The most prepared buyers move fastest and negotiate hardest. Use our tools to understand your monthly payment, buying power, and loan options — all before you step foot in a home.
Adjust the sliders to see how price, down payment, rate, and term affect your monthly payment. This is an estimate — connect with us for a lender-verified analysis built around your situation.
Before you tour a single home, knowing your true buying power changes the conversation entirely. Lenders evaluate two key ratios to determine your range — understanding them puts you in control from day one.
We work with trusted lenders across the full spectrum of financing. Here are the programs our Los Angeles buyers use most — each with meaningful differences in cost, flexibility, and qualification.
It depends on the loan program. Conventional loans require as little as 3–5%, FHA requires 3.5%, VA requires 0%, and jumbo loans typically require 10–20%. For the Los Angeles area median home price of ~$1.1M, a 20% down payment would be approximately $220,000. However, many buyers successfully purchase with significantly less — we can connect you with lenders who specialize in low-down-payment programs.
Minimum credit scores vary by program: FHA accepts 580+, conventional typically requires 620+, and jumbo loans usually need 700+. However, your credit score also affects your interest rate — a higher score can save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan. If your score needs work, we can recommend credit repair strategies before you apply.
Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on self-reported financial information. Pre-approval is a formal process where a lender verifies your income, assets, credit, and employment to issue a conditional commitment letter. In a competitive market, sellers take pre-approval letters seriously — a pre-qualification won't cut it in a multiple-offer situation.
Fixed-rate mortgages offer predictability — your rate and payment never change. ARMs offer a lower initial rate but adjust after the fixed period. If you plan to stay in the home long-term, fixed is usually safer. If you expect to sell or refinance within 5–7 years, an ARM could save you significantly. We can model both scenarios with your specific numbers.
Closing costs typically run 2–3% of the purchase price in California. For a $1.1M home, expect approximately $22,000–$33,000. This includes lender fees, title insurance, escrow fees, appraisal, and recording fees. In some cases, we can negotiate for the seller to cover a portion of closing costs as part of the offer terms.
Yes — we maintain relationships with several top-performing lenders who specialize in the greater Los Angeles market. We recommend lenders based on your specific situation (loan program, property type, timeline) and their track record of closing on time. We always encourage buyers to compare at least 2–3 lenders to ensure competitive rates.
We'll connect you with lenders who specialize in the greater Los Angeles market — trusted relationships, no referral lists. Free and no obligation.
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