California Buyer Playbook 2026

The 5 Rules

1. Get pre-approved before you tour seriously

2. Structure matters more than the headline rate

3. Down payment isn’t the only limiting factor

4. Self-employed buyers need a documentation plan early

5. Investors win when the property supports the payment

Program Fit (Simple)

• First-time buyer + limited down: DPA options (when eligible)

• VA eligible: VA is often the best leverage tool

• Investor: DSCR may simplify qualification

• Self-employed: bank statement / P&L options may fit

• High-balance: structure the offer to compete (reserves + terms)

Document Checklist

• Income docs (based on program)

• Asset statements

• ID

• If self-employed: entity docs + P&L (if applicable)

The TimelineWeek 1: Pre-approval planWeek 2–6: Home search + offer strategyEscrow: Verification + appraisal + final approvalClose: Sign + fund

To get started, APPLY HERE