Mortgage Broker in California

I'm licensed to originate mortgages in California (CA) through Lumin Lending Inc., and I shop 100+ lenders on purchase, refinance, and investment loans.

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Last updated: October 2026

Key Facts

Randy Mathis (NMLS# 1516760) is a licensed mortgage broker serving California through Lumin Lending Inc. (NMLS# 2716106). Available programs include Conventional, FHA, VA, Non-QM, DSCR, Bank Statement, HELOC, Reverse Mortgage, and Commercial loans. The 2026 conforming loan limit in California varies by county (up to $1,249,125).

Mortgage Lending in California

California is home for me, and it isn't one market. Financing a house in the Bay Area or Los Angeles looks different from the Central Valley or the Inland Empire. Many counties are high-cost, with conforming limits well above the national baseline, so the right loan depends on where you're buying.

I'm a broker, not a bank, so your California loan goes to whichever of my 100+ lenders fits it best.

Available Loan Programs in California

Conventional

As little as 3% down, for purchase or refinance.

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FHA

Government-backed, 3.5% down, and easier on credit. A common first-time buyer loan.

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VA

Zero down payment and no PMI for eligible veterans, active-duty, and qualifying spouses.

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Non-QM / DSCR

Bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion, and more for self-employed borrowers and investors.

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HELOC / HELoan

Tap your home equity with a line of credit or a fixed-rate home equity loan.

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Reverse Mortgage

Convert home equity into cash with no monthly mortgage payments from age 55 on select programs (62 for the FHA-insured HECM); you still pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, and upkeep.

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Commercial

Loans for commercial, mixed-use, and business real estate.

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Rates and program availability may vary based on the state or region in which the financed property is located. This is not a credit decision, an offer, or a commitment to lend. Program restrictions apply.

HELOC: Timing may vary based on borrower qualifications and loan conditions. Appraisal may be required in certain circumstances. Subject to credit approval. Your home is used as collateral and may be at risk if you do not repay. APR, terms, and repayment structure vary by product.

Helpful Resources

First-Time Homebuyer Guide 2026

Buying your first home, step by step from pre-approval to closing.

Should You Refinance in 2026?

How to tell if a refinance pays off, with the break-even math.

DSCR Loans Explained

How investors qualify on rental income instead of personal tax returns.

5-Day Digital HELOC Guide

How the digital HELOC works: funding in as few as 5 business days after offer acceptance on select digital programs.

Credit Score Myths for Homebuyers

The 5 credit score myths that keep people from buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers on loan programs, credit, and applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the high-cost area loan limits in California?

California has numerous high-cost counties where conforming loan limits exceed the national baseline of $832,750. In 2026, the highest-cost counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara, are at the ceiling of $1,249,125 for single-family homes. San Diego County is also high-cost, with a 2026 limit of $1,104,000, below the ceiling. That higher limit keeps a lot of buyers in conventional financing instead of jumbo.

Can I get a Non-QM loan in California?

Yes. Self-employed borrowers, business owners, and investors in California use Non-QM all the time. I have bank statement, DSCR, asset depletion, and interest-only loans for when your tax returns don't tell the real story.

Does California have first-time homebuyer programs?

Yes. State housing-agency down-payment assistance can cover part of your down payment and closing costs, and one program is a shared appreciation loan. These can sit on top of an FHA or conventional loan.

Is Randy Mathis licensed to lend in California?

Yes, Randy Mathis (NMLS# 1516760, DRE# 02236644) is based in Southern California and licensed through Lumin Lending Inc. (NMLS# 2716106, DRE# 02291443), which holds a California Real Estate Corporation License with MLO Endorsement. I know these markets well, and I shop 100+ wholesale lenders to find the loan that fits your situation.

What is a jumbo loan and do I need one in California?

A jumbo loan is any mortgage above the conforming loan limit for your county. In California's high-cost areas that limit goes up to $1,249,125, and plenty of homes still cost more. Jumbo loans usually ask for a higher credit score and a bigger down payment.

Ready to Get Started in California?

Tell me what you're trying to do in Californiaand I'll shop it across 100+ lenders. Apply online or grab a time to talk.

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Randy Mathis NMLS# 1516760 | Lumin Lending Inc. NMLS# 2716106 | NMLS Consumer Access