california loan officer

California Mortgage Broker | The Loan Nerd | NMLS# 2592315
California Mortgage Broker

Home Loans in California, Done Right.

The Loan Nerd is an independent mortgage brokerage serving California homebuyers and homeowners. We shop dozens of lenders to find the right loan for one of the most complex — and rewarding — housing markets in the country.

Get Pre-Qualified Call (833) 410-5626
California Market Snapshot
$1.21M
High-Cost County Limit
50+
Lenders We Work With
CalHFA
State Assistance Programs
3
Licensed Loan Officers
The Loan Nerd, LLC  |  NMLS# 2592315  |  Licensed in California  |  Equal Housing Lender
Serving Los Angeles San Diego San Francisco Sacramento San Jose Fresno Riverside And All of California
What We Offer

Loan Programs for
California Borrowers

California’s high home prices demand creative financing solutions. From high-balance conventional loans to CalHFA assistance programs, we know how to structure the right deal for this market.

Conventional Loans

California’s high-cost county designations allow conforming loan limits up to $1,209,750 in the most expensive markets — meaning many California buyers can access conventional rates on higher loan amounts without jumping to jumbo pricing. We know every county’s limit and how to use it.

FHA / VA / USDA

Government-backed programs with lower barriers. California’s FHA loan limits are elevated in high-cost counties, making FHA a viable option in more markets than borrowers expect. VA loans offer outstanding terms for California’s large veteran and active-duty military population.

Refinance

California homeowners — particularly those who’ve owned for several years — often carry significant equity. Whether you’re looking to lower your rate, eliminate mortgage insurance, or access equity for home improvements, we compare your options across dozens of lenders to find the best outcome.

First-Time Homebuyer

CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) offers down payment assistance loans and below-market rate programs for qualifying California first-time buyers. The CalHFA Dream For All program provides shared appreciation loans specifically designed to lower the barrier to California homeownership.

The California Market

Why California Borrowers Choose an Independent Broker

California is one of the most complex housing markets in the world. Home prices in coastal metros like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego regularly exceed $1 million, while inland markets offer significantly more affordability. Navigating financing across this range requires a broker who understands both the programs and the pricing.

As an independent broker, The Loan Nerd accesses wholesale rates from dozens of lenders — giving California borrowers options that retail banks simply can’t provide. High-cost county loan limits, CalHFA programs, and the right loan structure for your property type all make a material difference in what you pay every month.

California also has its own lending landscape: strict consumer protection laws, elevated closing cost norms, and competitive markets where being pre-qualified — not just pre-approved — can be the difference between winning and losing an offer. We’ll get you ready before you need to move fast.

Baseline Conforming Limit $806,500
High-Cost County Limit (LA, SF, etc.) $1,209,750
State Income Tax (top rate) 13.3%
FHA Limit (high-cost counties) $1,209,750
VA Loan Limit No Cap*
CalHFA Assistance Available
Our License NMLS# 2592315
Your Loan Officer

Meet Your California
Mortgage Expert

You’ll work directly with a licensed California loan officer — not a call center, not an algorithm.

Paul Sellers, Loan Officer
Paul Sellers
Loan Officer  |  California

For over 30 years, Paul Sellers has helped first-time buyers, families, investors, veterans, and business owners navigate the mortgage process — turning uncertainty into clarity and confidence. In California’s complex market, his depth matters: he specializes in conventional, FHA, VA, bank statement loans, DSCR loans, self-employed borrowers, and foreign national financing. He listens first, explains every option clearly, and stays hands-on from pre-approval to closing. Clients come back to him — and send their families.

NMLS# 170458  |  Licensed in California  |  The Loan Nerd, LLC NMLS# 2592315
Common Questions

California Mortgage FAQs

Questions we hear from California borrowers every day.

A bank can only offer its own loan products. As an independent broker, The Loan Nerd works with dozens of wholesale lenders — shopping on your behalf to find better rates, more flexible qualifying, and programs a single bank can’t match. In California’s high-price market, even a small rate difference has a significant impact on your long-term cost.
Yes — significantly. Many California counties qualify as high-cost areas, with conforming loan limits up to $1,209,750. This means buyers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, and other expensive markets can borrow substantially more while still qualifying for conventional (non-jumbo) rates and guidelines. We’ll confirm the exact limit for your county during your pre-qualification.
CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency) offers multiple programs for qualifying first-time homebuyers including the MyHome Assistance Program for down payment and closing cost help, and the Dream For All shared appreciation loan. Income limits, purchase price caps, and program funding availability vary. We’ll help you determine eligibility and layer these programs effectively with your loan.
California’s major metro markets are highly competitive — offers frequently come in at or above asking price, and sellers prefer buyers who are fully pre-qualified with documented financing. Getting pre-qualified before you begin shopping puts you in a position to move immediately when you find the right home, which is often the difference between winning and losing a property you want.
Yes. The Loan Nerd, LLC is a licensed residential mortgage brokerage (NMLS# 2592315) licensed to operate in California. Our California loan officer is individually licensed and registered with the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System. You can verify our credentials at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Ready to Find Your California Home Loan?

Start with a no-obligation pre-qualification. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and tell you exactly where you stand — no pressure, no runaround.

Start Your Pre-Qualification

The Loan Nerd, LLC | NMLS# 2592315 | Licensed Mortgage Broker | California | Paul Sellers NMLS# 170458

This is not a commitment to lend. All loan approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, credit approval, and property eligibility. Loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan application or guarantee of financing.

*VA loans have no set loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. Lender limits and eligibility requirements apply. Conforming loan limits are subject to annual adjustment by FHFA and vary by county. CalHFA program availability, income limits, and terms are subject to change. Verify current program details at calhfa.ca.gov.

Verify our license: nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Equal Housing Lender. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation.

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