San Francisco Mortgage Lender

As an independent mortgage broker licensed in California, Bayview Residential Brokerage helps San Francisco buyers and homeowners finance the right home at the right terms. As one of the highest-priced markets in the country, San Francisco financing usually means a jumbo or high-balance loan, and condos and tenancies-in-common each come with their own lending nuances. As a broker, we shop a wide set of lenders so you get the best fit.

Below is a plain-English guide to buying or refinancing in San Francisco in 2026: the market, when jumbo applies, the programs available, and the neighborhoods we serve.

The San Francisco housing market in 2026

San Francisco remains a premium, supply-constrained market. As of mid-2026 the median San Francisco home price is around $1,700,000, up about 0.2% year over year. Renewed hiring in technology and a limited supply of homes keep well-priced properties competitive, while the condo market offers relatively more accessible entry points.

Because typical San Francisco prices run well above the high-cost conforming limit of $1,249,125, most purchases here require jumbo financing. Structuring the loan well and being matched with the right jumbo lender can make a meaningful difference, which is exactly where a broker helps.

Loan programs for San Francisco 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 Francisco County is $1,249,125 for a single-family home.

VA loans. Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can buy in San Francisco with a VA loan, including higher-balance VA options for the city's price points. 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 Francisco jumbo financing is the norm for most single-family homes.

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

Down payment assistance for San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco

San Francisco's neighborhoods each have their own character and price points. The Marina, Pacific Heights and Noe Valley sit firmly in jumbo territory, the Sunset and Richmond districts offer relatively more value in single-family homes, and SoMa and Mission Bay have a large condo market. Condo and tenancy-in-common financing have specific guidelines, and we match you with the right lender.

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 Francisco home

Already own in San Francisco? 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 Francisco mortgage FAQs

Do I need a jumbo loan to buy in San Francisco?

Usually, yes. The typical San Francisco home sells well above the 2026 high-cost conforming limit of $1,249,125, so most purchases require jumbo financing.

What is the conforming loan limit in San Francisco?

San Francisco County is a high-cost area, so the 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125 for a single-family home. Loans above that are jumbo.

Can you finance a condo or TIC in San Francisco?

Yes. We finance condos and can advise on tenancy-in-common (TIC) financing, each of which has its own guidelines, matching you with a suitable lender.

Do you offer FHA and VA loans in San Francisco?

Yes. FHA and VA loans (2026 limit $1,249,125) are available for eligible borrowers, alongside conventional and jumbo financing.

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 Francisco?

Most purchases close in about 30 days, though jumbo and condo files can take a little longer.

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Nearby cities we serve

Oakland  ·  San Jose  ·  Sacramento  ·  Los Angeles
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