Skip to main content
San Clemente Pier at sunset

Irvine · Newport Beach · Orange County · NMLS #1498678

Mortgage lender for Orange County: coastal jumbo, self-employed, and investors

Coastal jumbo, bank statement and asset-based loans, DSCR for 1–4 and 5–10 units, non-warrantable condos, interest-only options, and bridge loans — every cost itemized upfront, and an average clear-to-close of 17 days.

Apply Now

30

Residential Programs

Of 50+ total programs

17

Day Avg. Close

Clear-to-close timeline

1–10

Unit DSCR

Condos to small apartments

$0

Surprise Fees

Itemized on day one

Lumen Mortgage Corporation (NMLS #1498678) is licensed in California and Oregon, financing homes, condos, and rentals in Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Dana Point across Orange County. We offer 50+ loan programs spanning residential, multifamily, agricultural and commercial, with an average clear-to-close of 17 days.

Reviewed by David Blackmon

Mortgage Advisor · Portland, OR · NMLS #1017565 · Updated

Quick Answer

Who is a good mortgage lender in Orange County, California?

Lumen Mortgage finances homes, condos, and rentals across Orange County, including Irvine, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, San Clemente, Anaheim, Mission Viejo, and Yorba Linda. We offer 30 residential programs (50+ loan programs spanning residential, multifamily, agricultural and commercial), an average 17-day clear-to-close, and every cost itemized upfront. That includes coastal jumbo loans, bank statement and asset depletion loans, DSCR loans for 1–4 and 5–10 unit rentals, non-warrantable condo financing, interest-only options, unlimited cash-out, and bridge loans.

2026 Orange County limit: $1,249,125
Jumbo from 10% down, no MI, 40-year fixed with 10 years interest-only
Bank statement and asset depletion qualifying, no job required
DSCR for 1–4 and 5–10 units (620+ credit)
Best pricing with strong credit (740+)

Best for: Coastal jumbo buyers, self-employed buyers, retirees qualifying on assets, investors buying 1–10 unit rentals, and move-up buyers across Orange County.

Licensed in California & Oregon
Every cost itemized upfront
17-day avg. clear-to-close
Coastal jumbo and non-warrantable condos
Interest-only options

2026 Market Numbers

What does it take to buy a home in Orange County?

Orange County is at the 2026 high-cost ceiling of $1,249,125 for conforming and FHA loans. Many condos and North County homes fit under that line, while most coastal homes in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point, and many single-family homes in Irvine, need jumbo financing. The typical Orange County home is worth about $1.17 million, just under the limit. Newport Beach (about $3.71 million) and Laguna Beach (about $3.04 million) are deep in jumbo territory, while Irvine ($1.48 million), Laguna Niguel ($1.49 million), and Costa Mesa ($1.42 million) sit just above the limit. Rancho Santa Margarita, at about $1.0 million, still fits conforming or FHA.

Orange County typical home value

~$1.17M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (up 3.2%, ~25 days to pending)

Newport Beach typical home value

~$3.71M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (up 10.1%, ~49 days to pending)

Laguna Beach typical home value

~$3.04M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (up 6.8%, ~64 days to pending)

Dana Point · San Clemente

~$1.77M · ~$1.75M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (up 6.8% · up 5.9%)

Irvine typical home value

~$1.48M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (down 1.9%, ~42 days to pending)

Costa Mesa typical home value

~$1.42M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (up 6.4%, ~22 days to pending)

Huntington Beach typical home value

~$1.34M

Zillow, Sep 2026 (up 5.6%, ~24 days to pending)

Conforming limit (1–4 units)

$1,249,125

2–4 units $1.60M / $1.93M / $2.40M, 2026

FHA limit (1–4 units)

$1,249,125

2–4 units $1.60M / $1.93M / $2.40M, 2026

Home values are approximate, based on public market reports. Loan limits are 2026 FHFA and HUD figures. Sources: FHFA, HUD FHA limits, Zillow (Orange County); city values from Zillow, Sep 2026.

The Full Payment

What will an Orange County mortgage payment really cost?

Most rate quotes show only principal and interest. In Orange County, property tax, Mello-Roos, HOA dues, and insurance can add $1,500 to $2,500 a month. Here are three full examples, with every line shown.

Irvine condo, conforming

$1,150,000 price · 20% down · $920,000 high-balance loan · 30-year fixed at an example 6.25%

Principal & interest
$5,665
Property tax (1.1%)
$1,054
Mello-Roos (example)
$250
HOA dues (example)
$450
Condo (HO-6) insurance
$75
Total monthly$7,494

Irvine's newer villages often carry Mello-Roos. It's on the property tax bill, so ask for the actual bill.

Irvine single-family, jumbo

$1,480,000 price · 10% down · $1,332,000 jumbo loan · no mortgage insurance · example 6.5%

Principal & interest (30-yr fixed)
$8,419
Or interest-only (40-yr fixed, 10 yrs IO)
$7,215
Property tax (1.1%)
$1,357
Mello-Roos (example)
$400
HOA dues (example)
$200
Homeowners insurance
$250
Total (30-yr · IO)$10,626 · $9,422

No mortgage insurance at 10% down. The interest-only option lowers the payment by about $1,200 a month for the first 10 years.

Costa Mesa duplex, DSCR

$1,600,000 price · 30% down · $1,120,000 DSCR loan · interest-only at an example 7.0%

Interest-only payment
$6,533
Property tax (1.1%)
$1,467
Landlord insurance
$300
Total PITIA
$8,300
Rent (2 units × $4,200)
$8,400
DSCR (rent ÷ PITIA)1.01

Coastal rentals often land near 1.0, so more down, interest-only, or an ADU can improve the ratio. California's rent cap (AB 1482) limits increases on many older rentals.

Illustrative examples only, not a rate quote or commitment to lend. Rates shown are example rates; your rate depends on credit, down payment, property, and market conditions. Property tax estimated at 1.1% of the price; Mello-Roos, HOA, and insurance vary by property. Check the actual tax bill and HOA dues before you write an offer.

Who usually pays which closing costs in Orange County?Local custom, not law, and everything is negotiable. Every cost on our side is itemized on your Loan Estimate before you commit.
CostUsually paid byWhat to know
County transfer taxSeller$1.10 per $1,000 of the price in Orange County.
Owner's title policySellerProtects the buyer's ownership. Customarily paid by the seller in Southern California.
Lender's title policyBuyerRequired by the lender and priced on the loan amount.
Escrow feeSplitCommonly split between buyer and seller.
Lender fees and pointsBuyerOrigination, underwriting, and any discount points. Every one is itemized on your Loan Estimate.
AppraisalBuyerHigher for jumbo, multi-unit, and coastal homes. Some loans need two appraisals.
Prepaid tax, insurance, and interestBuyerProperty tax installments, the first year of insurance, and interest to month-end.
HOA transfer and document feesVariesSet by the HOA and spelled out in the purchase contract.

Built for Orange County

Which loan fits an Orange County purchase?

Orange County buyers are often buying above the conforming limit, earning through a business, living on investments, or buying rentals and condos. Here's how we match programs to the way people actually buy here.

Coastal jumbo buyers

Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, and the Irvine hills are jumbo territory. Jumbo starts at 10% down for most buyers and 0% for VA and physician loans, with no mortgage insurance, a 40-year fixed with 10 years interest-only, and no autopay or banking-relationship requirement.

Business owners and the self-employed

Orange County runs on small businesses, real estate, and consulting. Bank statement loans qualify you on 12–24 months of deposits, and 1099 or P&L loans work for contractors and agents whose tax returns understate what they earn.

Retirees and assets as income

Retired, between jobs, or living on investments? Asset depletion loans turn savings, brokerage, retirement accounts, and eligible crypto into qualifying income, so you don't need a paycheck or taxable distributions.

Investors: 1–10 units

Condos in Irvine, duplexes in Costa Mesa, and small apartment buildings in Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove. DSCR loans qualify on the property's rent for 1–4 and 5–10 units, with interest-only and 40-year fixed options. DSCR requires a 620+ credit score.

Condos, ADUs, and multigenerational homes

Coastal and master-planned condo buildings can fail agency rules, and our portfolio programs finance non-warrantable condos. Building an ADU for family or rental income? ADU and renovation loans cover it.

Move-up buyers and cash-out

Buy your next home before you sell with a bridge loan, or pull equity from a home you already own. We offer cash-out options above $500,000 with no cap on cash out, subject to loan-to-value limits.

Residential Programs

Home loans available in Orange County

Orange County buyers can choose from jumbo, bank statement, asset depletion, DSCR (1–4 and 5–10 units), non-warrantable condo, bridge, ADU, 1099, P&L, conventional, FHA, and VA loans. The right one depends mostly on the property and how you earn your income.

Which loan fits which Orange County purchase? (2026)
Purchase priceUsual best fitTypical areas
Up to $1,249,125Conventional and high-balance conforming, FHA 3.5% down, VA 0% down; CalHFA assistance for first-time buyersAnaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fullerton, many Irvine and South County condos
Above $1,249,125Jumbo — 10% down for most buyers and 0% down for VA and physician loans, no mortgage insurance, 40-year fixed with 10 years interest-only availableNewport Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Irvine, Yorba Linda
Self-employed or no jobBank statement, 1099, P&L, or asset depletion qualifying instead of tax returns or a paycheckBusiness owners, agents, retirees, and investors countywide
Rentals and condosDSCR for 1–4 and 5–10 units (620+ credit), non-warrantable condo financing, interest-only availableCosta Mesa, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and Santa Ana rentals

Price ranges assume a primary residence unless noted and are guides, not approvals. Your best program depends on credit, down payment, income, and the property.

Local Knowledge

What's different about financing an Orange County property?

Coastal jumbo appraisals

Ocean-view and bluff-top homes have few true comparables. We order appraisals early and structure the loan around a realistic value.

HOAs and Mello-Roos

Master-planned communities in Irvine and South County often carry HOA dues and Mello-Roos taxes. Both count in your payment and your qualifying ratios.

Condo approvals

Some coastal and resort-style condo buildings are non-warrantable because of litigation, investor concentration, or short-term rental use. We review the HOA questionnaire before you write an offer.

Income that doesn't fit a W-2

Business owners, agents, and retirees often have more income or assets than their tax returns show. Bank statement, P&L, and asset-based loans fit how your money actually shows up.

Short-term rental rules

Each city and county sets its own short-term rental rules. Confirm a property can be rented short-term before you buy.

Competitive offers

Desirable homes still draw multiple offers. A 17-day average close, a full pre-approval, and bridge financing help your offer stand out.

Communities Served

Where in Orange County do you lend?

Every city from the coast to the canyons, from Seal Beach to San Clemente and Yorba Linda — and the rest of California.

IrvineNewport BeachLaguna BeachHuntington BeachCosta MesaDana PointSan ClementeAnaheimMission ViejoYorba Linda
Corona del MarLaguna NiguelLaguna HillsAliso ViejoRancho Santa MargaritaLadera RanchRancho Mission ViejoSan Juan CapistranoLake ForestTustinOrangeVilla ParkSanta AnaFullertonBreaPlacentiaAnaheim HillsGarden GroveFountain ValleySeal BeachCypressCoto de Caza

Nearby: Temecula Valley · Santa Ynez Valley · Paso Robles & SLO County · San Francisco & Oakland.

Preferred Agents

Looking for a great real estate agent in Orange County?

Are you looking for a knowledgeable agent who can help you find the best options for your family, schools, work, recreation, and investments in Orange County? We work with the best agents in the region, and we'd be happy to make an introduction.

  • Schools and neighborhoods
  • Commutes and remote-work setups
  • Coastal and luxury homes
  • Condos and multi-unit buildings
  • Relocations and move-up purchases
  • Investment opportunities

Client Reviews

What California borrowers say

5.0 stars across 62 reviews: 40 Google reviews · 15 Zillow reviews · 7 Yelp reviews

"David and his team did an amazing job from the beginning to end."

"He takes the time to show you all options available to you as a buyer. We will use David and his team at Lumen for all future transactions."

Jenna D.

Gold Country homebuyer · Google review

Read all our Google reviews

"David and his team are top-notch. We've worked with many lenders over the years and David is in a league of his own. We'll never use a different lender!"

Wendy L.

Jumbo refinance, El Segundo · Google review

Read all our Google reviews

"David is amazing to work with!"

"He is incredibly thorough and patiently answers all of my many questions. Lumen uses a very impressive program to visually compare the rates, which made my decision making process a breeze. The refi process was so quick. I recommend David and Lumen Mortgage to everybody!"

Jett L.

California refinance client · Google review

Read all our Google reviews

"I’ve worked with many different lending teams and David Blackmon is hands-down the best."

"Customer service, industry knowledge, responsiveness, etc. are all five-star quality. This team is the best in the business!"

Tom P.

California client · Google review

Read all our Google reviews

FAQ

Common questions from Orange County buyers

What are the 2026 loan limits in Orange County?
Orange County is a high-cost county at the 2026 ceiling of $1,249,125 for a single-family home, for both conforming (high-balance) and FHA loans. Conforming and FHA limits for 2–4 units are $1,599,375 for 2 units, $1,933,200 for 3, and $2,402,625 for 4. Loans above those amounts use jumbo financing.
What does a jumbo loan look like for a coastal Orange County home?
Our California jumbo loans start at 10% down for most buyers and 0% down for VA and physician loans, with no mortgage insurance, a 40-year fixed option with 10 years interest-only, and no autopay or banking-relationship requirement. Best pricing with strong credit (740+). Try our jumbo calculator.
Do you offer interest-only payments?
Yes. Interest-only payments are available on jumbo loans (a 40-year fixed with 10 years interest-only), on DSCR loans for 1–4 and 5–10 unit rentals, on many bank statement and asset-based loans, and on all of our bridge loans.
Can I qualify for a mortgage without a job?
Yes. Asset depletion loans qualify you on savings, brokerage, and retirement accounts instead of a paycheck, which works if you're retired, between jobs, or living on investments. For rental properties, no-ratio DSCR loans qualify on the property alone, with no personal income or employment verification. Run your numbers with our assets-as-income calculator.
Can I get a mortgage in Orange County if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Bank statement loans qualify you on 12–24 months of personal or business deposits instead of tax returns, so write-offs don't shrink your buying power. Contractors and agents can use 1099 income, and business owners can qualify on a CPA-prepared P&L. Try our bank statement calculator.
Do you offer cash-out refinances over $500,000?
Yes. We have unlimited cash-out options, including cash-out well above $500,000 on primary homes, second homes, and rentals. The amount you can take depends on your home's value and the program's maximum loan-to-value. Investors can also cash out of a free-and-clear rental with a DSCR cash-out refinance. See our refinance calculator.
Do you finance non-warrantable condos in Orange County?
Yes. A condo is non-warrantable when the building doesn't meet agency rules, often because of pending litigation, a single investor owning many units, short-term rental use, low owner occupancy, or thin HOA reserves. Our portfolio programs finance non-warrantable condos for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties.
Do you finance 1–4 and 5–10 unit rentals?
Yes. A DSCR loan qualifies on the property's rent instead of your tax returns, for condos, single-family homes, and 2–4 unit properties, and our DSCR 5–10 unit program covers 5–10 unit buildings. DSCR loans need a 620+ credit score, with best pricing with strong credit (740+), and allow LLC vesting, interest-only, and a 40-year fixed option. Try our DSCR calculator.
Can I finance a short-term rental in Orange County?
Possibly. A DSCR loan can count short-term rental income when it's backed by 12 months of rental history or a market rent analysis, with a 5% LTV reduction from the program maximums, so plan on at least 25% down. Each city and county sets its own short-term rental rules, so confirm the property can be rented short-term before you buy.
Can I build an ADU on my Orange County home?
Yes. ADU loans can fund a new backyard unit or garage conversion for family or rental income, and some programs can count the ADU's projected rent. Check your city's ADU rules early. See our ADU calculator.
Can I buy my next Orange County home before I sell?
Yes. A bridge loan uses the equity in your current home to fund your next purchase, so you can make a non-contingent offer and sell afterward. Bridge terms run 1–24 months, up to 80% LTV, with interest-only payments and no prepayment penalty. See our bridge loan calculator.
How much are property taxes and Mello-Roos in Orange County?
Under Prop 13, the base property tax is 1% of the purchase price, plus voter-approved bonds and assessments, so most buyers budget about 1.1% to 1.25% a year. Increases on the assessed value are capped at 2% a year. Many newer communities in Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, and South County also carry Mello-Roos special taxes, which can add hundreds of dollars a month. Ask for the actual tax bill before you write an offer, because lenders count it in your payment.
Do HOA dues and Mello-Roos count against my DSCR or debt-to-income ratio?
Yes. HOA dues, property tax including Mello-Roos, and insurance are all part of your monthly payment. For a primary home they count in your debt-to-income ratio, and for a rental they count in PITIA, the payment a DSCR loan compares against rent. A condo with $600 a month in HOA dues needs $600 more in rent to keep the same ratio.
Can I get insurance on a canyon or wildfire-area home in Orange County?
Usually, yes, but start early. Homes near Silverado, Modjeska, Laguna Canyon, Coto de Caza, and other wildland areas can be harder to insure, and some can only get fire coverage through the California FAIR Plan paired with a separate policy for everything else. Lenders generally accept that combination. Get quotes before you write an offer, because the premium is part of your payment.
What fees will I pay, and when will I see them?
There are no upfront fees to get a quote or pre-approval. Every lender fee, point, and third-party cost is itemized on your Loan Estimate, which you receive within three business days of applying, before you commit to anything. In Orange County, the seller usually pays the county transfer tax ($1.10 per $1,000) and the owner's title policy, the buyer pays the lender's title policy, and escrow is often split.
Can I use crypto to qualify for a mortgage?
Yes. You can use cryptocurrency as assets to qualify for a mortgage (assets as income) and as eligible funds to close. See our crypto mortgage page for which currencies and custodian accounts are eligible, and try our crypto mortgage calculator.
Can I use a VantageScore to get a mortgage here?
Yes. We can evaluate borrowers using VantageScore 4.0 on conventional loans, the full range of VA loans, and FHA Streamline refinances. Standard FHA purchase loans still require a Classic FICO score for now, with FHA set to accept VantageScore 4.0 starting January 1, 2027. VantageScore can help thin-file borrowers and people rebuilding credit get scored, but it doesn't change your rate on its own. Best pricing with strong credit (740+). Learn more in our VantageScore mortgage guide.
How fast can you close a mortgage in Orange County?
Lumen Mortgage's average clear-to-close is 17 days. Condo reviews, coastal jumbo appraisals, 5–10 unit buildings, and complex income files can take longer, so we request the HOA documents, leases, and statements up front.

Buying in Orange County? Let's run your numbers.

No pressure, no sales pitch. Tell us about the home and we'll show you your options, costs, and timeline upfront. Or call us: 503-966-9255.

Lumen Mortgage Corporation · NMLS #1498678 · Equal Housing Lender · Licensed in Oregon and California. This is not a commitment to lend. All loan approvals subject to underwriting guidelines. Rate and program availability subject to change without notice.