California Home Loans
Updated: April 2026 ● Todd Orlando
California is not a market for the timid — and neither is Defy Mortgage. We offer California home loans engineered for every type of borrower in the Golden State. First-time buyer trying to crack one of the most expensive real estate markets on earth? We have a path for you. High-net-worth investor scaling a portfolio across Los Angeles, San Diego, or the Inland Empire? We’re built for that. Tech founder, entertainment professional, or self-employed earner whose tax returns don’t reflect what you actually make? That’s exactly the borrower we were designed for.
From San Francisco to Sacramento to San Diego, Defy Mortgage offers the full Non-QM arsenal: DSCR, bank statement, P&L, foreign national, asset depletion, interest-only, and more.California’s real estate market is one of the most complex, most stratified, and most misunderstood investment landscapes in the country. The investors who win here aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets — they’re the ones with the right lender. Let’s talk.
Cities in California We Serve
Defy Mortgage lends across the entire state of California — from the Bay Area and the Central Valley to the coast and the desert. No cherry-picked markets, no geography we skip. Wherever your deal is, we’re already there.
Here’s where you can find us:
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Palm Springs
- Orange County
- Long Beach
- San Antonio
- Fresno
- Oakland
- Bakersfield
- Santa Barbara
- Irvine
- Lake Tahoe and more
Home Loans Offered In California
At Defy Mortgage, we are fully licensed in the state of California, which means that we can provide all purchase and refinance Non-QM and Traditional loans, including:
- DSCR Loans
- Bank Statement Loans
- P&L Loans
- Interest-Only
- Foreign National
- Asset Depletion
- Cash-Out Refinances
How Do Home Loans Work In California
California’s mortgage market is unlike any other state in the country — higher price points, jumbo loan thresholds, stricter local regulations, and a borrower profile that skews heavily toward the self-employed, the high-net-worth, and the unconventional earner. If a traditional lender has told you no in California, that answer is often wrong. Here’s what every lender, conventional or otherwise, is actually evaluating when you apply:
California Home Loan Requirements
- Credit Score
- Income
- DTI (ie: what you owe vs. what you earn)
- Assets
- The type of mortgage you’re applying for
These fundamentals apply in all 50 states. What changes in California is the price tier — and with it, the loan structure that makes the most sense for your situation. Keep in mind that down payment requirements, which directly affect your LTV for both purchases and refinances, vary by loan type and are separate from the above.
Steps for Getting A Home Loan in California
- Step 1: Know your numbers before you start — California closing costs run 2%–5% of the purchase price and can be significant in dollar terms at California price points. Know your credit score, DTI, down payment, and closing cost budget before you engage with a single listing.
- Step 2: Choose the right loan type — This matters more in California than almost anywhere else. A conventional loan, a bank statement loan, a DSCR loan, and a P&L loan all price and qualify very differently. The right choice depends on your income structure, not just the property.
- Step 3: Get pre-approved (seriously) — California’s competitive markets don’t have patience for soft pre-qualifications. A full pre-approval tells sellers you’re serious and gives you the speed to compete.
- Step 4: Find your property and make an offer — California has specific regulations around short-term rentals, rent control, and tenant protections that vary by city and county. Know whether you’re buying a primary residence, long-term rental, or STR before you make an offer — it affects your loan structure and your operating strategy.
- Step 5: Submit your full loan application — California real estate moves quickly. Delays in your document response can cost you a deal in a competitive market. Have your documentation organized before you go under contract.
- Step 6: Inspection, appraisal, and underwriting — California-specific issues to know: wildfire zone designations, seismic retrofit requirements, flood zone adjacency in coastal and river-adjacent markets, and HOA documentation in condo-heavy urban buildings all affect underwriting timelines and costs.
- Step 7: Close and get your keys — The standard California timeline runs 30–45 days from accepted offer to close. At Defy Mortgage, we close in 14 to 21 days — in a state where speed wins deals, that’s not a small advantage.
Best California Markets for Real Estate Investors
- Sacramento / Central Valley — California’s strongest DSCR market. Lower acquisition prices relative to rents, strong Bay Area out-migration driving tenant demand, DSCR ratios of 0.95–1.15 achievable on standard SFR purchases. The single most accessible entry point for investors seeking California exposure without coastal price compression.
- Inland Empire (Riverside / San Bernardino) — The state’s most scalable yield engine for small-balance multifamily and SFR portfolios. Logistics and warehouse job growth has driven rent growth and tenant demand as workers priced out of LA and Orange County move inland. DSCR ratios of 1.1–1.3 are achievable.
- San Diego — Second most active California DSCR market. Military tenant base (100,000+ active-duty personnel at Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego) creates recession-resistant rental demand. STR income from coastal and tourism markets can significantly exceed LTR figures. DSCR ratios of 0.85–1.05 are typical.
- Los Angeles — Highest DSCR loan volume in California. Target newer construction exempt from AB 1482 rent control and neighborhoods like North Hollywood, Silver Lake, West Adams, and Mid-City where above-average rents support DSCR qualification. Focus on properties outside the rent-controlled inventory.
- Lake Tahoe / South Lake Tahoe — California’s premier STR investment market. Year-round demand from Bay Area and Sacramento corridor buyers anchored by Heavenly Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, and summer lake recreation. AirDNA-based income projections widely accepted for DSCR qualification. First-time STR investors eligible.
- Fresno / Bakersfield — California’s most affordable major markets and among its highest gross rental yield opportunities. Properties in the $300,000–$380,000 range renting for $1,800–$2,200 per month produce DSCR ratios of 1.2–1.4 — the highest achievable in California on standard SFR investments.
What Investors Need To Know About The CA Housing Markets→
Pros and Cons of Buying Rental Property in California
Just like any other investment decision you make, there are pros and cons to buying a rental property in California. Here are some to consider before taking the leap:
Pros:
- High rental demand due to California’s rising population
- Growing tourism rates create high demand for short-term rentals
- California is home to many colleges and universities, boosting rental demand in college towns
- The diverse economy keeps the job market strong, which attracts new residents
- Potential property appreciation, resulting in long-term investment gains
- The mild climate attracts renters and visitors all year round, minimizing vacancy periods
Cons:
- High cost of entry due to the expensive real estate market, could require a significant investment upfront
- The competitive real estate market can make it challenging to find a good rental property
- California property taxes are relatively high compared to other states, which could impact your investment’s cash flow
Tips for Getting Self-Employed Home Loans in California
The keys to success as a self-employed borrower in California in addition to partnering with a lender who understand both your unique financial situation and the state’s diverse real estate markets are as follows:
- Prepare Early: Start organizing your financial documentation at least six months before you plan to apply. This includes bank statements, tax returns, profit and loss statements, and any contracts or agreements showing future income.
- Consider Timing: If possible, apply during a period when your income is stable or trending upward. Lenders prefer to see consistent or growing income patterns.
- Work with Professionals: Partner with a CPA familiar with self-employed mortgage requirements and a real estate agent experienced with non-traditional financing.
- Understand Your Options: Don’t limit yourself to traditional bank loans. Explore non-QM products, bank statement programs, and asset-based lending options.
- Maintain Strong Credit: While alternative lending programs may be more flexible with income documentation, maintaining excellent credit scores remains crucial for securing favorable terms.
California Mortgage Programs 2026
As of April 2026, Defy Mortgage offers the following Non-QM and traditional mortgage programs for California purchases and refinances. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned portfolio investor, a self-employed borrower, or a foreign national acquiring California real estate, we have a program structured for your situation. For specific licensing information, please visit our State Licensing Page.
California investor-purchased properties rose 18% year-over-year in Q1 2026, with DSCR loan originations leading Non-QM growth statewide. The reason is straightforward: DSCR loans qualify on what the property earns, not what you do. Our DSCR loans in California valuate one metric — whether the rental income covers the debt — and structure your financing around that number. With 45.4% of California residents renting and a statewide vacancy rate of just 4.1%, the cash flow fundamentals to support DSCR qualification exist across virtually every major California market.
- Up to 85% LTV purchase SFR (most lenders only go up to 80%)
- No hard maximum loan limit
- DSCR options down to 0.75 minimum
- Min FICO as low as 640 (most lenders have a 660 min!)
California is home to the highest concentration of self-employed professionals, business owners, tech founders, creative entrepreneurs, and independent earners in the country. Most of them write off everything they legally can — which means their tax returns make them look far less qualified than they actually are. Our P&L statement program in California is built for efficiency, ease, flexibility and speed.
- Up to 90% LTV purchase & R/T refi
- No hard maximum loan limit
- Single Family, Condo, Co-ops and Condotels
- Min FICO as low as 640
California has more freelancers, gig economy workers, entertainers, consultants, and independent contractors than any other state — and almost none of them qualify for conventional financing based on their tax returns. Our Bank Statement loans in California replace W-2s and tax returns with 12 or 24 months of deposits, qualifying you on real income rather than reported income. It’s one of the most powerful tools available for California’s most common borrower type.
- Up to 90% LTV Purchase & R/T Refi (most lenders stop at 85%, not us!)
- No hard maximum loan limit
- Primary, Second Home and Investments
- Min FICO as low as 640
In a state where purchase prices regularly exceed $1 million, controlling your monthly cash obligation isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategy. California borrowers who want to maximize liquidity, preserve capital for additional investments, or manage cash flow through an income transition should know about interest-only loans. Interest-Only loans in California allow you to pay only the interest for a fixed period, keep the difference working for you, and decide your next move when the IO period closes — refinance, pay it down, or convert to a standard amortizing payment.
- No principal paydown during the IO period
- Pay off your mortgage as you see fit (yes, really)
- IO periods of 5, 7, or 10 years
- Options for purchase, RT refi and cash-out
Asset Depletion loans in California qualify you based on your liquid assets rather than your income, making this one of the most effective financing tools for wealth-builders who have accumulated capital but whose documented income doesn’t reflect their net worth.
- Up to 80% Loan to Value (LTV)
- No hard maximum loan limit
- Min FICO score down to 640
- Primary & second home
California is one of the top international real estate investment destinations in the world — and we fund it. Non-US citizens looking to purchase or refinance an investment property or second home anywhere in California don’t need a US credit score, a Social Security number, or domestic income documentation to work with Defy Mortgage. Whether you’re targeting a Los Angeles investment property, a San Francisco condo, a Lake Tahoe vacation rental, or a San Diego coastal home, our foreign national loan program is built for the global investor who recognizes what California real estate offers.
- Up to 70% LTV Purchase & R/T Refi
- Up to $3M Max Loan Amount
- No FICO score required (with alternative credit options)
- DSCR loan or foreign income options
We offer cash-out refinance loans across all of our Non-QM programs — DSCR, bank statement, P&L, asset depletion, and foreign national. California homeowners who have held property through the appreciation of the last decade are sitting on some of the most substantial equity positions in the country. A cash-out refinance through Defy Mortgage lets you access that equity using alternative income documentation — no W-2s or tax returns required.
| Program | Income Documentation | Max LTV | Min FICO | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSCR Cash-Out | Rental income (no personal income required) | 80% | 640 | Real estate investors |
| Bank Statement Cash-Out | 12–24 months bank deposits | 80% | 640 | Self-employed borrowers |
| P&L Cash-Out | CPA-prepared P&L statement | 80% | 640 | Business owners with write-offs |
| Asset Depletion Cash-Out | Liquid assets | 75% | 640 | High-net-worth, retired borrowers |
| Foreign National Cash-Out | Alternative credit | 65% | Not required | International property owners |
Current Non-QM Rates in California by Loan Type
Example rate ranges shown for a 740 FICO borrower at standard LTV in California. Actual rates vary based on borrower profile, points, reserves, property type, and market conditions. These reflect current rate indications from Defy Mortgage for typical borrower scenarios.
| Loan Type | Purchase Rate | Refi Rate | Standard LTV | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DSCR Loan | 6.000% | 6.125% | 75% | Qualifies on property cash flow, min 0.75 DSCR |
| Bank Statement (Personal or Business) | 6.250% | 6.250% | 75% | 12–24 months statements |
| P&L Loan | 6.500% | 6.625% | 75% | CPA-prepared P&L accepted |
| Asset Depletion | 6.250% | 6.250% | 75% | Qualify on liquid assets, no income docs required |
| Foreign National DSCR | 6.750% | 6.750% | 70% | No US FICO required |
Interest-only option: Available on all products above. Add approximately 0.25% to the applicable rate.
Example rates shown are not a commitment to lend and do not include discount points, fees, or APR. These rates are for California only.
Buying a Home In California
Buying a home in California is a different experience than almost anywhere else in the country — higher prices, more competitive markets, and a borrower pool that skews toward unconventional income structures. What doesn’t change is the process. And with the right lender structuring the right loan around your situation, California homeownership is more achievable than the headlines make it sound.
Average Cost of a Home in California
The statewide median home price in California reached $854,700 in March 2026, up 0.7% year-over-year, with the California Association of Realtors projecting the full-year 2026 median to hit a record $905,000. That statewide number, however, masks extraordinary variation across California’s dozens of distinct submarkets. Here’s how the major markets break down:
- San Francisco: $2,150,000 median house price (March 2026, all-time record, up 18% year-over-year)
- San Jose / Silicon Valley: ~$1,250,000+ median
- Los Angeles: ~$936,939 typical value, +1.3% forecast
- San Diego: ~$913,286 typical value, +2.1% forecast
- Orange County: Premium coastal pricing, among the tightest affordability in the state at 9%
- Sacramento: ~$519,000–$540,000 — most affordable major California metro, strongest DSCR fundamentals
- Inland Empire: ~$574,669 typical value — accessible to buyers priced out of coastal markets
- Fresno / Bakersfield: $300,000–$400,000 — California’s highest gross rental yield markets
Important note: Property taxes in California are higher. California’s Prop 13 caps annual increases at 2% for existing owners.
Average Down Payment For a Home in California
California down payments are among the largest in the country in raw dollar terms simply because prices are. On the statewide median of around $854,700, here’s what the math looks like:
- 3% down — roughly $25,641
- 5% down — roughly $42,735
- 10% down — roughly $85,470
- 20% down — roughly $170,940
Conventional loans can start as low as 3%–5% down, FHA loans require 3.5% with a 580+ credit score, and VA loans offer zero down for eligible active-duty and veteran borrowers — a significant benefit in San Diego and other California markets with large military populations. California also offers the CalHFA down payment assistance program for qualifying first-time buyers. At Defy Mortgage, Non-QM down payment options start as low as 10% depending on loan type and borrower profile. The 20% benchmark is not a requirement — it’s a threshold worth understanding, not one worth waiting for.
How to Get the Best Home Loan in California
- Understand what California’s price tier means for your loan structure. The statewide median sits around $854,700 as of March 2026 — which means most California purchases hit jumbo territory. Jumbo DSCR and jumbo Non-QM products have different pricing structures than conforming loans. Make sure your lender specializes in both.
- Optimize your credit before you apply. In California’s high-price environment, even a quarter-point rate improvement saves tens of thousands over the life of a loan. A 740+ FICO score unlocks the best available rates across all loan types. Pay down revolving balances, correct errors, and avoid new credit inquiries before application.
- Choose the right loan product for your income structure. California has more self-employed borrowers, business owners, and unconventional earners per capita than almost any state in the country. A conventional loan will disqualify most of them based on paper income. Bank statement, P&L, and DSCR loans qualify you on how you actually make money — not what your accountant writes off.
- Factor in California’s regulatory landscape before investing. AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI (maximum 10%) for most pre-2005 properties statewide. Local ordinances in LA, San Francisco, and Oakland layer additional protections on top. Target newer construction, owner-occupied-converted properties, and markets without local rent control overlays for the most investor-friendly operating environment.
- Work with a lender who closes fast. In California’s competitive markets, a 45-day close loses deals that a 21-day close wins. Defy Mortgage underwrites and funds in-house — no third-party delays, no file sitting on someone else’s desk.
California Real Estate Market Overview
California is the single largest real estate state in the country — and arguably the single most misunderstood by investors who look at its price tags and stop there. The state’s gross product exceeds $3.9 trillion, larger than the entire economies of the United Kingdom or India, and that economic output generates the rental demand, tourism spending, and housing premium that makes California real estate work as a long-term investment asset. The California Association of Realtors projects 274,400 existing home sales in 2026 with a statewide median reaching a record $905,000, as modestly improving affordability, declining mortgage rates, and growing active inventory create the most accessible buying conditions California has seen since 2019.
San Francisco / Bay Area: San Francisco entered 2026 producing record results. The median house price hit $2,150,000 in March 2026 — an all-time high, up 18% year-over-year — with 85% of house sales closing above list price, tied with April 2022 for the highest overbid percentage ever recorded. The $5M+ house sales segment hit 22 transactions in March, the highest monthly count in history. Tech sector recovery, rising equity valuations, and constrained inventory are powering Bay Area demand back to levels not seen since the pandemic peak. For investors, the Bay Area’s long-term rental market remains anchored by the world’s highest concentration of technology wealth and one of the most constrained housing supply environments in the nation.
Los Angeles / Southern California: Los Angeles is California’s highest-volume DSCR market and one of the most complex real estate environments in the country. High prices and AB 1482’s statewide rent cap make LA challenging for DSCR investors targeting older inventory — but neighborhoods like North Hollywood, Silver Lake, West Adams, and Mid-City generate above-average rents that support DSCR qualification, particularly in newer construction exempt from rent control. Luxury LA (above $2M) remains competitive, with homes selling 36% above list price on average. The broader SoCal market including Orange County, Long Beach, and coastal communities continues to draw domestic and international buyer demand at every price tier.
San Diego: San Diego is the second most active California DSCR market and one of the most strategically compelling investment environments in the state. A tenant base supported by 100,000+ active-duty military personnel at Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego creates recession-resistant rental demand that insulates portfolios through economic cycles. The city’s life sciences and biotech sector adds high-income tenant depth. STR income in San Diego’s coastal and tourist corridors can significantly exceed long-term rental figures, giving DSCR investors greater flexibility in qualifying. DSCR ratios of 0.85–1.05 are typical across most San Diego submarkets.
Sacramento / Central Valley: Sacramento is the strongest DSCR market in California and the most accessible entry point for out-of-state investors seeking California exposure without coastal price compression. Lower acquisition prices relative to rents, strong Bay Area out-migration driving tenant demand, and no local rent control overlay in many suburban communities produce DSCR ratios of 0.95–1.15 on standard SFR purchases. The broader Central Valley — including Fresno, Bakersfield, Stockton, and Modesto — offers the state’s highest gross rental yields, with properties in the $300,000–$380,000 range generating estimated DSCR ratios of 1.2–1.4.
Inland Empire (Riverside / San Bernardino): The Inland Empire is California’s most scalable yield engine for small-balance SFR and multifamily DSCR portfolios. As workers priced out of LA and Orange County continue moving inland, rental demand has grown faster than supply, driving rent growth while acquisition prices remain well below the California coastal average. Typical value sits around $574,669 with a +2.3% one-year forecast, and DSCR ratios of 1.1–1.3 are reliably achievable.
Lake Tahoe / STR Corridor: South Lake Tahoe and the broader Tahoe basin represent California’s premier short-term rental investment market. Year-round demand anchored by Heavenly Mountain, Palisades Tahoe (one of North America’s largest ski resorts), and summer lake recreation drives occupancy that supports strong AirDNA income projections for DSCR qualification. The Truckee and North Shore markets attract Bay Area and tech-sector investors to ski-access properties with exceptional rental income histories. First-time STR investors are eligible.
Statewide investor advantage: California’s $150 billion domestic tourism economy — the largest in the nation — creates STR demand across coastal, mountain, and desert markets that no other state can replicate. With 45.4% of residents renting, a 4.1% statewide vacancy rate, and investor-purchased properties up 18% year-over-year in Q1 2026, the rental market fundamentals that support DSCR qualification exist at scale across California’s diverse submarkets. The state’s combination of tourism income, technology employment, military presence, and university-driven tenant demand creates an investment landscape of extraordinary depth — and Defy Mortgage funds all of it.
Economic context for buyers and investors:
- California’s gross state product exceeds $3.9 trillion — larger than the economies of the UK or India — generating sustained rental demand across every major market in the state
- The California Association of Realtors projects 274,400 home sales in 2026, up 2% year-over-year, with the statewide median projected to reach a record $905,000
- California investor-purchased properties rose 18% year-over-year in Q1 2026, with DSCR loan originations leading Non-QM growth statewide
Why Defy Mortgage For California Home Loans
California is the most complex, most expensive, and most competitive real estate market in the country — and Defy Mortgage is one of the few direct Non-QM lenders built to finance it at every level. We originate California home loans in-house every single day, across Los Angeles’ investment corridors, San Diego’s military and coastal STR markets, Sacramento’s high-yield DSCR submarkets, San Francisco’s luxury tier, the Inland Empire’s scalable rental portfolio market, and the Lake Tahoe STR corridor. We know what’s qualifying in each of these markets because we’re closing deals in them.
As a direct Non-QM lender, we originate, underwrite, and fund entirely in-house. No middlemen. No file sitting on a wholesale lender’s desk. No third-party delays costing you a California deal where speed is the difference between winning and losing. And because California investor-purchased properties rose 18% year-over-year in Q1 2026 with DSCR originations leading Non-QM growth statewide, the demand for what we do in this market has never been higher.
More Information On California Lending
California Home Loan FAQs
What California home loans can I get?
Most home loan options are available depending upon your lender of choice in the state of California. At Defy Mortgage, we are fully licensed in the state of Georgia, which means that we can provide all purchase and refinance Non-QM and Traditional loans, including:
- DSCR Loans
- Bank Statement Loans
- P&L Loans
- Interest-Only
- Foreign National
- Asset Depletion
- Cash-Out Refinances
What credit score do I need to get a home loan in California?
It depends on the loan type. FHA loans can go as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Conventional loans typically require a 620 or higher. Non-QM products like bank statement and DSCR loans have more flexible requirements. The short answer: don't count yourself out before talking to us. Most of our loan options permit credit scores down to 640.
What is a DSCR loan and is it available in California?
Yes. DSCR loans in California allow real estate investors to qualify using rental income instead of personal income. Most lenders require a DSCR of 1.0, though some go as low as 0.75 with up to 85% LTV — no W-2s, tax returns, or personal income verification required. The best DSCR loan options in Georgia depend on factors like minimum DSCR requirements, loan-to-value (LTV), and property type.
Can I get a home loan in California if I'm self-employed?
Yes! Defy Mortgage uses 12 or 24 months of bank statements in place of W-2s and tax returns — qualifying you on what actually hits your account, not what a traditional underwriter wants to see on a pay stub.
How long does it take to close a home loan in California with Defy Mortgage?
Most loans close in 14 to 21 days. At Defy Mortgage, we originate, underwrite, and fund in-house, which eliminates the delays that come with third-party lenders. The timeline is driven by appraisal and title — not stacks of income documentation slowing your file down.
Does Defy Mortgage lend in my area of California?
Yes. Defy Mortgage lends in every market and city in California. If you reside in the state or looking to purchase in the state of CA, we've got you covered.
How can I get the best mortgage rate in California?
California mortgage rates are personal — and in a state where the median home price sits above $854,000 and most purchases hit jumbo territory, even a quarter-point rate improvement translates to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. The borrowers who land the best rates in California are the ones who show up prepared. Strengthen your credit score, lower your DTI, and make sure you're in the right loan product for how you actually earn. A DSCR loan pricing in Sacramento looks different than a bank statement loan for a Bay Area tech founder or a jumbo conventional loan in San Diego. Loan selection is as important as credit score in California — choosing the wrong product for your income structure can cost you more than a weak FICO. At Defy Mortgage, our California loan specialists will tell you exactly where your profile stands, what moves will improve your rate, and which product puts the best number on the table for your specific deal.
Is California a good place to invest in real estate?
Yes, for any borrower. For investors specifically focused on rental income and long-term positioning, there is a huge advantage. Markets with strong tenant demand can perform well even without rapid price appreciation. Many investors are turning to non-QM financing options, including DSCR loans and bank-statement loan strategies, to bypass traditional income requirements.
What is the home loan application process in California?
- Pre-qualification: Get a general idea of what you can afford based on your income, debt, and estimated credit score.
- Pre-approval: Submit financial documents for verification and credit check to receive a pre-approval letter stating how much you can borrow.
- House hunting: Find a property within your pre-approved budget.
- Loan application: Once you have a property under contract, complete the full mortgage application.
- Loan processing: The lender verifies your information, orders an appraisal, and processes your application.
- Underwriting: The underwriter reviews all documentation and makes the final decision on your loan.
- Closing: Sign final paperwork, pay closing costs, and receive the keys to your new home.
What's driving California's rental property demand?
Rental demand remains one of the strongest pillars of the California housing market in 2026. Factors include:
- Affordability barriers to homeownership
- Displacement from high-risk or high-cost areas like Malibu from the fires
- Continued demand for flexible housing near employment centers
For investors, this reinforces the importance of underwriting deals based on income durability, not just appreciation potential. This is where non-QM financing options become more than a workaround. They become the definitive option.
Can you get a California bank statement loan for an investment property?
Yes! You can get a bank statement loan for an investment property.
Example rates shown are not a commitment to lend and do not include discount points, fees, or APR. Rates current as of April 2026 and subject to change based on market conditions, borrower profile, and property details. Programs, guidelines, and availability may vary by state. All rate information on this page is specific to the state of California.
Author: Todd Orlando, Co-Founder & CEO of Defy Mortgage — 25 years of experience in Non-QM and investment property lending.
