchor a region where tech workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals compete for limited housing inventory. The region's nine counties all qualify for high-cost conforming loan limits of $1,249,125, reflecting median home prices that routinely exceed $1 million. Despite premium pricing, the Bay Area continues attracting buyers seeking proximity to world-class employment opportunities at companies like Apple, Google, Meta, and Salesforce, along with renowned universities including Stanford and UC Berkeley. Remote work has expanded buyer options into the East Bay and South Bay, though demand remains intense throughout.

Bay Area home loans require specialized expertise given the region's unique pricing dynamics. AGL's California mortgage brokers have helped tech professionals, doctors, and business owners navigate these high-cost markets for over 40 years. Many Bay Area buyers benefit from jumbo loan products when home prices exceed conforming limits, while those with strong income but limited down payments may explore high-balance conventional options. Pre-approval with verified underwriting strengthens offers in competitive situations. We often recommend considering East Bay communities like Walnut Creek or Dublin for buyers seeking more space, or exploring South Bay cities like Campbell and Los Gatos for families prioritizing schools.

The Central Valley offers California's most accessible path to homeownership, stretching from Sacramento in the north through Stockton, Modesto, and Fresno to Bakersfield in the south. This agricultural heartland has transformed into a destination for Bay Area transplants and first-time buyers seeking affordable home prices without leaving California. Sacramento, the state capital, anchors the northern portion with strong government and healthcare employment, while Fresno serves as the commercial hub of the southern valley. Standard conforming loan limits apply in most Central Valley counties, making conventional financing straightforward for typical purchases. The region's median home prices often fall $400,000 to $600,000 below coastal alternatives, allowing buyers to afford larger homes with yards and access to excellent public parks and outdoor recreation.

First-time buyers find exceptional opportunities throughout the Central Valley, and AGL has helped thousands of California families achieve homeownership in these markets. FHA and conventional loans work well for most purchases here, with standard conforming limits covering the majority of homes. Sacramento-area buyers should explore Elk Grove, Roseville, and Folsom for family-friendly communities with strong schools. Remote workers relocating from the Bay Area often target Stockton or Tracy for reasonable commute access. We recommend getting pre-approved early and working with a local mortgage broker who understands Central Valley appraisal values and regional lending nuances.

Riverside and San Bernardino counties form the Inland Empire, California's fastest-growing region and an increasingly popular alternative to coastal Southern California. Cities like Riverside, Ontario, Corona, and Rancho Cucamonga offer suburban living with improving amenities, good schools, and median prices significantly below Los Angeles and Orange County. The region has evolved beyond its bedroom community roots into a thriving economic center with major logistics hubs, healthcare systems, and manufacturing employers. Both counties qualify as high-cost areas with conforming loan limits of $1,249,125, enabling conventional financing for a wide range of properties. First-time buyers, growing families, and remote workers have driven strong demand, with the region adding housing inventory to meet population growth from throughout Southern California.

The Inland Empire offers a genuine entry point to California homeownership, and AGL's mortgage brokers have helped buyers throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties take advantage of these opportunities. FHA loans remain popular for first-time buyers with limited down payments, while conventional financing works well for those with stronger credit profiles. Communities along the 10 and 15 freeway corridors offer commute flexibility for those working in Los Angeles or Orange County. We encourage buyers to explore cities like Eastvale, Murrieta, and Temecula for newer construction and family-oriented communities, or Redlands and Claremont for historic character and walkability.

The Central Coast stretches from Santa Barbara's Mediterranean charm through San Luis Obispo to Monterey's dramatic coastal beauty, offering a lifestyle-focused alternative to California's major metros. This region attracts retirees, remote workers, second-home buyers, and those seeking a slower pace without sacrificing access to world-class scenery and amenities. Santa Barbara, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Pismo Beach represent premium markets where coastal California living commands significant price premiums. San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz counties qualify for high-cost conforming loan limits of $1,249,125, while Monterey and Santa Barbara counties have even higher limits reflecting their elevated home values. Wine country, outdoor recreation, and coastal access drive lifestyle demand that sustains strong property values throughout the region.

Central Coast home purchases often require patience and strategic planning given limited inventory in desirable communities. AGL's California mortgage brokers understand the unique financing considerations for coastal properties, including homes with agricultural elements, historic designations, or specific insurance requirements. Many Central Coast buyers are relocating from the Bay Area or Los Angeles with substantial equity, while second-home purchasers may explore conventional or jumbo financing based on property values. We recommend getting fully underwritten pre-approval to compete effectively, and working with a broker experienced in the region's appraisal dynamics and property types.

Beyond the Bay Area lies Northern California's diverse landscape, spanning the premium wine country of Napa and Sonoma through the state capital region to the rural communities of Shasta, Humboldt, and Mendocino counties. This region offers everything from million-dollar vineyard estates to affordable mountain retreats, appealing to buyers seeking natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and escape from urban density. Napa and Sonoma counties command Bay Area-adjacent prices with high-cost conforming limits of $1,249,125, while northern rural counties maintain standard limits with median prices often under $400,000. Sacramento's northern suburbs including Rocklin and Lincoln blend suburban amenities with access to Lake Tahoe recreation. The region's diversity means buyers can find their ideal California lifestyle at nearly any price point.

Northern California's market diversity requires working with a mortgage broker who understands each submarket's unique characteristics. AGL has helped buyers throughout the region, from wine country professionals securing jumbo loans to first-time buyers in Redding using FHA financing. Napa and Sonoma buyers often need jumbo or high-balance conventional products, while Shasta and Butte county purchases typically qualify for standard conforming loans. Rural properties may require specific loan products if acreage or agricultural use is involved. We encourage buyers to clearly define their priorities, whether wine country prestige, mountain access, or affordable space, and let us match the right financing to your goals.