FHA loans
FHA may help buyers who need a lower down payment path or more flexible credit guidelines, subject to full qualification and documentation.
Explore FHACalifornia mortgage program guide
Comparing California mortgage loan programs? Start with your goal, not the label.
Here is how I look at it: first we understand what you want to do, how you earn, the cash you want to use, and the payment that fits your comfort zone. Then we compare the loan paths that fit the full picture.
Review My Loan OptionsReviewed by Jamal Akber, NMLS #381770Educational content; updated August 12, 2026
Private-information-free starting point
Choose the question closest to your situation.
I am buying a primary home
Compare a lower-down-payment FHA path with conventional and any verified eligibility-based options.
Start with FHA guidanceI own a business or earn 1099 income
See how tax returns, business cash flow, profit and loss statements, and available alternative documentation may be reviewed.
See self-employed guidanceI am financing a rental
Review rent evidence, the simplified DSCR calculation, reserves, and property details before sending a scenario.
See investor guidanceConventional loans
A common choice for buyers with stable income, good credit, and a structure that fits conventional underwriting.
VA loans
For eligible veterans and service members, VA financing can be a powerful option. Eligibility and full loan approval still matter.
Bank statement options
For some self-employed borrowers, deposits and cash flow may tell a more complete story than tax-return income alone.
Self-employed optionsInvestor / DSCR
Rental-property financing may focus on property income, reserves, rent, and investor guidelines.
Investor loansRefinance
A refinance should have a clear reason. We’ll look at payment, equity, loan term, costs, and your long-term plan.
Refinance optionsWe build the roadmap from your actual situation.
I start with occupancy, property type, income documentation, credit history, available cash, reserves, timeline, and payment comfort. Then I check the current guidelines and product availability for that specific scenario.
A website cannot tell you which loan is best or whether you qualify. The right answer comes from reviewing the file, not guessing from one number or program name.
Start without sharing sensitive information
Send the city, property type, purchase or refinance goal, approximate price or value, expected down payment or equity, income type, and timeline. I will tell you what documents would be useful for the next step.
Start My Mortgage RoadmapCommon next reads
Start with the question closest to your situation.
First-time buyer questions
Down payment, pre-approval, closing costs, and what the short form does before a full application.
Read buyer FAQsFHA loan questions
Eligibility, 3.5% down context, mortgage insurance, and FHA property requirements.
Read FHA FAQsSelf-employed borrower questions
Tax returns, bank statements, deposits, and documentation for business owners and 1099 borrowers.
Read self-employed FAQsInvestor and DSCR questions
Rental income, property details, refinance or cash-out scenarios, and whether the deal makes sense.
Read investor FAQsRefinance questions
Payment goals, cash-out, break-even timing, appraisal expectations, and long-term fit.
Read refinance FAQsNot sure which path fits?
Share the goal, city, timeline, and loan question so Jamal can point you toward the right next step.
Ask Jamal