Your Trusted VA Lender in California
1. Introduction
At California Mortgage Direct, we are proud to serve those who have served our country by offering tailored California VA Loans to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible military spouses. As a trusted VA lender in California, we specialize in helping California’s military community achieve homeownership through the powerful benefits of the California VA Home Loan program.
Whether you’re stationed at Camp Pendleton, Travis AFB, or transitioning into civilian life anywhere in the Golden State, we’re here to guide you through every step of the VA home loan process.
2. What Is a California VA Home Loan?
A California VA Loan is a mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and designed to provide affordable home financing to eligible veterans and service members. Offered exclusively through approved VA lenders in California, this program allows you to buy, build, improve, or refinance a home with unique advantages:
Key Benefits of a California VA Loan:
- 0% Down Payment – No down payment required in most California counties
- No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – Save hundreds monthly
- Competitive Interest Rates – Lower rates compared to conventional loans
- Flexible Credit Requirements – More lenient than other loan programs
- No Loan Limits – As of 2020, no VA-imposed cap for eligible borrowers
- Reduced Closing Costs – Sellers can pay closing costs
- Streamlined Refinancing – Use the VA IRRRL for easy refinancing
3. California VA Loan Eligibility
To qualify for a California VA Home Loan, you must meet at least one of the following service criteria:
- Served 90+ days during wartime or 181+ days during peacetime
- Served 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves
- Spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-related disability
- Active-duty service members with valid COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
Our VA loan specialists can help you determine your eligibility and request your COE quickly and efficiently.
4. Why Choose Us as Your VA Lender in California?
As a California-based VA Direct Lender, we understand the unique needs of military families in this state. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Veteran-Focused Service – We honor your service with dedicated VA loan experts
- Fast Pre-Approvals – Same-day VA pre-approval available
- Local Knowledge – We serve every California county and base
- VA Construction & Renovation Loans – For building or improving your dream home
- Transparent Process – No surprises, no junk fees
We’re not just a mortgage company—we’re an ally to California’s military families.
5. California VA Loan Limits & High-Cost Counties
While the VA no longer sets a maximum loan limit for fully eligible borrowers, high-cost counties in California (like Los Angeles, Orange, and Santa Clara) allow you to buy more expensive homes without needing a down payment.
| County | 2025 VA Loan Guideline (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $1,089,300 |
| San Diego | $1,006,250 |
| Santa Clara | $1,089,300 |
| Orange | $1,089,300 |
| Alameda | $1,089,300 |
If you need to go above these amounts, we also offer VA Jumbo Loans in California.
6. The VA Loan Process in California
Getting a California VA Home Loan is easier than you think. Here’s how we help you through it:
- Get Pre-Qualified – Know what you can afford with no obligation
- Request Your COE – We’ll help you retrieve your Certificate of Eligibility
- Find Your Home – Work with a VA-experienced California real estate agent
- Underwriting & Appraisal – We ensure everything aligns with VA guidelines
- Close & Move In – Enjoy your new home with zero down and maximum support
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I buy a home in California with no money down using a VA loan?
A: Yes. The VA loan program allows qualified California veterans to purchase with 0% down, even in high-cost areas.
Q: What credit score is needed for a California VA Home Loan?
A: While the VA doesn’t set a minimum, most VA lenders in California prefer a score of 580–620+. We can help you qualify even if your credit needs improvement.
Q: Can I use a VA loan more than once in California?
A: Yes. You may use your VA entitlement multiple times as long as you meet eligibility and occupancy requirements.
Q: Are VA loans only for first-time homebuyers in California?
A: No. Any eligible veteran can use a California VA loan, whether it’s your first or fifth home.
Q: Do I have to pay mortgage insurance on a VA loan in California?
A: No. VA loans don’t require monthly PMI, saving you hundreds each month.
8. Contact Your California VA Loan Experts Today
You served our country—now let us serve you. Our team of VA loan specialists is here to make your California VA Home Loan fast, affordable, and stress-free.
Call Now: 619-292-8930
Apply Online: Click Here
Veterans Helping Veterans: Ask about our veteran loan officer program!
Whether you’re buying near base or retiring in wine country, we’re the VA lender in California who puts your service first.
VA Mortgage Products in California
Serving Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists & Eligible Spouses with CEO-Level Expertise
At California Mortgage Direct, we proudly help eligible service members and veterans throughout California access their VA home loan benefits — with personalized guidance directly from Joseph S. Restivo, President & CEO of American Mortgage Network.
✅ VA Purchase Loan
Buy a home in California with no down payment.
- 0% down (even on homes over $1M in some areas)
- No monthly PMI (private mortgage insurance)
- Flexible credit guidelines
- Competitive interest rates
- Use your VA entitlement in all 58 counties
🔁 VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)
Also known as a VA Streamline Refinance
- Refinance your existing VA loan to a lower rate
- No income verification or appraisal required
- No cash out allowed
- Minimal paperwork
- Fast closing timelines
💰 VA Cash-Out Refinance
Turn your home equity into cash — even if you don’t have a VA loan now
- Borrow up to 90–100% of your home’s value (in some cases)
- Pay off credit cards or other debts
- Reinvest in home improvements
- Can refinance a conventional, FHA, or other loan into a VA loan
🛠 VA Renovation Loan
Buy or refinance a home and fund renovations in one loan
- Finance the purchase and repair of a fixer-upper
- No down payment (100% financing on total cost)
- Perfect for homes needing roof, kitchen, plumbing, or cosmetic upgrades
- CEO-led support to coordinate contractor paperwork and approvals
🏡 VA Jumbo Loan
No county loan limits with full entitlement — perfect for high-cost markets
- Available in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, San Francisco, etc.
- 0% down up to $1.5M+ depending on qualifications
- Ideal for veterans buying in competitive areas
- No PMI and better rates than conventional jumbo loans
🔄 VA-to-Conventional Refinance
Move out of the VA loan program and into a conventional structure
- Great for removing a spouse post-divorce
- Free up VA entitlement for another property
- No longer subject to VA occupancy or funding fee rules
👨👩👧 VA Loans for Surviving Spouses
Home loan options for surviving spouses of veterans
- No down payment required
- Must meet VA eligibility criteria (Joseph can help confirm)
- All core VA loan benefits apply
- Handled with dignity, clarity, and white-glove care
🔐 Work with a CEO Who Understands VA Lending
Joseph S. Restivo personally originates every VA loan through California Mortgage Direct — because serving veterans isn’t just business, it’s a mission.