First-time home buyer San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
Updated September 5, 2026
Get Pre-Approved (619) 366-9494
A first-time home buyer in San Diego usually lands on FHA (typical 3.5% down), VA if eligible, or conventional. A local broker shops wholesale lenders on the same file so you see cash to close and a monthly number you can write with. City, county, and CalHFA assistance can matter, but we do not invent program dollars on this page. Left Coast Leaders, Inc. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458. Call (619) 366-9494.
Programs first-time buyers actually use
FHA loan San Diego is the common path when cash to close is tight (typical 3.5% down, mortgage insurance applies). VA loan San Diego can be $0 down with no monthly PMI when entitlement and occupancy support it. Conventional fits stronger credit and cash. For loan-amount math above conforming, see jumbo loan San Diego. How we shop the file: mortgage broker San Diego.
Down payment versus cash to close
Down payment is only one line. Closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and reserves still matter. Confirm 2026 1-unit lines on San Diego loan limits ($832,750 baseline; $1,104,000 high-cost). Hand your realtor a clean path with the San Diego Offer Sheet, then start at Get Pre-Approved.
| Typical down payment | Mortgage insurance | Occupancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | Typical minimum 3.5% | MI applies | Primary residence |
| VA | $0 down is common with full entitlement | No monthly PMI | Primary residence |
| Conventional | Varies by program and lender | Usually required under 20% down | Primary, second home, or investment, depending on the program |
Program structure only. No rates. Confirm on your pre-approval.
Assistance programs without invented dollars
City, county, SDHC, and CalHFA options exist. They carry income caps, purchase-price caps, education, and participating-lender rules, and funding opens and closes. We will not invent a dollar figure on this page. If a program fits your address, we confirm it on the file before you write an offer that depends on it. More paths: first-time down payment paths and down payment assistance San Diego.
Frequently asked questions
What down payment do first-time buyers typically use in San Diego?
FHA is typically 3.5% down. VA can be $0 down if you are eligible and occupancy is primary. Conventional down payment varies by program and lender. Cash to close still includes closing costs and often reserves. Call (619) 366-9494.
Do I have to use a first-time-buyer assistance program?
No. Many first-time buyers close with FHA, VA, or conventional and no separate assistance layer. City, county, and CalHFA options exist with income, price, education, and lender rules. We do not invent dollar amounts on this page. If one fits the address, we confirm it on your file.
What does a usable first-time pre-approval look like?
It is a number you can write an offer with, based on credit, income, assets, and property type. It is not a rate quote on a website. Start at Get Pre-Approved or call (619) 366-9494.
FHA vs VA vs conventional for a first San Diego purchase?
FHA fits when cash to close is tight and you can handle mortgage insurance. VA fits eligible veterans and service members with primary occupancy. Conventional fits stronger credit and cash when you want a path off mortgage insurance. We shop all three on one file.
How do 2026 San Diego loan limits affect first-time buyers?
For a 1-unit property, baseline conforming is $832,750 and high-cost conforming is $1,104,000. High-balance covers $832,751 through $1,104,000. Above that loan amount is generally jumbo. The test is loan amount, not list price. See loan limits.
What documents do first-time buyers usually need?
Expect ID, recent pay stubs or income proof, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and a goal for purchase price and down payment. Self-employed files need more tax documentation. We send a short list after you start.
Are closing costs separate from down payment?
Yes. Down payment is equity. Closing costs are fees, prepaid items, and third-party charges. Seller credits, lender credits, and gift funds can change cash to close. We show that on the pre-approval, not as a blog guess.
Can a first-time buyer purchase a condo in San Diego?
Often yes if the project is warrantable for the loan type. HOA dues count in monthly housing cost. FHA and VA have project rules. We check the condo path before you write.
Does a mortgage broker help first-time buyers more than one bank?
A broker shops wholesale lenders on one credit and income file instead of one bank menu. That is how FHA, VA, conventional, high-balance, and jumbo get compared without three new applications. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458.
Do you invent rates or DPA dollar amounts on this page?
No. A published rate is not a lock. We also do not invent city, county, or CalHFA dollar figures here. Call (619) 366-9494 for numbers on your file.
Ready for a first-time San Diego pre-approval?
Tell us the goal. We shop FHA, VA if eligible, and conventional on the same file.
Get Pre-ApprovedLeft Coast Leaders, Inc. · San Diego, CA 92111 · (619) 366-9494 · NMLS #2394495 · DRE #02191517 · Amir Nurani NMLS #197458 · Equal Housing Lender