Licensed California Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Loans in
Orange County
Orange County Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Trusted Expertise
40+ YEARS
California Experience

Licensed California mortgage broker with loan programs specialized to your unique situation. Purchase loans, refinancing, FHA, VA, jumbo, commercial, construction, down payment assistance, and more across every Orange community.

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Why Orange County Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Orange County, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase in Orange County

Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program for your Orange County purchase.

We as brokers shop hundreds of lenders for you. Banks offer their own limited products.

As mortgage specialists serving Orange County buyers across 34 cities, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Orange County buyers navigate varied price points across 34 diverse cities.

  • Premium areas like Coastal OC require jumbo loans above $1.25M
  • Most neighborhoods qualify for high-balance conventional loans
  • Strategic financing depends on which community you're buying in

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Orange County purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Orange County

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a Orange County mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

Complete your loan application online and upload your documents. We'll review everything to make sure it's complete before submitting to our lending partners.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Orange County home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Explore Orange

Cities We Serve

Or browse all 31 cities below

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What Types of Mortgages Are Available in Orange County, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in Orange County starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Orange County home buyers—covering purchase loans, refinance, commercial real estate, and specialized financing like bank statement and jumbo loans. Explore the general programs to compare down payment options and requirements, or apply now for a custom financing solution tailored to your Orange County property.

Purchase Loans

Speed & Certainty

Whether you're buying your first condo or a $3M estate, we offer comprehensive financing solutions with 14-day closings. Explore our complete range of purchase loan programs below.

Refinance

Rate & Term, Cash-Out

Refinance to lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or access home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or investment opportunities. Explore all refinance programs below.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

2026 Loan Limits

Orange County Loan Limits

High-Cost Area
Loan Type 1-Unit 2-Unit 3-Unit 4-Unit
Conventional
$1,249,125 $1.25M $1,598,880 $1.60M $1,932,396 $1.93M $2,402,067 $2.40M
FHA
$1,249,125 $1.25M $1,598,880 $1.60M $1,932,396 $1.93M $2,402,067 $2.40M

Limits effective January 1, 2026. VA loans have no county limit for qualified veterans.

Orange County Market

Orange County Housing & Mortgage Market in 2026 Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Orange County's Southern California real estate market features $1.1M median pricing, accessible to working professionals, growing families, and established households earning solid middle to upper-middle household incomes. The appreciating market creating refinancing opportunities presents multiple financing pathways for prospective homebuyers in Orange County. The 57.8% homeownership rate reflects Orange County's mix of homeowners and renters, creating opportunities for first-time buyers entering the market.

Who's Buying in Orange County

Most Orange County properties fall within Orange County's $1.25M conforming loan limit, enabling conventional, FHA, and VA financing for buyers. Orange County offers diverse property price points across different neighborhoods, each requiring tailored financing approaches based on purchase price and buyer qualifications. Conventional buyers in Orange County commonly use 5-20% down payments, while FHA buyers access homeownership with 3.5% down, and VA-eligible buyers utilize zero-down benefits.

Your Loan Fit

Orange County residents work across diverse employment sectors including Tourism (Disneyland, theme parks), Technology and software companies, Healthcare and medical devices, with median household income of $100,000 supporting varied mortgage qualifications. Orange County mortgage applications reflect diverse income sources including W-2 wages, self-employment earnings, and bonus/commission income, with lenders evaluating 2-year income history and employment stability for qualification. Most Orange County buyers maintain manageable debt-to-income ratios below 43%, though FHA and VA programs allow up to 50-55% DTI for well-qualified borrowers with compensating factors like substantial reserves or excellent credit.

Down Payment & Refinance in Orange County

Orange County's loan mix includes conventional financing (5-20% down), FHA loans (3.5% down) for buyers with limited savings or credit rebuilding, and VA loans providing zero-down benefits for eligible veterans and service members. FHA accepts credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down), conventional programs approve borrowers at 620+, and our zero-down program works with scores of 640+, accommodating Orange County's diverse buyer qualifications. Our loan officers evaluate each Orange County buyer's unique situation to recommend the most advantageous loan program based on credit profile, down payment capacity, and long-term homeownership goals.

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Our team has originated mortgages throughout Orange County across all price ranges and neighborhoods, developing expertise in local property valuations, appraisal district boundaries, and lender appetites for different Orange County areas. Our Orange County expertise extends beyond rate quotes to include strategic advice on offer structure, appraisal contingencies, and seller expectations in competitive Orange County markets. This local knowledge enables us to pre-qualify buyers accurately, anticipate potential underwriting issues, and close loans efficiently in Orange County's unique real estate environment.

Orange County Calculators

Calculator with house model and coins representing mortgage calculations

Calculate your monthly payment, affordability, and closing costs with Orange County-specific property tax rates and loan limits. Get accurate estimates before you start shopping.

Orange County Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Orange County homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Orange County?

Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.

How long does it take to close on a house in Orange County?

Typical Orange County closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Orange County?

Down payments in Orange County vary by loan type: Conventional (3-5% minimum), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for veterans). With $1.1M median pricing, most buyers put 5-20% down depending on whether they're avoiding PMI or maximizing cash reserves.

What is PMI and how can I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down, costing 0.5-1% of your loan annually. Ways to avoid: put 20% down, use an 80-10-10 piggyback loan, or choose lender-paid PMI. PMI automatically drops once you reach 20% equity.

What are the loan limits in Orange County?

2026 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Orange County properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Will I need a jumbo loan or conforming loan in Orange County?

With Orange County's $1.1M median price and $1,249,125 Orange County limit, many properties fall right at the threshold. Homes under $1,249,125 use conforming loans (better rates, easier qualification). Above that requires jumbo financing. We analyze your target price range to recommend the best approach.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Orange County. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Orange County?

Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.

Can I get approved if I'm self-employed or have 1099 income?

Yes. We offer multiple documentation paths for self-employed Orange County borrowers: bank statement loans (12-24 months deposits), P&L-only programs, and traditional tax return qualification. Our loan officers specialize in complex income situations.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Orange County?

Yes, first-time buyers represent about 35% of our Orange County transactions. We help you navigate loan options, explain the differences between FHA, conventional, and VA programs, and identify down payment assistance available in Orange County.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Orange County?

Closing costs in Orange County typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $1.1M home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.

Should I buy down my interest rate in Orange County?

Rate buydowns (paying points upfront for a lower rate) make sense if you'll keep the loan 5+ years. Each point (1% of loan amount) typically reduces your rate by 0.25%. We calculate your break-even point and whether buying down makes financial sense for your Orange County purchase.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Orange County?

Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Orange County?

Down payments in Orange County vary by loan type: Conventional (3-5% minimum), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for veterans). With $1.1M median pricing, most buyers put 5-20% down depending on whether they're avoiding PMI or maximizing cash reserves.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Orange County. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Orange County?

Closing costs in Orange County typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $1.1M home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.

How long does it take to close on a house in Orange County?

Typical Orange County closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Orange County?

Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.

What are the loan limits in Orange County?

2026 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Orange County properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Will I need a jumbo loan or conforming loan in Orange County?

With Orange County's $1.1M median price and $1,249,125 Orange County limit, many properties fall right at the threshold. Homes under $1,249,125 use conforming loans (better rates, easier qualification). Above that requires jumbo financing. We analyze your target price range to recommend the best approach.

Can I get approved if I'm self-employed or have 1099 income?

Yes. We offer multiple documentation paths for self-employed Orange County borrowers: bank statement loans (12-24 months deposits), P&L-only programs, and traditional tax return qualification. Our loan officers specialize in complex income situations.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Orange County?

Yes, first-time buyers represent about 35% of our Orange County transactions. We help you navigate loan options, explain the differences between FHA, conventional, and VA programs, and identify down payment assistance available in Orange County.

What is PMI and how can I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down, costing 0.5-1% of your loan annually. Ways to avoid: put 20% down, use an 80-10-10 piggyback loan, or choose lender-paid PMI. PMI automatically drops once you reach 20% equity.

Should I buy down my interest rate in Orange County?

Rate buydowns (paying points upfront for a lower rate) make sense if you'll keep the loan 5+ years. Each point (1% of loan amount) typically reduces your rate by 0.25%. We calculate your break-even point and whether buying down makes financial sense for your Orange County purchase.

What are the 2026 loan limits in Orange County?

Orange County is designated as a high-cost area. Conventional conforming loan limits are $1.2M for single-family homes, $1.6M for 2-unit properties, $1.9M for 3-unit properties, and $2.4M for 4-unit properties. FHA limits match these amounts.

Which cities in Orange County do you serve?

We serve all cities and communities throughout Orange County, California.

Do I need a jumbo loan to buy in Orange County?

Thanks to Orange County's high-cost designation, you can finance homes up to $1.2M with a conventional conforming loan. You only need a jumbo loan for properties exceeding this amount.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Orange County?

Several programs are available including CalHFA down payment assistance, local first-time buyer programs, and various grant programs. We'll help you identify all programs you qualify for based on your income and location.

About Orange County’s Housing Market

If you’re looking in Orange County, you already know prices aren’t cheap. But here’s what a lot of buyers miss: the federal government classifies this as a “high-cost” area, which actually works in your favor. That designation bumps conforming loan limits to $1.25M—so a home that would need jumbo financing in most of the country can be financed with a regular conventional loan here. Better rates, easier qualification.

The county spans 10 cities, and they’re genuinely different from each other. Newport Beach runs around $3.5M, while Santa Ana comes in closer to $700K. That’s a wide gap, and it means your financing strategy depends heavily on which area you’re targeting.

What keeps the market stable is that people actually work here. Tourism (Disneyland, theme parks), and technology and software companies. When you have that kind of employment base, one sector slowing down doesn’t tank the whole housing market.

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