Finding the Best Owner-Occupied Mortgage Options in SoCal | Valor Lending Group
Buying a home to live in is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s a coastal retreat in San Diego, a family-friendly spot in Orange County, or a modern townhouse in Los Angeles, the key is Finding the Best Owner-Occupied Mortgage Options in SoCal. With choices ranging from conventional and FHA to VA and USDA, knowing which loan best fits your lifestyle, finances, and long-term goals can feel overwhelming.
That’s where I come in. I’m Hayden Madison with Valor Lending Group, and I specialize in guiding buyers through the process with clarity and expertise. My goal is to simplify your path, help you choose the right loan with confidence, and get you into your dream Southern California home – without the stress.
Call me, Hayden Madison, at 858-349-7538, or email me at hmadison@valorlending.com
Let’s walk you through the doorway to your future.

Finding the Best Owner-Occupied Mortgage Options in SoCal
The Southern California market is unique. Home prices, competition, and lending guidelines all play a role in determining which loan is the smartest move for your situation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Riverside, a military family in Oceanside, or a self-employed entrepreneur in Beverly Hills, there’s a mortgage option designed to fit your goals. Let’s break down some of the most popular owner-occupied loan types in SoCal.
Why Conventional Loans Still Dominate in SoCal
If your credit is 620 or higher and you have a steady income, a conventional loan can be a smart choice. With as little as 3% down, plus the ability to remove mortgage insurance once you hit 20% equity, these loans are flexible and widely accepted. For buyers in competitive markets like Irvine or Encinitas, a conventional loan can help strengthen your offer.
Why San Diego Buyers Love FHA Loans
For first-time buyers or those rebuilding their credit, FHA loans open doors that might otherwise stay shut. With credit scores as low as 580 and down payments starting at 3.5%, FHA loans are often the launchpad into homeownership. They’re especially helpful in markets like Chula Vista or Escondido, where entry-level pricing meets FHA flexibility.
The VA Advantage in Orange County
Southern California has a strong military presence, and VA loans remain one of the most powerful benefits available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses. With 0% down, no PMI, and streamlined underwriting, VA loans are often the key that unlocks Orange County ownership from San Clemente to Fullerton. For many military families, this is the ultimate answer to Finding the Best Owner-Occupied Mortgage Options in SoCal.
Why USDA Loans Fit Inland Empire Buyers
USDA loans may not be the first program that comes to mind in SoCal, but they’re an underrated tool for buyers outside the big city cores. With zero down payment and low mortgage insurance, USDA loans make rural and suburban homeownership more accessible.
In Southern California, USDA-eligible areas include:
- Riverside County: Communities like Menifee, Wildomar, Perris, and parts of Hemet
- San Bernardino County: High Desert areas like Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Victorville
- North San Diego County: Pockets outside city limits, such as Valley Center or Bonsall
For families willing to live just outside the pricier coastal zones, USDA loans provide an affordable path to ownership without the burden of a large down payment.
Bank Statement Loans for SoCal Entrepreneurs
Southern California thrives on entrepreneurship. From tech startups in Los Angeles to boutique owners in Orange County, from entertainment professionals in Hollywood to contractors and consultants across San Diego, self-employed buyers are the backbone of the local economy.
Traditional loans can create roadblocks when your tax returns don’t reflect your true income due to write-offs or business expenses. That’s where bank statement loans step in.
Highlights for SoCal entrepreneurs:
- Qualify with 12–24 months of bank statements (personal or business)
- No W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns required
- Loan amounts available up to $8 million
- Works for primary homes, second homes, or investment properties
For example:
- A digital creator in Los Angeles can leverage their steady PayPal deposits
- A restaurant owner in San Diego can qualify based on consistent business income
- A contractor in Orange County can use client payments instead of tax returns

How to Choose the Right Fit
Each program offers a path to ownership, but your best option depends on your financial picture, future plans, and the neighborhood you want to call home. Whether you’re aiming for the coastal lifestyle in San Diego, the suburban comfort of Irvine, or the vibrancy of LA, the right loan doesn’t just get you into a house – it makes it sustainable.
Call me, Hayden Madison, today at 858-349-7538, or email me at hmadison@valorlending.com
Let’s connect the dots and put your mortgage goals into action.

VALOR LENDING GROUP OFFERS EVERY MORTGAGE LOAN IN THE BOOK!
At Valor Lending Group, I’m ready to help you achieve your investment goals.
Call me, Hayden Madison, directly at 858-349-7538, and turn your dreams into reality today!
Recently Funded | Valor Lending Group
$1,044,550 Loan amount | Private Money Bridge Loan | Purchase | 65% LTV | Murrieta, CA
$1,900,000 Loan amount | Full Doc Jumbo Loan | Cash Out Refi | 31% LTV | Mirage, CA
$1,430,000 Loan amount | 24 Month Bank Statement Loan | Purchase | 65% LTV | Phoenix, AZ
$2,625,000 Loan amount | Ground up Construction Loan | Purchase | 65% LTV | Malibu, CA
$1,905,000 Loan amount | Fix and Flip Loan | Purchase | 90/100 LTV | Palos Verde, CA
$2,645,000 Loan amount | Ground up Spec Construction Loan | Purchase | 65% LTV | Palm Springs, CA
$712,500 Loan amount | DSCR Loan | Cash Out Refi | 75%LTV | 70% LTV
$4,013,750 Loan amount | Full Doc Jumbo Loan | Rate& Term Refi | 75% LTV | Newport Beach, CA
$592,500 Loan amount | DSCR Loan | Purchase | 75% LTV| Seattle, WA
And many more.
Every Project, Every Loan – Let’s Build Your Success Together!
Call me, Hayden Madison, today at 858-349-7538, or email me at hmadison@valorlending.com
Recap of Our Loan Products:
- Private Money Loans (20% down / minimal documentation) typically, funds in 7-10 days
- Stated Income Loans (Great for business owners and self-employed) No tax returns!
- 100% financing is available (we can cross-collateralize other properties if there is enough equity)
- Valor VA Home Loan 100% financing up to $2.5MM
- Investor Cash Flow Loan – No tax returns or DTI calculation! Based on the subject property’s cash flow
- Flipper & Rehab Loans (Flip a property with one of our many options)
- 2nd Position Loans up to $5MM
- Raw Land & Lot Loans
- Ground-up Construction for spec homes, custom homes, and commercial ground-up.
- Farms, Vineyards, Ranches, and Agricultural Properties (25-30% down)
- 10% down, Jumbo’s up to $1.5MM
- Manufactured Housing / Mobile Homes (20% down / 600+ credit score)
- Acreage Properties
- Commercial Loans up to $500MM
- 3% & 5% down Conventional Loans– LPMI (Lender paid mortgage insurance)
- Foreign Nationals Loans (no social security or residency required)
We Also Offer:
- 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years Fixed, Conventional Conforming Loans
- High Balance Conforming, aka Super Conforming
- Jumbo’s to $10 MM / 10% down Jumbo to $1.5MM
- FHA, USDA
- ARM’s
- Reverse mortgages up to $1MM Value
- Refinance, including Cash Out
**Rates and terms are subject to change without notice
