Updated April 2026
ITIN Mortgage Lenders in California 2026
California has the most ITIN mortgage options in the United States, with over 10 lenders serving the state. National lenders like Quontic Bank and New American Funding operate statewide, while credit unions like Self-Help Federal Credit Union offer competitive rates in local markets. The California median home price is $750,000, requiring $112,500 to $187,500 in down payment (15% to 25%). More affordable markets like Bakersfield ($370,000) and Fresno ($395,000) bring homeownership within reach for more ITIN holders. This guide covers every California ITIN lender, market-specific pricing, and the complete process to buy a home in California with an ITIN.
Which Lenders Offer ITIN Mortgages in California?
California ITIN home buyers have access to both national lenders and state-specific options. Here are the top lenders serving California in 2026.
Quontic Bank (Statewide)
Quontic Bank offers ITIN mortgages across all California counties. As a digital bank, Quontic processes applications entirely online with no branch visits required. Quontic provides some of the most competitive ITIN rates in California at 7.5% to 8.0% for well- qualified borrowers. Requirements: 20% down, 620+ credit score, 2 years of tax returns, and 6 months of reserves.
New American Funding (Statewide)
New American Funding is headquartered in Tustin, California, and has a dedicated ITIN lending team. They offer the lowest down payment in California at 15% for primary residences. New American Funding has bilingual loan officers in Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin. They operate 50+ branch locations across California for in-person support.
Citadel Servicing / ACRA Lending (Statewide)
Citadel Servicing, now ACRA Lending, is headquartered in Anaheim, California. They specialize in non-QM lending and accept credit scores as low as 580. Citadel offers both tax return and bank statement programs for ITIN borrowers. They handle loan amounts up to $3,000,000, making them a top choice for high-cost California markets.
Self-Help Federal Credit Union
Self-Help FCU operates in Los Angeles, Oakland, and several other California cities. They offer ITIN mortgages with rates 0.5% to 1% below bank rates. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in their service areas. Self-Help also offers down payment assistance programs for qualified ITIN borrowers.
Local California Credit Unions
Additional credit unions with ITIN mortgage programs in California include Patelco Credit Union (Bay Area), Golden 1 Credit Union (Sacramento area), and Latino Community Credit Union (statewide through CDFI programs). Credit union rates are typically the lowest available for ITIN mortgages in California.
What Are California Home Prices and Down Payments by Region?
California home prices vary dramatically by region. Here is the breakdown with ITIN down payment examples.
| Region | Median Price | 20% Down | Monthly Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Area | $1,200,000 | $240,000 | $7,043 |
| Los Angeles | $850,000 | $170,000 | $4,988 |
| San Diego | $825,000 | $165,000 | $4,841 |
| Inland Empire | $525,000 | $105,000 | $3,082 |
| Sacramento | $480,000 | $96,000 | $2,817 |
| Fresno | $395,000 | $79,000 | $2,319 |
| Bakersfield | $370,000 | $74,000 | $2,172 |
*Monthly payment includes principal and interest at 8.0% ITIN rate, 30-year fixed, with 20% down. Does not include taxes, insurance, or HOA.
What California Programs Help ITIN Home Buyers?
California offers several state and local programs that ITIN holders can access to reduce the cost of homeownership.
California Dream For All Program
The Dream For All program provides a shared appreciation loan of up to 20% of the home purchase price for first-time buyers. The loan has no monthly payments and is repaid when you sell or refinance, plus a share of the home's appreciation. ITIN holders who meet income limits may qualify. Check the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) website for current availability and eligibility.
County-Level Down Payment Assistance
Los Angeles County, San Francisco, Alameda County, and several other California counties offer down payment assistance programs. Some programs accept ITIN holders. Assistance typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on the county and program. Income limits apply. Contact your county housing authority for ITIN eligibility details.
California Proposition 13 Tax Protection
Proposition 13 limits property tax increases to 2% per year, regardless of how much your home value increases. This protects ITIN homeowners from dramatic tax increases. Your initial property tax is based on the purchase price, not the current market value. On a $500,000 home, Prop 13 saves California homeowners thousands per year compared to states without property tax caps.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Buy a Home in California with ITIN?
Follow these 8 steps to purchase a home in California using your ITIN.
- Build credit for 12 to 18 months. Use a secured credit card and credit builder loan to reach a 620+ score.
- Save for down payment. Target 20% of your expected home price. In the Central Valley, $75,000 to $100,000. In LA, $150,000 to $200,000.
- File 2 years of California tax returns. Include state returns (Form 540) in addition to federal returns (Form 1040).
- Get pre-approved from 2 to 3 lenders. Compare Quontic, New American Funding, and a local credit union.
- Find a real estate agent. Choose an agent experienced with ITIN buyers. Many California agents specialize in serving immigrant communities.
- Search and make offers. Focus on markets within your budget. Be prepared for competitive bidding in coastal markets.
- Complete underwriting and appraisal. This takes 3 to 5 weeks. The lender verifies all documents and orders a property appraisal.
- Close on your home. Sign documents, pay closing costs (2% to 5% of loan amount), and receive your keys. California requires a 3-day rescission period for primary residences.
What Legal Protections Do ITIN Home Buyers Have in California?
California provides some of the strongest legal protections for ITIN home buyers in the country.
- Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA): Prohibits housing discrimination based on citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin. Covers home sales, rentals, and mortgage lending.
- California Homeowner Bill of Rights: Protects homeowners from unfair foreclosure practices. Requires lenders to provide single points of contact and explore alternatives before foreclosure.
- SB 54 (California Values Act): Limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This protection encourages ITIN holders to exercise their property rights without fear.
- AB 60 Driver's License: California issues driver's licenses to all residents regardless of immigration status. This provides additional identification useful during the home buying process.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITIN Mortgages in California
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