Conventional Loans in California | Fast Close Mortgage

Conventional Loans in California — 2026 Limits & How to Apply

Looking for Conventional Loans in California? Fast Close Mortgage is a California-licensed mortgage lender offering conventional loans with closing timelines as fast as 7 days. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Sacramento, or anywhere else in California, our team can help you get approved quickly and close on a competitive conventional loans rate. CA conventional loan limits match the FHFA baseline ($806,500 for most counties, $1,209,750 in high-cost areas). Many CA buyers use conventional loans with 5-10% down to avoid PMI with sufficient equity.

2026 Conventional Loans Loan Limits in California

The 2026 conventional loan limit in California is $806,500 in most counties and up to $1,209,750 in higher-cost areas. The conforming loan limit applies to loans purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Loans above this limit are considered jumbo and have different pricing.

These limits matter because California buyers using conventional financing can typically access homes up to the conforming limit with as little as 3% down. For higher-priced properties in California, jumbo loans are available from jumbo-specialized lenders with pricing adjustments above the conforming limit.

What credit score do you need for Conventional Loans in California?

The minimum credit score for Conventional Loans in California is 620 for 3% down. Borrowers with credit scores below 620 (down to 620) can still qualify with 5% down. Most California lenders prefer 620+ for the best pricing.

For California buyers with credit scores in the 580-619 range, FHA and VA loans are often the best options. California buyers with credit scores of 740+ get the best conventional loan pricing. We work with lenders who specialize in non-prime credit profiles and can often find competitive options for California buyers across the credit spectrum.

How fast can I close Conventional Loans in California?

Fast Close Mortgage closes most California conventional loans in 7 to 14 days from a clean approved application. Conventional loan closings are typically faster than FHA, VA, or USDA because they don’t require government-agency-specific processing. California conventional buyers can often close in 7 days for straightforward purchases.

Why choose Fast Close Mortgage for Conventional Loans in California?

Fast Close Mortgage is a California-licensed mortgage lender offering Conventional Loans with closing timelines as fast as 7 days. Here’s why California buyers choose us:

Licensed in all 50 states. We serve California buyers plus 49 other states with consistent service and pricing.
Dedicated California loan officer. Each California borrower is assigned a local loan officer who understands California-specific market conditions, county loan limits, and closing timelines.
Fast closing. Most California Conventional Loans close in 7 to 21 days, depending on the loan type.

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California Conventional Loans FAQ

The 2026 conventional loan limit in California is $806,500 in most counties and up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties. The conforming loan limit applies to loans purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Loans above this limit are considered jumbo and have different pricing.

Conventional loans in California require as little as 3% down for first-time buyers (HomeReady or Home Possible programs) or 5% down for standard conventional loans. Putting down 20% or more eliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Conventional loans in California typically require a minimum credit score of 620. Higher scores (740+) get the best pricing. Many CA buyers use conventional loans with 5-10% down to avoid PMI with sufficient equity.

Yes — conventional loans in California can finance condo purchases. The condo project must meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac project approval standards. Most established CA condo projects in major metros have active conventional approval.

Yes — conventional loans are available throughout California including San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento. SF and LA buyers often use conventional loans with 10-20% down to avoid PMI in high-cost areas.

2026 Conventional Loans limits in California

$2,000,000 statewide (2026 VA loan limit). Higher in select counties.

What credit score do you need for Conventional Loans in California?

620 minimum for VA loan. Most CA lenders prefer 660+ for best pricing.

How fast can I close Conventional Loans in California?

15–25 days for CA VA loans. CA appraisal process can be slower.

Why choose Fast Close Mortgage for Conventional Loans in California?

Fast Close Mortgage is CA-licensed; team handles VA-specific docs.

Conventional Loans FAQ

What credit score do I need for a conventional loan?

620 minimum for most lenders; 740+ for best pricing.

How much down payment is required?

As low as 3% for first-time buyers (Fannie/Freddie); 5–20% for investment properties.

Can I avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI)?

Yes — with 20% down (or 20% equity in a refinance). PMI is required when LTV exceeds 80% on conventional loans.

What is the difference between conforming and non-conforming loans?

Conforming loans meet Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac limits (2026: $806,500 baseline, up to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties). Non-conforming loans exceed these limits and are called jumbo loans.

Other states

Fast Close Mortgage is licensed in California and all other 49 states. NMLS ID available on request. Equal Housing Opportunity.