Mortgage Loans in
Tustin, California
Tustin Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Tustin and Irvine California Aerial

Mortgage broker serving Tustin, CA, offering a full range of loan programs - purchases, refinancing, investment properties, FHA, VA, jumbo, DSCR, bank statement loans, down payment assistance, and more. Personalized programs for your unique situation. 40+ years California mortgage experience.

Why Tustin Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program and give you the best rate for your unique situation.

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

As mortgage specialists serving Tustin buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Tustin buyers navigate properties near the $1.25M conforming limit, where loan structure impacts rates significantly.

  • Tustin Legacy, Old Town Tustin, and Tustin Ranch all hover at $1.1M, sitting just under the $1.25M conforming limit to avoid jumbo rates.
  • Public sector workers and educators need lenders who annualize 9-month teaching contracts and count CalPERS pension income for qualification.
  • The District at Tustin Legacy retail employers mean hospitality workers need documentation for tip income and extra reserves for seasonal employment gaps.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Tustin

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 Tustin 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 Tustin home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Tustin, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Tustin sits right in that sweet spot where homes are expensive but not insane. The median price is $1.1M, and it's been flat for a year. No crazy appreciation, no freefall. Just stability. The big advantage here is the conforming loan limit of $1,249,125, meaning most buyers can avoid jumbo loans entirely and lock in better rates. You're not dealing with typical $766,550 conforming caps like most of the country. That matters when you're comparing a 6.5% conventional rate to a 7% jumbo. Same house, different monthly payment.

Who's Buying in Tustin

Move-up buyers dominate here. People selling a starter home in another part of Orange County and rolling $200K-$300K of equity into something better. Dual-income professionals pulling six figures combined can make the numbers work, especially if they're strategic about loan structure. You'll see some first-timers, but they usually have help from family or they're high earners in tech or healthcare. The 50.2% homeownership rate tells you half the city rents, so there's definitely a mix. But the buyers closing deals? They've got either equity, income, or both.

Your Loan Fit

Stay under that $1,249,125 conforming limit if you possibly can. The rate difference alone saves you hundreds a month compared to jumbo. Here's how to play it smart:
  • Conventional with 10-15% down gets you the best rates without burning all your cash
  • High-balance conforming up to $1.25M means you avoid jumbo penalties on most Tustin homes
  • If you're over the limit, jumbo isn't terrible but shop around because rates vary wildly between lenders
  • Skip FHA at this price point unless your credit is genuinely rough, the mortgage insurance costs too much on a $1M+ loan
The math is simple. Lower rate, lower payment, more buying power. Don't overpay because you didn't ask about loan limits.

Down Payment & Refinance in Tustin

Already own in Tustin? You've got options depending on what you need. Cash-out refinancing makes sense if you're sitting on equity and want to renovate or buy an investment property. Rates aren't amazing right now, so pure rate-and-term refis only work if you bought when rates were higher. But if you put down less than 20% originally and your home value has held steady, getting PMI removed is basically a raise. HELOCs are having a moment too because they give you flexibility without ditching your existing low rate. Just don't tap equity for stuff that doesn't build wealth. New kitchen, yes. Vacation, no.

Get Started

You're looking at $110K to $220K for a down payment on that median-priced home. Most buyers here put down 10-20%, but where that money comes from varies. If you're moving up from another OC property, you're probably bringing $200K+ in equity and only need to add a bit more. First-timers usually combine savings with gift funds from parents, sometimes $50K earned and $60K gifted. Some people stretch with 10% down ($110K) to keep cash for renovations or reserves. And look, if the down payment is your main barrier, we've got our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not for everyone at this price level, but it works for buyers with strong income who just need time to build savings.

Local Tustin Expertise

Start with a real conversation about your situation. What you're bringing to the table, what rate you qualify for, how much house you can actually afford without being payment-poor. Schedule a free call and we'll run the numbers on conventional versus jumbo, different down payment scenarios, what your monthly looks like with taxes and insurance included. Preapproval in Tustin needs to be solid because you're competing with other qualified buyers. Our team knows Orange County loan limits and can structure deals that actually close. Don't shop for homes until you know exactly what you can borrow and at what rate.

Popular Tustin Neighborhoods

Tustin Legacy • Old Town Tustin • Tustin Ranch

Zip Codes We Serve

92780, 92781, 92782

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

Finding the right home loan in Tustin starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Tustin 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 Tustin 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.

Loan Programs

Tustin Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Tustin homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Tustin Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Jumbo 10-20% 680+ Homes above $1,249,125
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military (0% down on any price)
Asset Depletion 10-20% 680+ Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Investment properties, no income verification
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Seniors 62+ accessing Tustin home equity

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in Tustin

Conforming Loans

Most Tustin homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.25M. Best rates with 3-20% down.

VA Loans

Veterans buy in Tustin with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.

FHA Loans

FHA loans popular for Tustin first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.

Jumbo Loans

Higher-end Tustin properties may exceed $1.25M. Jumbo financing available when needed.

Bank Statement Loans

Bank statement loans work for Tustin's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Tustin buyers.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans help Tustin buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.

LLC Funding Programs

Tustin investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.

Best Refinance Options in Tustin

Conforming Refinance

Most Tustin mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.

Cash Out Refinance

Tustin homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.

VA Loans Refinance

Veterans in Tustin refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.

HELOC Refinance

Tustin HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.

FHA Loans Refinance

Tustin FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.

Home Equity Refinance

Home equity loan option for Tustin. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Tustin

DSCR Loans

Tustin rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.

Fix And Flip Loans

Renovation investors in Tustin use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.

Multifamily Loans

Tustin apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Commercial hard money in Tustin. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Tustin

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Tustin buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Tustin buyers.

Local Down Payment Programs

Local Tustin DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Elite Grant Program

Tustin buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Gift of Equity

Gift of equity option for Tustin family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Tustin buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.

Every situation is unique. The right loan program depends on your unique situation. See what works best for you.

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Why Tustin is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Tustin sits right in the heart of Orange County, population 79,514, median household income $102,065. The homeownership rate is 50.2%, which tells you something important - at a $1.1M median home price, you're looking at a market where renting is still common because the barrier to entry is high. To qualify for a conventional loan on that median price with 20% down, you'll need around $220K cash and household income north of $200K. This is classic Orange County pricing, where dual-income professional households are the norm for buyers.

Schools & Family Appeal

The school situation here is part of what keeps those home values elevated. Tustin Unified serves the area, and you've got options depending on where you buy. Beckman High consistently pulls 9-10 ratings, Foothill High runs 7-8, and Tustin High sits around 6-7. When you're spending over a million on a house, school ratings matter not just for your kids but for resale value down the road. Families will pay a premium to stay in highly-rated districts, which means your property holds value better even when the market softens. The district has been stable for years, and that stability translates directly to predictable appreciation for buyers thinking long-term.

  • Beckman High School
  • Foothill High School
  • Tustin High School
  • Tustin Unified School District

The Neighborhood Feel

All three main areas hover around that $1.1M mark, but the character is completely different. Tustin Legacy is built on the old Marine Corps Air Station, and you'll see those massive historic hangars that define the skyline. It's master-planned, modern construction from the 2000s and 2010s, popular with young professionals and families who want newer builds. Conventional loans with 20% down are standard here, though you'll see some buyers go jumbo depending on upgrades and lot premiums. Old Town Tustin gives you that historic Orange County vibe with vintage homes, walkable downtown along Main Street, and a community feel that's harder to find in newer developments. Tustin Ranch up north puts you near Peters Canyon Regional Park with planned neighborhoods and solid schools, attracting families willing to stretch their budget for the location. At these price points, most buyers are putting down 20-25% to avoid PMI and keep monthly payments manageable.

  • Tustin Legacy
  • Old Town Tustin
  • Tustin Ranch

Getting Around

Here's the thing about Tustin's location - you're 14 minutes from Irvine, 36 minutes from Long Beach, 43 minutes to LA. That central Orange County position is a huge part of why prices stay high. You can work in Irvine's business parks, commute to LA if you have to, or access the coast without the brutal drives you'd face from Riverside or San Bernardino. The lack of major highway noise through residential areas keeps neighborhoods quieter, but you're close enough to the 5 and 55 when you need them. If you work in tech, biotech, or finance in Irvine, that 14-minute commute means you get Orange County employment with a slightly more established community feel than newer Irvine developments.

Jobs & Economy

Tustin Unified School District is the largest employer, which gives the area that public sector stability. Costco has a corporate presence here beyond just retail, and The District at Tustin Legacy brings in retail and service jobs. The City of Tustin itself employs a fair number of people in municipal roles. But real talk, most buyers here work elsewhere in Orange County - Irvine's business corridor, Newport Beach, or even LA. The local job market supports some buyers, but the income levels needed to afford $1.1M homes typically come from the broader Orange County employment base. That's why the commute times matter so much when you're deciding if Tustin works for your situation.

  • Tustin Unified School District
  • Costco Wholesale
  • The District at Tustin Legacy
  • City of Tustin

Tustin Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Tustin 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 Tustin?

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 Tustin?

Typical Tustin 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 Tustin?

You have several low down payment options in Tustin: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Tustin buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Tustin?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Tustin buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.

Can I buy a home in Tustin with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Tustin buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many Tustin families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Tustin?

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

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Tustin?

For Tustin's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Tustin. 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 Tustin?

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Tustin?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Tustin. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Tustin. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

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 Tustin?

Closing costs in Tustin typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 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.

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

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 Tustin?

You have several low down payment options in Tustin: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Tustin buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Tustin. 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 Tustin?

Closing costs in Tustin typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 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 Tustin?

Typical Tustin 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 Tustin?

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 Tustin?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Tustin?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Tustin buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.

Can I buy a home in Tustin with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Tustin buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many Tustin families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Tustin?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Tustin. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Tustin. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Tustin?

For Tustin's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.

What is the FHA loan limit in Tustin?

The FHA loan limit in Tustin is $1,250,000 for 2025, which covers most homes in this Orange County market. With the median home price around $1.1M, you'll find that FHA financing works well for many properties here. This higher limit makes FHA loans a viable option even in Tustin's upper. middle market.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Tustin?

Most homes in Tustin fall under the $1.25M conforming loan limit, so you won't need a jumbo loan for typical properties priced between $900K and $1.25M. However, if you're looking at higher. end homes above $1.25M, you'll need jumbo financing. The good news is that conforming loans offer better rates and terms for the majority of Tustin buyers.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Orange County?

The 2026 loan limits for Orange County haven't been officially announced yet, but the current conforming, FHA, and VA limits are all $1,250,000. These limits typically adjust annually based on home price trends, and any updates are usually released in November. For now, you can plan around the $1.25M threshold for most conventional financing options.

Can I get a VA loan in Tustin?

Yes, VA loans are available in Tustin with a loan limit of $1,250,000, which covers most homes in the area. Eligible veterans and service members can purchase with $0 down and no PMI, making it one of the best financing options available. Given Tustin's median price of $1.1M, VA loans work perfectly for the majority of properties here.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Tustin?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership more accessible in Tustin's competitive market. CalHFA programs are also available, offering down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time and repeat buyers. Orange County may have additional local programs worth exploring, especially for established professionals looking to break into this upper. middle market.

What down payment do I need for a Tustin home?

For a typical Tustin home priced around $1.1M, you'd need $220,000 down for a conventional 20% down payment, though you can put down as little as 3% ($33,000) with PMI. FHA loans require 3.5% down (about $38,500), while VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. Your best option depends on your finances, loan type, and whether you want to avoid mortgage insurance.

What credit score do I need to buy in Tustin?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Tustin, though you'll get better rates with scores above 740. FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down), making them accessible for buyers still building credit. Given Tustin's $1.1M median price and established buyer profile, aiming for 700+ will give you the most financing options and competitive rates.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with Tustin's upper. middle market who can handle both conforming and jumbo loans, since you may encounter properties on either side of the $1.25M limit. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from at least three lenders, and ask about their experience with first. time jumbo borrowers if that applies to you. A lender familiar with Orange County's competitive market can also help you move quickly when you find the right home.

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