As California residents, we have a wide variety of home buyer and homeowner services and resources to choose from. For many of us, buying a home is the single largest investment decision that we will make, so make use of the mortgage resources available to you and do your homework whether you're looking to for a San Diego new home loan or want a mortgage refi in San Jose.
Being informed about mortgages and comparing multiple offers from California lenders will help ensure you get the best mortgage rates which can potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage. While you're here, consider requesting free mortgage quotes to compare mortgage rate offers available to you now. Using our form on this page is free, and you can get up to four mortgage quotes at absolutely no obligation to you.
You can also use our
loan calculators which include a
refinance calculator, a
mortgage loan rate comparison calculator, and an
amortization calculator & amortization chart.
California Homebuyer Tax Credit
If you are a new homebuyer, you have probably heard of the $8,000 federal tax credit being offered by the federal government. But do you know of the generous up-to-$10,000 tax credit that is being offered to California residents - for all homebuyers, not just first time homebuyers? This is a great opportunity and time to take advantage of homebuyer assistance being offered at the state level.
You can read more about the federal and California homebuyer tax credits here - the site is for those with credit problems, but the tax credit and information here is for everyone regardless of credit history or status.
CA Mortgage Education Programs in Your Area
There are county, and municipal home buyer education and assistance programs to help you learn about home loans, the home loan process, and how to shop wisely for a home you can afford. You may also qualify for down payment assistance and first time buyer programs that offer low interest rates and other favorable mortgage terms if you attend these sessions. You can start searching for some of these programs at the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) and the Housing & Urban Development (HUD). California is pro-active in promoting home ownership and providing help to homeowners who are experiencing financial or other difficulties. The following list provides an overview of available federal and California mortgage resources; you're strongly encouraged to conduct your own research for locating additional resources, including assistance for veterans and others with special needs.
Getting Foreclosure Help and Avoiding Scams
California homeowners facing foreclosure can get help from credit counseling agencies, government relief programs, and other sources. The most important thing to know about foreclosure is that your chances of preventing it increase with early action on your part. Don't let denial, fear, or procrastination lead to losing your home.
If you cannot qualify to refinance your home loan through traditional lenders, you may qualify for refinance programs provided through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and government housing agencies like FHA. Foreclosures in California can take four months or longer, depending on individual factors including county backlog and legal issues.
Reinstating your home loan from foreclosure can be costly; you'll have to pay all past due payments and late charges in addition to foreclosure fees and costs. It's far better to seek help before your lender starts foreclosure. When seeking foreclosure help, you'll want to avoid real estate and foreclosure scammers who may approach you offering deals that are too good to be true.
The Federal Trade Commission and the California Attorney General advise homeowners to be wary of unsolicited offers of assistance, and to verify the credentials and business record of any individual or organization offering help. Additional foreclosure information is in the list below.
