Mortgage Loans

Loans with the homebuyer in mind

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Conventional Mortgages

First-time homebuyers

Low down-payment

Veterans Program

Construction Loans

Lot Loans

Conventional Mortgages

For new home purchases or refinancing

Conventional Mortgages are the standard home loans for buying or refinancing
We offer competitive rates and varying terms to customize your monthly payments
Fixed and variable interest rates with terms up to 30 years
Two-thirds of American homes are financed using a conventional mortgage
No pre-payment penalties and knowledgeable loan officers
Online & Mobile Banking
All credit scores are welcome to apply
End-of-Year Member Reward Dividend
Find additional info about conventional mortgages at the bottom of this page

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First-Time Homebuyers

We'll walk you through all of your options

You can easily qualify for membership in any of these ways:

We help first-time homebuyers determine their best financing option
We are here to help you navigate the different assistance programs
Our loan officers will ensure you understand the pro’s and con’s of every option available to you
All credit scores are welcome to apply

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Low Down-Payment

Because we know how hard it is to save money

We offer many options for those in search of a loan with a low down-payment
All credit scores are welcome to apply

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Veterans Program

Proud to serve those who have served

Veterans have wonderful options on fixed-rate loans for active duty personnel, reservists, and veterans
VA loans offer up to 100% financing with options for purchase or refinance

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Construction Loans

Options to support you at any step of the process

Whether you are building from the ground-up, or focusing energy on other major improvements

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Lot Loans

We can help you with these as well

Options for Improved & Unimproved Lot Loans

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"You won't find a mortgage loan officer that cares more about finding the best lending option for you than Denise Fyffe! As the primary loan officer for mortgages at First Californian, she has always had our families best interest in mind. She takes the time to make sure I understand my options and will be the first to tell you if a competing offer is simply better than what she can provide. It's reassuring to know I have someone I can trust with the biggest financial obligation in my life."

First Californian Member

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Home Loan Rates

Rates up to date as of January 8, 2026. Rates subject to change without notice.

All Home Loans	Term	APR
First Mortgage	15, 20, & 30-years	Call 951-267-9951 for today's rates
First Mortgage	5, 7, & 10-years	As low as 4.99%³
Construction Loan¹	1-year	As low as 6.25%
Lot Loan (Improved)²	2, 3, 4, & 5-years	As low as 7.00%³
Lot Loan (Unimproved)²	2, 3, 4, & 5-years	As low as 8.50%³
Home Equity Loan	5, 7, 10, & 15-years	As low as 5.49%³
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)	10-year Draw & 20-year Amortization	WSJ Prime Rate
HELOC Intro Rate *(Limited-Time Offer)*	6-months	3.99%

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Membership required, on approved credit, and rates subject to change at any time without notice.
1. Loan to Cost = 90%, Loan to Value = 80%.
2. Max Loan to Value of 80% on Improved Lot Loans and 60% on Unimproved Lot Loans.
3. Lowest rate available for shortest term offering only, please contact credit union for specific rate options based on term.

For more information visit Terms & Conditions, Current Rates, and Fee Details.

Understanding Conventional Mortgages

What is a conventional mortgage?

Two-thirds of American homes are financed using a conventional mortgage. This type of loan offers flexible terms and low-interest rates for applicants with a credit score of at least 740. Most conventional mortgage programs require a debt-to-income ratio of 45 to 50%, which means you spend less than half your monthly income on auto loans, credit cards, student loans, and other debt payments.

Because conventional mortgages aren’t guaranteed through the Federal Housing Authority or Veterans Administration, qualification requirements are more stringent. However, the application process is usually more streamlined than for a federal loan program, especially if you have a high FICO score.

This common type of home loan is guaranteed by a private lender rather than a federal agency and may carry a fixed or variable interest rate and a term of up to 30 years.

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What are the benefits of this financing?

With a conventional loan, you can finance up to 95% of the property’s value. This puts a home loan in reach for those with limited down payment funds. In addition, down payment funds can be gifted from a parent or family member. Although private mortgage insurance is required for a down payment of less than 20%, the monthly premium is typically more affordable than with other mortgage programs. You can also drop your PMI payment when you reach at least 22% equity in the home, unlike with an FHA loan where PMI is charged for the life of the loan. Conventional loans are available for owner-occupied properties as well as for vacation homes and certain investment properties.

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Why choose First Californian?

At First Californian Credit Union, we’ve been helping residents with home financing since 2009. Get in touch today to learn more about applying for a conventional mortgage through our affordable home loan program.

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