First-time home buyer San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
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 the monthly number, not a teaser. We do not invent down-payment programs on this page.
What loan programs do first-time buyers actually use here?
FHA is the common path when cash to close is tight. Typical minimum down payment is 3.5%, and mortgage insurance applies. VA can be $0 down with no monthly PMI if you are eligible and the occupancy is a primary residence. Conventional fits when credit and cash are stronger and you want a path off mortgage insurance.
Left Coast Leaders is a San Diego mortgage broker. Amir and Dana shop those options on one file. Licensed in California. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458. See San Diego mortgage rates for why a published rate is not your quote.
How much down payment do I need?
It depends on the program, not a slogan. FHA is typically 3.5%. VA can be $0 down with full entitlement. Conventional down payment varies by lender and program. You still need closing costs and, on many files, reserves. We show cash to close on the pre-approval, not a round number from a blog.
| 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 |
Do first-time buyers need a special assistance program?
Not automatically. Plenty of first-time buyers close with FHA, VA, or conventional and no separate assistance layer. City, county, and CalHFA programs exist, but they have income caps, price caps, education, and participating-lender rules, and funding opens and closes. We will not invent a program that does not match your address. If one actually fits, we confirm it on the file before you write an offer that depends on it.
What does a usable first-time pre-approval look like?
A usable pre-approval is a number you can write with, after credit, income, assets, and property type are reviewed. It is not a rate. Start with get pre-approved San Diego or call (619) 366-9494. Use the mortgage calculator for a first pass. When you are ready to write, use the San Diego offer sheet.
2026 San Diego County 1-unit high-cost conforming is $1,104,000. Baseline is $832,750. First-time files in Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, La Jolla, and Coronado still have to respect that loan-amount line. Details: loan limits.
Frequently asked questions
FHA is typically 3.5% down. VA can be $0 down if you are eligible. Conventional down payment varies by program and lender. We shop those three on the same file. Call (619) 366-9494.
No. Many first-time buyers in San Diego close with FHA, VA, or conventional without a separate assistance program. We do not invent down-payment programs on this page. If a city, county, or CalHFA option actually fits the address, we will say so on your file.
It is a number you can write an offer with, based on credit, income, assets, and the property type. It is not a rate quote on a website. Start at Get Pre-Approved or call (619) 366-9494.
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