California Mortgage Rates

Rates last updated: March 11, 2026
Rates published by Alpine Mortgage Services (NMLS 56905). Mortgage rates in California vary based on loan type, credit score and down payment. The rates shown above are available to qualified borrowers in California for conventional, FHA and VA loan programs.The advertised rate is based on specific assumptions including loan amount, credit score, down payment and property type. The actual rate you qualify for may vary based on your individual financial profile and other factors. The annual percentage rate (APR) includes the interest rate plus loan origination fees, points and other loan costs.

The conventional rates shown are based on a loan amount of $525,000 and a down payment of at least 25%. The FHA rates shown are based on a loan amount of $675,500 and a down payment of at least 3.5%. The VA rates shown are based on a loan amount of $700,000 and no down payment. CA Mortgage rates are subject to change at any time and are subject to mortgage approval with full documentation of income. All rates shown are for a 30 day rate lock with one discount point on the purchase or rate and term refinance of a single family primary residence with a 740 or higher FICO score.

California Best Rate Guarantee

Do you want the best deal on your mortgage, but are tired of trying to compare the fine print to determine the difference between the quotes prepared by various lenders? At Alpine Mortgage we are committed to helping you secure the best mortgage rate for your home financing needs which is why we offer our Best Rate Guarantee. We search out the best rate and fees based on your goals and find the best pricing available through our large variety of loan programs. 

You are welcome to shop all other local lenders for a better deal. If you can find one, provide us with that lender's signed and dated lock in agreement and Loan Estimate on the day the interest rate is locked in and we will beat that lender's interest rate and/or lender fees. At Alpine Mortgage, your satisfaction is our priority. With our Best Rate Guarantee, you can shop for your mortgage with confidence, knowing that you are getting the best possible interest rate for your mortgage.

Terms and conditions: Our Best Rate Guarantee applies to our fixed rate conventional, FHA and VA loan programs only and does not apply to any other loan programs. Our Best Rate Guarantee is subject to change or termination at any time without prior notice.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

"Alpine Mortgage helped me lock in an amazing rate for my home in Orange County. The process was smooth, transparent, and way less stressful than I expected.”
– Melissa C, Irvine, CA

★★★★★

"Refinancing my home in Sacramento with Alpine was a great decision. They explained all my options clearly and got everything closed quickly—even during a busy market."
– Darren K, Sacramento, CA

Why Choose Alpine Mortgage?

• ✅ Best Rate Guarantee – We Beat Competitor Rates
• ✅ Fast, Simple Pre-Approval Process
• ✅ Licensed California Mortgage Specialists
• ✅ $995 Flat Lender Fee – No Hidden Costs
• ✅ Conventional, FHA, VA and DSCR Loans Available

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California Mortgage Programs

California Conventional Loans. Conventional loans have minimum credit score and down payment requirements (620 and 3% respectively) and depending on the credit score and down payment the interest rate can vary widely. In addition, if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of the home you will have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) which can be paid either up front at closing or monthly until your equity in the home reaches 20% or more. Conventional loans can be used for a primary residence, vacation property or an investment property and the maximum loan amounts vary by county. You can view the current CA Conventional Loan Limits for all counties in California.

California FHA Loans. If your credit history is not good enough for a conventional loan, a FHA loan may be a good option. A FHA loan is a loan insured against default by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The minimum down payment on a FHA loan is 3.5% with a minimum credit score of 580. FHA loans are still an option for borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 with a down payment of at least 10%. FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) regardless of the size of the down payment. FHA loans can only be used on a primary residence and the maximum loan amount varies by county. You can view the current CA FHA Loan Limits for all counties in California. 

California VA Loans. Backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, VA loans offer veterans and their families with home loans with no down payment required. VA loans do not have any mortgage insurance but may have a funding fee that is collected at closing. VA loans are only available on a primary residence.

California Non QM Loans. For borrowers that can't qualify for a conventional, FHA or VA loan because of credit issues or income documentation requirements, we offer several different Non QM loan products. For investment properties, we offer our DSCR loan program where qualification is based on the cash flow of the investment property. Our Non QM provides flexibility in lending standards for individuals with unique financial circumstances or credit issues such as a recent bankruptcy or foreclosure. These loans can be used to finance a primary residence, vacation property or an investment property.

California Reverse Mortgage Loans. For homeowners that are 62 years or older, a reverse mortgage allows you to access the equity in your home by either receiving a lump sum, fixed monthly payments or a line of credit. Reverse mortgages are only available on a primary residence.

Loan Type	Min. Credit Score	Min. Down Payment
Conventional	620	3.0%
FHA	580	3.5%
FHA Low Score	500	10%
VA	620	None
Non-QM	500	20%

What Affects Mortgage Rates in California?

California mortgage rates are influenced by national interest rate trends as well as state specific factors. While lenders follow broader market indicators like Treasury yields and Federal Reserve policy, California borrowers may see rate differences due to loan size, property values and insurance requirements.

• Loan size: Higher home values often result in jumbo or high balance loans
• Credit profile: Higher scores typically receive lower interest rates
• Down payment: Larger down payments reduce lender risk
• Property type: Condos and multi-unit properties may price differently

Because home prices in California are higher than the national average, many buyers require jumbo or high balance conforming loans. These loan types often carry different rate structures than standard conforming mortgages. In high cost counties such as Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange and San Francisco, conforming loan limits may be higher than the national baseline. Loans exceeding these limits are considered jumbo loans and typically require stronger credit, higher reserves and larger down payments.

How to Get the Best California Mortgage Rates

Securing the best mortgage rates in California can significantly impact your overall homeownership costs. California’s property prices are among the highest in the nation and even a small decrease in interest rates can lead to thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your loan. If you are planning to buy a home in California here are some crucial steps you can take to secure the best mortgage rates in California:

Strengthen Your Credit Score. Your credit score is one of the most critical factors that lenders consider when determining your mortgage rate. Borrowers with excellent credit scores (720-850) usually qualify for the lowest interest rates. To improve your credit score always pay your bills on time, reduce your debt and avoid opening new credit accounts before applying for a mortgage.

Shop Around. Mortgage rates can vary significantly from one lender to another. To secure the best deal it’s essential to shop around and compare rates and fees from several mortgage companies. A California mortgage broker can be a valuable asset in this process as they can shop several lenders to find the best deals.

Consider a Shorter Term. While 30 year mortgages are the most popular selecting for a shorter loan term such as a 15 year mortgage can help you secure a lower interest rate. Although your monthly payments will be higher you'll pay less in interest and build equity faster.

Make a Larger Down Payment. A larger down payment can also help you secure a better mortgage rate. While you can buy a home with as little as 3.5% down, putting down at least 20% can help you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and secure a better rate.

Lock in Your Rate. Mortgage rates can change daily so once you find a favorable rate you may want to lock it in. A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a specific period, usually between 30 and 60 days. This protects you from potential rate increases while your loan is being processed.

Understand the California Mortgage Market. The California real estate market is one of the most competitive and diverse in the nation. From its vibrant urban areas to its tranquil coastal communities, California has a variety of mortgage products. Staying informed on current market trends and conditions can give you an advantage.

Securing the best mortgage rates in California involves careful research and preparation. By improving your financial profile, saving for a larger down payment, shopping around and exploring different loan options, you can find the best mortgage rates in California. In addition, staying informed about market trends will give you a competitive edge in the California real estate market. Remember, a slight decrease in your mortgage rate can lead to significant savings over the life of your loan.

California Housing Market Snapshot

Metric	Current	Year Ago	Change
Median Home Price (Statewide)	$859,800	$831,500	+3.4%
Median Days on Market	24 days	21 days	+3 days
Active Listings	52,031	47,924	+8.6%
30-Year Fixed Rate (National Avg)	6.11%	6.89%	-0.78%

Data sources: California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.), Freddie Mac. Updated February 2026.

What this means: California home prices continue to appreciate modestly but the pace has slowed from the rapid gains of 2020-2022. Inventory is gradually improving giving buyers more options. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are nearly 0.8% lower than a year ago, improving affordability compared to early 2025.

For detailed rate predictions, see our Mortgage Rate Forecast.

California Real Estate & Mortgage Update - Q1 2026

California housing conditions vary by region, with higher-priced coastal and urban markets typically experiencing greater sensitivity to mortgage rate changes than inland areas. Inventory in many high demand markets remains below historical norms.

Higher mortgage rates have slowed some buyer activity, leading to more balanced conditions in parts of the state. Some buyers are adjusting price ranges or timelines, while others are exploring alternative loan programs to manage affordability. Mortgage rate trends are influenced by broader economic conditions and monetary policy. Borrowers considering a purchase or refinance should focus on how rates affect monthly payments rather than attempting to time the market. For more information, see our Mortgage Rate Forecast for expert predictions on where rates are headed in 2026 and beyond. 

Mortgage rates in California influence affordability, buyer demand and housing supply. While interest rates themselves are set by national market conditions, California home prices often magnify their impact on monthly payments. Higher mortgage rates increase monthly payments which can significantly reduce buying power in high cost California markets. Even small rate changes can have a meaningful impact on qualification and affordability. When rates rise, some buyers delay purchasing or adjust their price range. In markets where buyers typically make larger down payments the effect of higher rates may feel less severe than in areas with lower down payments. Higher mortgage rates can also reduce housing inventory. Many homeowners with existing low rate mortgages are reluctant to sell and take on a new loan at today’s higher rates which can limit available homes for sale.

For California buyers, understanding how mortgage rates affect the local market is often more important than focusing on the rate alone.

How Mortgage Rates Impact Different Regions of California

Higher mortgage rates do not affect all parts of California equally. Differences in home prices, down payments and buyer profiles can influence how sensitive a region is to rate changes.

• Southern California: Higher home prices and smaller down payments make monthly payments more sensitive to rate increases.
• San Francisco Bay Area: Larger down payments often reduce rate sensitivity, though affordability remains a concern.
• Central Valley: Lower home prices can help offset higher interest rates for some buyers.
• Central Coast & Northern California: Mixed affordability depending on local pricing and inventory.

Regardless of location, California mortgage rates are driven by national market conditions. Local factors primarily affect affordability and not the interest rate itself.

California Refinance Rates

Refinance rates in California determine whether homeowners can lower monthly payments, change loan terms or access their home's equity. Refinance rates often differ from purchase rates and vary based on loan type, credit profile, and market conditions. California homeowners can consider refinancing to reduce their interest rate, switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate loan, shorten or extend loan terms or tap into accumulated home equity.

Strategies for CA Homeowners Considering Refinancing

For homeowners contemplating refinancing here are some strategies for California homeowners to consider when evaluating refinance rates:

• Assess your financial situation: Ensure that refinancing aligns with your current financial goals and circumstances.
• Examine all costs: Look beyond the advertised interest rates and consider all associated fees to understand the total cost of refinancing.
• Plan for the future: Consider how long you plan to stay in your home since this can influence the cost effectiveness of refinancing.
• Monitor economic indicators: Stay informed about economic trends that could indicate shifts in interest rates, helping you choose the best time to refinance.
• Rate locks: Consider locking in a rate during periods of favorable rates to maximize potential savings.

Refinancing can help in many ways like lowering monthly payments, changing loan terms or getting equity from your property. Increasing California refinance rates and mortgage interest rates are a challenge for homeowners. If you're thinking about refinancing, consider how the higher rates balance with gaining from your home's equity. Careful thinking and clear calculations are important when deciding to refinance today.

Cash Out Refinance in California

California's high home values and competitive mortgage market make cash out refinances a popular option for homeowners.

• Substantial Home Equity: With some of the highest home prices in the nation, many California homeowners have built up significant equity in their properties. This equity can be leveraged through a cash out refinance to access funds for various financial goals.
• Competitive Lending Environment: California's mortgage market is highly competitive with numerous lenders offering cash out refinance options. This competition can lead to favorable terms and interest rates for borrowers.
• Potential Tax Benefits: California homeowners may be able to deduct the interest paid on their cash out refinance, providing a potential tax benefit. However, it's essential to consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility.
• Diverse Housing Market: California's housing market is diverse, with a mix of single-family homes, condominiums and multi-unit properties. Experienced lenders can help navigate the cash out refinance process for these various property types.

When considering a cash out refinance in California, it's important to work with a refinance lender that can help guide you through the process and ensure that you're making the best decision for your financial future.

30 Year Fixed and 15 Year Fixed Rates in CA

Two of the most common mortgage products are 30 year fixed and 15 year fixed loans. 30 year fixed mortgages are the most common. The biggest benefit of a 30 year term is a lower monthly payment as compared to a shorter term loan. This can make a home more affordable, especially for first time buyers or those with other expenses. Knowing the estimated 30 year fixed mortgage payment can also be helpful for cash flow as it may give a better idea of the borrowers monthly financial obligations for budgeting and long term financial planning. 15 year fixed loans can have a lower interest rate for borrowers that can afford the higher mortgage payment due to the shorter amortization period. We offer 30 year fixed and 15 year fixed loans on our conventional, FHA, VA and Non QM loan programs.

Choosing between a 30 Year Fixed and a 15 Year Fixed

• Financial Stability and Cash Flow. If you prefer lower monthly payments for better cash flow management, a 30 year mortgage might be the better choice. It allows more flexibility in budgeting and provides the opportunity to invest surplus funds in other ventures that may offer higher returns.
• Total Cost and Interest. If you can afford higher monthly payments without undue financial strain, a 15 year mortgage will save you money in the long run due to lower interest rates and less total interest paid.
• Equity Building. A 15 year mortgage helps build equity faster, which is beneficial if you plan to sell the home after a few years or leverage the equity for other financial needs.

CA Mortgage Rates FAQs

CA Mortgage Rates Resources

• Mortgage Rate Forecast
• Top Reasons to Refinance in Today's Market
• Fixed Vs. Adjustable Mortgage Rates
• California Homeowners Insurance Guide for Mortgage Borrowers