Down Payment Calculator for California

Down Payment Planning in California

With a median home value of $785,000 in California, here's what different down payment tiers look like:

• 3% (First-time buyer programs): $23,600
• 3.5% (FHA minimum): $27,500
• 10% (Avoid PMI with some lenders): $78,500
• 20% (Eliminate PMI entirely): $157,000

Conforming Loan Limits in California

The conforming loan limit in California is $1,089,300. Most California coastal counties qualify for high-cost area limits of up to $1,089,300. San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Marin counties are at the national ceiling. If your loan exceeds this, you'll need jumbo financing, which typically requires a 20%+ down payment.

Closing Costs to Plan For

Beyond your down payment, budget for closing costs of around $7,200 in California. California charges a documentary transfer tax of $1.10/$1,000 of value statewide, with most counties and cities adding their own transfer taxes. Los Angeles city charges an additional 0.45%, and properties over $5M face higher rates.

Property Tax Impact

California's effective property tax rate is 0.71% (average annual bill: $4,016). A larger down payment reduces your monthly mortgage but property taxes remain constant regardless of how much you put down.

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