California Mortgage Rates
Today's California mortgage rates for purchases and refinances in Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley on our conventional, FHA and VA loan programs. Rates are updated daily. For rates on our other loan programs such as investment property loan rates, renovation loan rates, reverse mortgage rates, DSCR loan rates or Non QM loan rates, please reach out to us for a personalized quote.
Current Mortgage and Refinance Rates in California
| Loan Program | Rate | APR | Fees | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Year Fixed Conv | 6.125% | 6.243% | $995 | Apply Now |
| 20 Year Fixed Conv | 5.875% | 6.028% | $995 | Apply Now |
| 15 Year Fixed Conv | 5.250% | 5.441% | $995 | Apply Now |
| 30 Year Fixed FHA | 5.750% | 6.575% | $995 | Apply Now |
| 30 Year Fixed VA | 5.625% | 5.933% | $995 | Apply Now |
| 5/1 ARM Conv | 5.750% | 6.243% | $995 | Apply Now |
Rates last updated: June 10, 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 loan-to-value of 75%. The FHA rates shown are based on a loan amount of $675,500 and a loan-to-value of 96.5%. The VA rates shown are based on a loan amount of $700,000 and a loan-to-value of 100%. 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
Tired of comparing the fine print to see what's the difference between the quotes from various lenders? At Alpine Mortgage we help you get the best deal on your mortgage which is why we offer our Best Rate Guarantee. We find the best rate and fees for you based on your goals and find the best pricing through our many 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 Conforming, FHA and VA loan programs only and does not apply to any other loan programs or offers from credit unions. Our Best Rate Guarantee is subject to change or termination at any time without prior notice.
Real California Borrowers. Real Results.
Two recent California closings where Alpine Mortgage delivered competitive rates and closed on time:
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What Our California Borrowers 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."
"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."
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. For conventional loans the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit is $832,750 for one unit properties in most California counties. You can view the current CA Conventional Loan Limits for all counties in California. Conventional loans can be used for a primary residence, vacation property or an investment property. Available as a 30, 20 and 15 year fixed or as an adjustable rate.
California High Balance Conforming. California has the largest pool of high cost counties in the nation. Many Bay Area, Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Ventura and Monterey county properties qualify for high cost conforming limits up to $1,249,125 for one unit properties in 2026 per FHFA.
California FHA Loans. FHA loans are 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 and can go down to a 500 score with at least 10% down. 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.
CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) Programs. CalHFA administers California's first-time buyer programs, including the MyHome Assistance Program (a deferred payment junior loan of up to 3% of purchase price, or 3.5% for FHA paired) and the CalPLUS Conventional and CalPLUS FHA programs (first mortgage financing combined with the Zero Interest Program for closing costs). The Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan, for first generation buyers, offers up to 20% of purchase price in down payment assistance through limited annual funding cycles.
| 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 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 lenders consider. Borrowers with excellent credit scores (720–850) usually qualify for the lowest interest rates. Pay your bills on time, reduce debt and avoid opening new credit accounts before applying.
Save for a Larger Down Payment
A larger down payment reduces lender risk and can help you qualify for better rates. Putting down 20% or more avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI), particularly valuable in California where loan amounts are higher.
Shop Around with a Mortgage Broker
Mortgage rates can vary significantly from one lender to another. Working with a California mortgage broker like Alpine gives you access to multiple wholesale lenders so you can compare options without applying separately at each one.
Consider Different Loan Types
While 30 year fixed rate mortgages are most common, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and shorter term loans like 15 year mortgages may offer lower rates. Compare conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo programs based on your situation and California county.
Lock In Your Rate
Mortgage rates can change daily so once you find a favorable rate, lock it in. A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a specific period (usually 30–60 days), protecting you from increases while your loan is being processed.
Consider Discount Points
Discount points are upfront fees paid at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate. Each point costs 1% of your loan amount and reduces your rate by approximately 0.25%. On a California loan points can pay off quickly if you plan to stay in the home long term.
Account for High Cost County Limits
Many California counties qualify as high cost areas such counties like San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, Los Angeles and Orange County. This can mean conventional pricing instead of jumbo on higher loan amounts.
Explore CalHFA Programs
First time California homebuyers may qualify for California Housing Finance Agency programs including the MyHome Assistance Program and CalHFA Conventional or CalPLUS programs providing down payment and closing cost assistance.
For detailed rate predictions, see our Mortgage Rate Forecast.
California Real Estate & Mortgage Update - Q2 2026
California's housing market is in a rebalancing phase in 2026. The statewide median price of an existing single family home declined 0.5% year-over-year in Q1 2026 to $843,390, California's first annual price decline since mid-2023 as housing demand slowed amid lingering market uncertainty. The bigger story may be on the affordability side: housing affordability in California reached its highest level in four years in Q1 2026, with 22% of households able to afford a median priced single family home, up from 19% a year earlier.
Inventory has improved meaningfully. Active listings are forecast to rise nearly 10% in 2026 and C.A.R. projects existing single-family home sales to reach 274,400 units for the year, up 2% from 2025. Homes are taking slightly longer to sell than a year ago, and the intense bidding wars of 2021–2022 have largely given way to a more negotiable environment in most markets, though well priced homes in high demand areas still attract multiple offers.
For current rate projections, see our Mortgage Rate Forecast for expert predictions on where rates are headed in 2026 and beyond.
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.
Steven Parangi, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator (NMLS #76024)
View credentials →CA Mortgage Rates FAQs
Mortgage rates in California can change daily and sometimes multiple times per day. Rates are driven by national financial markets, including U.S. Treasury yields and Federal Reserve policy. Market volatility can cause rate changes even within the same day.
There are several government-backed home loan options available in CA, including FHA loans (which have lower down payment requirements), VA loans (available to veterans and active military), and USDA loans (for rural property buyers).
The process typically starts with getting preapproved before looking at properties. Once a property is selected, a formal mortgage application is submitted. The lender will then conduct an appraisal and then close the loan.
Interest rates are primarily based on national markets, but loan limits, taxes and insurance costs vary by county and can affect total borrowing costs.
CA Mortgage Rates Resources
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