San Diego Mortgage Lender

As an independent mortgage broker licensed in California, Bayview Residential Brokerage helps San Diego buyers and homeowners shop the whole market instead of a single bank's rate sheet. With one of the largest military communities in the country, San Diego is a key VA-loan market, alongside strong demand from families and professionals. We match each borrower with the lender and program that fits, then handle the loan from pre-approval to closing.

Below is a plain-English guide to buying or refinancing in San Diego in 2026: the market, San Diego County loan limits, the programs available, down payment assistance, and the neighborhoods we serve.

The San Diego housing market in 2026

San Diego remains a strong, in-demand market. As of mid-2026 the average San Diego home value is around $1,008,000, down about 2.3% year over year, with well-priced homes still moving quickly. Its coastal lifestyle, biotech and defense economy and large military presence keep steady demand across the county.

San Diego County has its own high-cost conforming limit of $1,104,000, so many homes fall within it, while higher-priced coastal and North County properties move into jumbo territory. Being matched with the right lender keeps your payment competitive, which is where a broker helps.

Loan programs for San Diego buyers

Conventional loans. The default for buyers with solid credit, with as little as 3% down for qualified first-time buyers.

FHA loans. A lower 3.5% down payment and flexible qualifying, popular with first-time and credit-building buyers. The 2026 FHA limit in San Diego County is $1,104,000 for a single-family home.

VA loans. San Diego has one of the largest military communities in the country, anchored by Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar and nearby Camp Pendleton, so VA loans are especially important here for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance for those who qualify.

USDA loans. Zero-down financing for eligible rural communities in the region, for buyers within the income limits.

Jumbo loans. Financing above the conforming limit for higher-priced homes. In San Diego this mainly applies to coastal and North County homes above $1,104,000.

Reverse mortgages. For homeowners 62 and older who want to convert equity into cash without a monthly mortgage payment.

Down payment assistance for San Diego buyers

California buyers have help with the down payment through the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Programs such as the MyHome Assistance Program provide a deferred-payment junior loan toward the down payment or closing costs when paired with a CalHFA first mortgage, and CalHFA periodically offers shared-appreciation help like the Dream For All program when funding is available. Eligibility depends on income, credit and homebuyer education. We check which programs fit San Diego buyers and coordinate the assistance with your loan.

Property taxes and Proposition 13

California property taxes work differently than most states thanks to Proposition 13. Your tax is based on the home's assessed value, which generally starts at your purchase price, plus a base rate of about 1% and any local voter-approved measures, and annual increases in assessed value are capped at 2%. That predictability helps with long-term budgeting. When we prepare your pre-approval, we include realistic tax and insurance estimates so your monthly number is the real one.

Buying across San Diego

La Jolla, Del Mar and Carmel Valley hold many of the county's higher-end homes, often in jumbo territory, North Park and South Park offer walkable character neighborhoods, and communities across East and South County provide more accessible entry points that pair well with FHA, VA and down payment assistance. We match the loan to the neighborhood and property type.

How the process works with Bayview

1. Pre-approval. We review your income, credit and goals, then issue a pre-approval so you can shop with confidence and make strong offers.

2. Shop and compare. Once you are under contract, we shop your loan across our lender network and bring back the most competitive fit on rate and fees.

3. Underwriting. We manage document collection and work the file through underwriting, keeping you and your agent updated.

4. Closing. Most purchases close in about 30 days from contract. You sign, fund and get the keys.

Refinancing your San Diego home

Already own in San Diego? Refinancing can lower your rate or payment, shorten your term, or let you tap equity through a cash-out refinance for a remodel or to consolidate debt. With how much California home values have risen over the past several years, many local homeowners have significant usable equity. We run the numbers both ways and only recommend a refinance if it actually moves you forward.

San Diego mortgage FAQs

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in San Diego?

San Diego County has a high-cost conforming limit of $1,104,000 for a single-family home in 2026. Loans above that are jumbo loans.

Do you offer VA loans in San Diego?

Yes. With Naval Base San Diego, MCAS Miramar and Camp Pendleton nearby, San Diego has a large military community, and we offer zero-down VA loans for eligible borrowers.

Do I need a jumbo loan in San Diego?

It depends on the area. Many homes fall within the $1,104,000 high-cost limit, while coastal and North County homes often require jumbo financing.

What down payment assistance is available in San Diego?

California's CalHFA programs, including MyHome, can help qualified buyers with down payment and closing costs.

How does Proposition 13 affect my property taxes?

Your tax is based on your purchase price plus about 1% and local measures, with annual assessed-value increases capped at 2%.

How long does it take to close in San Diego?

Most purchase loans close in about 30 days once you are under contract.

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Nearby cities we serve

Irvine  ·  Los Angeles  ·  Riverside  ·  Anaheim
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Plan your numbers

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