Buying a Home in San Diego: Mortgage Rates, Down Payment Assistance and True Costs
Buying a home in San Diego in 2026 means juggling three numbers at once: a price that sits near or above $1 million for a detached house, a mortgage rate that has moved back toward 7%, and a stack of costs that never appear in the listing price. Most first-time buyers find the down payment is only the start. There is the supplemental tax bill that lands months after closing, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, and a homeowners insurance market that has changed a lot in recent years.
This guide walks through current rates, the loan limits that apply in San Diego County, the down payment assistance programs available locally and statewide, and the full cost of ownership, with two worked examples for real San Diego households.
All figures are based on publicly available information as of September 22, 2026, and rates, limits and program rules can change at any time. Check each source before you act.
Quick Answer
Freddie Mac’s weekly survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.95% on September 17, 2026, and San Diego County’s 2026 one-unit loan limit for both conforming and FHA loans is $1,104,000. The main down payment help comes from CalHFA’s MyHome program (up to 3.5% of the price on FHA loans) and from the San Diego Housing Commission, which offers deferred loans and closing cost grants to income-qualified first-time buyers. Beyond the down payment, budget for closing costs, a separate supplemental property tax bill that your lender does not pay, mortgage insurance on low-down-payment loans, HOA dues and insurance. A licensed loan officer and a HUD-approved housing counselor can tell you which programs fit your income and property.
What a San Diego Home Costs in 2026
The first surprise for many buyers is that “the median price” is not one number. Different organizations measure different things, over different areas and time windows, so their figures rarely match.
Why the median price depends on who you ask
The Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) uses San Diego MLS data compiled by ShowingTime Plus. It reported an August 2026 countywide median sales price of $1,120,000 for detached homes and $670,000 for attached homes such as condos and townhomes. Across all property types, SDAR’s county median was $965,000, up 7.1% from August 2025.
Redfin looks only at the City of San Diego and uses a rolling three-month window. It reported a median sale price of $999,339 for June through August 2026, up 5.2% year over year.
Realtor.com data published on the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED database showed a San Diego County median listing price of $899,000 in August 2026. That is an asking price, not a sale price, and it includes every active listing rather than just homes that closed.
| Source | Figure | What it measures | Area and period |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDAR / San Diego MLS | $1,120,000 | Median closed sale, detached homes | San Diego County, Aug 2026 |
| SDAR / San Diego MLS | $670,000 | Median closed sale, condos and townhomes | San Diego County, Aug 2026 |
| SDAR / San Diego MLS | $965,000 | Median closed sale, all property types | San Diego County, Aug 2026 |
| Redfin | $999,339 | Median sale price, all home types | City of San Diego, Jun–Aug 2026 |
| Realtor.com via FRED | $899,000 | Median listing (asking) price | San Diego County, Aug 2026 |
None of these numbers is “wrong.” The detached-home median matters most if you want a house with a yard. The attached median is the more realistic entry point for many first-time buyers.
How competitive the market is
SDAR’s August report showed detached homes averaging 35 days on market and selling for 98% of their original list price, with inventory down 20.7% from a year earlier. Redfin found that 34.5% of City of San Diego homes sold above list price. In practice that means limited room to negotiate on well-priced homes, which matters when you are counting on a seller credit toward closing costs.
Mortgage Rates in San Diego Right Now
The benchmark numbers
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.95% as of September 17, 2026. That was up from 6.76% the week before and 6.26% a year earlier. The 15-year fixed averaged 6.26%.
Mortgage News Daily’s daily index showed a higher figure: 7.19% for the 30-year fixed on September 21, 2026.
Why two reputable sources disagree
The gap comes from how each is built.
- Freddie Mac publishes weekly. It surveys lenders Monday through Wednesday and releases results each Thursday. Its figure reflects conventional, conforming purchase loans for borrowers who put 20% down and have excellent credit.
- Mortgage News Daily publishes a daily index. It reacts to bond-market moves between Freddie Mac releases, so it can run ahead of the weekly survey when rates are rising.
Neither is the rate you will be offered. Your quote depends on your credit score, down payment, loan type, loan size and whether you pay points. In San Diego, loan size matters more than in most places. Many buyers borrow above the national baseline limit and into “high-balance” territory, which lenders often price differently.
What a rate change does to your payment
On a $657,865 loan (the FHA example later in this guide), the principal-and-interest payment is about $4,355 a month at 6.95% and about $4,461 at 7.19%. That quarter-point gap costs roughly $106 a month, or over $1,200 a year.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests asking at least three lenders for an official Loan Estimate on the same loan terms. That lets you compare offers side by side.
Loan Limits and Loan Types for San Diego Buyers
San Diego County’s 2026 loan limits
The Federal Housing Finance Agency set the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit at $832,750 for a one-unit home. The ceiling in the most expensive areas is $1,249,125. San Diego County sits between the two.
| Property size | FHFA 2026 limit, San Diego County |
|---|---|
| One unit | $1,104,000 |
| Two units | $1,413,350 |
| Three units | $1,708,400 |
| Four units | $2,123,100 |
HUD’s 2026 list of FHA areas between the floor and ceiling shows the same $1,104,000 one-unit limit for San Diego County. Loans between $832,750 and $1,104,000 are generally called high-balance conforming loans. Anything above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan.
VA loans work differently. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a borrower with full entitlement has no VA loan limit, as long as the lender approves the loan amount and the appraisal supports the price. Borrowers who have already used part of their entitlement face limits tied to the FHFA county figure.
Comparing the main loan types
| Feature | Conventional | FHA | VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 San Diego one-unit limit | $1,104,000 (high-balance above $832,750) | $1,104,000 | No limit with full entitlement |
| Upfront cost | None required | 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium | Funding fee of 2.15% on first use with under 5% down (many disabled veterans are exempt) |
| Ongoing insurance | Private mortgage insurance with less than 20% down | Annual MIP, commonly 0.55% on loans at or below the threshold | None monthly |
| Who it often suits | Stronger credit, larger down payment | Smaller down payment, credit still building | Eligible veterans, service members, some surviving spouses |
| Works with CalHFA MyHome | Yes, up to 3% | Yes, up to 3.5% | CalHFA has a VA program; confirm assistance options with a CalHFA lender |
A San Diego wrinkle in FHA mortgage insurance
HUD’s Mortgagee Letter 2023-05 did three things:
- It set the upfront premium at 1.75% of the base loan.
- It cut the common annual premium to 0.55% for 30-year loans with less than 5% down.
- It tied the loan-size threshold for those rates to the national conforming loan limit.
Loans above that threshold pay more: 0.75% a year for a 30-year loan with less than 5% down. The letter listed the threshold as $726,200 when it was issued; FHFA’s 2026 baseline is $832,750.
San Diego’s FHA limit reaches $1,104,000, so some local FHA borrowers land in the higher bracket. Ask a lender which rate applies to your loan size.
VA loans and San Diego’s military families
With the county’s large military community, the VA loan comes up often. The VA’s published funding fee chart for first-time use:
| Down payment | Funding fee |
|---|---|
| Less than 5% | 2.15% |
| 5% or more | 1.5% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% |
Subsequent use with under 5% down costs 3.3%. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, and several other groups, are exempt.
Two VA rules often catch buyers off guard:
- On a purchase loan, only the funding fee can be rolled into the loan. Other closing costs must be paid at closing.
- The VA caps seller concessions at 4% of the home’s reasonable value. It does not cap a seller paying normal closing costs.
Down Payment Assistance in San Diego and California
Assistance comes from three levels:
- the state, through CalHFA;
- the City of San Diego, through the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC);
- the County of San Diego, whose program SDHC also administers for many cities.
Most programs are loans, not free money. Most require first-time buyer status, a homebuyer education course and income under a set limit.
CalHFA MyHome Assistance Program
CalHFA’s MyHome program offers a deferred-payment junior loan for the down payment, closing costs or both. It covers up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less) on CalHFA FHA loans, and up to 3% on CalHFA conventional loans.
Eligibility and process:
- Buyer status: you must be a first-time homebuyer and live in the home.
- Education: CalHFA accepts eHome’s eight-hour online course for a $100 fee, or in-person or virtual counseling through NeighborWorks America or a HUD-approved agency.
- Income: CalHFA’s 2026 limit for San Diego County is $259,000, effective June 30, 2026.
- How to apply: CalHFA does not lend directly, so you apply through an approved loan officer.
California Dream For All
Dream For All is CalHFA’s shared appreciation loan for first-generation buyers. It offers up to 20% of the price for down payment or closing costs, capped at $150,000.
When you sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage, you repay the original amount plus a share of the home’s appreciation:
- 20% of the gain for a moderate-income buyer;
- 15% for buyers at or below 80% of area median income.
The 2026 application window closed on March 16, 2026, and vouchers go to registrants chosen by a randomized drawing. CalHFA posted on May 20, 2026 that the next round of vouchers had been released. If you missed this round, signing up for CalHFA’s email updates is the easiest way to hear about future rounds, which depend on funding.
San Diego Housing Commission programs (City of San Diego)
SDHC runs two first-time buyer programs for homes in the City of San Diego (ZIP codes beginning with 921).
Low-Income Program (up to 80% of area median income)
- A deferred-payment loan at 3% simple interest for the down payment.
- A closing cost grant of 4% of the price, up to $10,000.
- No payments are due for 30 years unless you sell, move out or refinance.
- Maximum purchase price: $883,025.
- You must put down at least 3% and take a fixed-rate first mortgage.
Middle-Income Program (80% to 150% of AMI)
- A $40,000 deferred loan at 4% simple interest.
- A $10,000 closing cost grant, forgiven after three years of owner occupancy.
- Maximum purchase price: $1,250,000.
- Unlike the low-income loan, this one converts to a 10-year amortizing loan with monthly payments starting in year six.
SDHC’s own web page is inconsistent on the low-income loan size:
- The descriptive text says “up to 19 percent of the purchase price.”
- The program table on the same page says “up to 17% of the purchase price, not to exceed $125,000.”
- Third-party sites repeat both numbers, and some quote 22%, which is actually the County program’s figure.
The program guidelines and your participating lender will confirm the current amount.
County of San Diego and Chula Vista programs
SDHC also administers the County’s First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program. It covers unincorporated areas plus these cities: Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista.
- Low-income version: a deferred loan of up to 22% of the price plus a closing cost loan of 4% up to $10,000. The maximum purchase price is $743,000, effective June 1, 2026.
- Moderate-income version (80% to 120% of AMI): up to 17% in its participating areas.
Chula Vista’s program offers a deferred loan of up to 22% of the price, capped at $120,000, with a maximum purchase price of $807,500.
San Diego income limits for 2026
SDHC’s 2026 chart, based on HUD figures, lists San Diego’s area median income at $130,900 for a family of four. The 80% “low income” limit for a family of four is $139,900.
That number is higher than the median. As the chart notes, limits at 80% and below use HUD’s formula adjusted for high housing cost areas.
| Program | Assistance | Income limit | Key cap or condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome | Up to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (conventional), deferred | $259,000 (San Diego County) | First-time buyer, education course |
| Dream For All | Up to 20%, max $150,000, shared appreciation | Separate Dream For All limits | First-generation buyer; 2026 window closed March 16 |
| SDHC City Low-Income | 17%–19% deferred loan (see note above) + grant up to $10,000 | 80% AMI ($139,900, family of 4) | City of San Diego, max price $883,025 |
| SDHC City Middle-Income | $40,000 loan + $10,000 grant | 80%–150% AMI | City of San Diego, max price $1,250,000 |
| County Low-Income | Up to 22% deferred + up to $10,000 closing costs | 80% AMI | Participating cities and unincorporated areas, max price $743,000 |
| Chula Vista | Up to 22%, max $120,000 | 80% AMI | Max price $807,500 |
Whether two programs can be layered on the same purchase depends on each program’s rules and the first mortgage. A participating lender is the right person to check that before you write an offer.
The True Costs of Buying: Closing Day and the Months After
Closing costs and your Loan Estimate
Closing costs cover lender fees, appraisal, title insurance, escrow, recording and prepaid items such as interest, property taxes and insurance. They vary by lender, loan and property, so a percentage rule of thumb is less useful than the real document.
CFPB rules set two timing requirements:
- A lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving six pieces of information.
- You must receive your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, so you can compare the two.
Documentary transfer tax
The San Diego County Recorder collects documentary transfer tax at $0.55 per $500 of value, which works out to $1.10 per $1,000. On a $670,000 condo that is $737.
Who pays is negotiable in the purchase contract. Confirm the allocation, and whether anything else applies to your address, with your agent and escrow officer.
The supplemental property tax bill
This is the cost most new San Diego owners forget. Under Proposition 13, a sale triggers reassessment. The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector explains how the supplemental bill is calculated:
- Take the difference between the old and new assessed value.
- Prorate it for the months left in the fiscal year, which ends June 30.
- Apply the 1% rate.
The Treasurer-Tax Collector is clear that supplemental bills are not sent to your lender, even if you have an impound account. You pay them yourself, and a late installment carries a 10% penalty. This bill often arrives months after you move in, so many buyers set money aside at closing.
Homeowners’ exemption
The San Diego County Assessor’s homeowners’ exemption reduces your assessed value by $7,000, saving about $70 a year. You file once and it continues while you live there.
- February 15 is the regular deadline.
- Late filings through December 10 get 80% of the exemption.
The Assessor mails a claim form after each purchase, but it is your responsibility to return it.
Ongoing Costs of Owning in San Diego
Property taxes, bonds and Mello-Roos
The Treasurer-Tax Collector notes that Proposition 13 limits the tax rate to 1% of assessed value plus voter-approved bonds and assessments. Your assessed value can rise no more than 2% a year while you own the home.
Voter-approved bonds and special assessments vary by address, so your effective rate will be above 1%. In many newer master-planned communities, you may also see Community Facilities District charges, often called Mello-Roos, on the tax bill. Ask for the current tax bill during escrow rather than estimating.
Regular secured tax bills are due in two installments:
| Installment | Due | Delinquent after |
|---|---|---|
| First | November 1 | December 10 |
| Second | February 1 | April 10 |
Homeowners insurance in San Diego County
Insurance deserves attention before you remove contingencies, not after. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) encourages buyers to shop and compare. It offers tools such as its Home Insurance Finder and a premium comparison.
If you cannot find coverage in the regular market, the California FAIR Plan is the insurer of last resort. CDI notes that a basic FAIR Plan policy covers fire, lightning, internal explosion and smoke. It suggests pairing it with a Difference in Conditions (DIC) policy to cover gaps such as theft and liability.
Wildfire exposure is real here. Redfin, using First Street data, estimates that 36% of properties in the City of San Diego have some wildfire risk over the next 30 years. Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover earthquake or flood either. Asking an agent for a quote on the specific address early in escrow avoids a last-minute surprise that can derail a loan.
HOA dues, mortgage insurance and maintenance
Condo and townhome buyers pay monthly HOA dues, which usually cover the master insurance policy, common areas and reserves. Review the HOA’s budget and reserve study, because underfunded reserves can lead to special assessments.
Many owners also set aside money each year for repairs. A single roof, water heater or sewer lateral can cost thousands.
Two Worked Examples for San Diego Households
These examples use the numbers verified above plus clearly labeled assumptions. They are illustrations, not quotes, and your own figures will differ.
Example 1: First-time buyer, $670,000 condo with FHA and CalHFA MyHome
A couple earning $170,000 a year buys a condo at SDAR’s August 2026 attached median of $670,000 in the City of San Diego. Their income is under CalHFA’s $259,000 San Diego limit.
Loan setup
- Down payment (3.5%): $23,450, which MyHome can cover in full as a deferred junior loan.
- Base FHA loan: $646,550.
- Upfront MIP (1.75%): $11,315, financed, for a total loan of $657,865.
Monthly costs
| Item | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Principal and interest at 6.95%, 30 years | about $4,355 |
| Annual MIP at 0.55% (base loan is under the national conforming limit; loan-to-value is over 95%) | about $296 |
| Property tax (assumption: 1.2% effective rate) | about $670 |
| HOA dues (assumption) | $450 |
| HO-6 condo insurance (assumption) | $60 |
| Estimated total | about $5,831 |
That is roughly 41% of the couple’s gross monthly income. A lender would also look at car loans, student loans and other debts.
Other costs to plan for
- Cash to close still includes closing costs and prepaids.
- Suppose the seller had an assessed value of $420,000 and the couple closes near the end of October. A supplemental bill of roughly $250,000 × 1% × 8/12 ≈ $1,667 would follow later, paid by them directly.
- The MyHome loan must be repaid when they sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage.
Example 2: Navy family, $1,120,000 detached home with a VA loan
A Navy family with $250,000 in household income and full VA entitlement buys a single-family home at SDAR’s August 2026 detached median of $1,120,000. This is their first VA loan and they put nothing down.
Loan setup
- VA funding fee (2.15%): $24,080, financed, for a total loan of $1,144,080.
Monthly costs
| Item | Monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Principal and interest at 6.95%, 30 years (VA rates can differ from the Freddie Mac benchmark) | about $7,573 |
| Property tax (assumption: 1.2%) | about $1,120 |
| Homeowners insurance (assumption) | $300 |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | none |
| Estimated total | about $8,993 |
That is roughly 43% of gross monthly income.
The same house with a conventional loan. A buyer putting 20% ($224,000) down would borrow $896,000. That is a high-balance conforming loan under San Diego’s $1,104,000 limit. At 6.95%, principal and interest is about $5,931 a month, or about $7,351 with the same tax and insurance assumptions.
The VA borrower keeps $224,000 in cash but borrows more and pays more each month. Which trade-off makes sense depends on savings, job stability and how long the family expects to stay. A VA-experienced loan officer can walk through the options.
If someone in the household receives VA disability compensation, the funding fee would be waived, lowering the loan by $24,080.
Buying a Home in San Diego, Step by Step
- Check your credit and savings. Pull your credit reports. Total what you have for a down payment, closing costs and a cash cushion for the supplemental tax bill.
- Take a homebuyer education course early. CalHFA and SDHC programs both require one, and it helps you understand the process.
- Talk to lenders who offer local programs. CalHFA and SDHC both publish lists of approved or participating lenders. Ask each for a Loan Estimate on the same terms.
- Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. A third of homes sell above list, so a verified pre-approval makes offers more credible.
- Price out insurance on each serious property. Get a quote for the actual address before removing contingencies.
- Review HOA documents and the tax bill during escrow. Look for reserves, pending assessments, Mello-Roos and bond charges.
- Compare your Closing Disclosure to your Loan Estimate. Use the three-business-day window to question anything that changed.
- After closing, file the homeowners’ exemption and watch for the supplemental bill. Your lender handles neither of these for you.
Common Mistakes and Money-Saving Moves
Mistakes that cost San Diego buyers money
- Budgeting only for the down payment. Closing costs, prepaids and the supplemental bill can add up to tens of thousands.
- Assuming the Freddie Mac rate is your rate. It reflects 20% down and excellent credit on a conforming loan.
- Waiting until late in escrow to get insurance. A property that is hard to insure can delay or derail funding.
- Missing the loan-size thresholds. Crossing $832,750 or $1,104,000 can change pricing, mortgage insurance and qualifying rules.
- Relying on outdated program details. Assistance amounts, price caps and income limits change, sometimes mid-year.
Moves many buyers consider
- Comparing offers. Many buyers get at least three Loan Estimates.
- Staying under a threshold. Some ask lenders whether a slightly smaller loan would keep them under a pricing threshold.
- Checking assistance first. Some confirm whether their income qualifies for SDHC or County assistance before choosing a neighborhood.
- Starting with attached homes. Condos and townhomes had a median about $450,000 below detached homes in August 2026.
- Asking for seller help. Some ask the seller to contribute to closing costs where the market allows.
A licensed loan officer or HUD-approved counselor can tell you which of these apply to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to buy a house in San Diego?
It depends on the loan. With an FHA loan, the minimum down payment is 3.5%, so a $670,000 condo needs $23,450 down. CalHFA’s MyHome program can cover that for eligible first-time buyers. You also need money for closing costs, prepaid taxes and insurance, and reserves. Eligible VA borrowers can put nothing down, and conventional minimums vary by loan size and program.
What is the conforming loan limit in San Diego for 2026?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency set San Diego County’s 2026 one-unit conforming loan limit at $1,104,000. Loans between the $832,750 national baseline and $1,104,000 are high-balance conforming loans. Two- to four-unit properties have higher limits, up to $2,123,100 for a fourplex. HUD lists the same $1,104,000 one-unit limit for FHA loans in San Diego County.
What are mortgage rates in San Diego today?
Freddie Mac’s national survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.95% on September 17, 2026. Mortgage News Daily’s daily index showed 7.19% on September 21. San Diego rates track national rates, but your quote depends on credit, down payment, loan type and loan size. Getting Loan Estimates from several lenders on the same day is the most reliable way to compare.
Does San Diego have first-time homebuyer programs?
Yes. The San Diego Housing Commission offers deferred loans and closing cost grants for income-qualified first-time buyers in the City of San Diego. It also administers County and Chula Vista programs for other areas. Statewide, CalHFA’s MyHome program offers up to 3.5% for down payment or closing costs. Most programs require a homebuyer education course and income under a set limit.
How does the supplemental tax bill work in San Diego?
When you buy, the county reassesses the property. It then sends a supplemental bill for the difference between the old and new assessed value, prorated to June 30. The San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector says these bills are not sent to your lender, so you pay them directly. Missing the due date adds a 10% penalty.
What is the property tax rate in San Diego County?
Proposition 13 limits the base rate to 1% of assessed value. Voter-approved bonds and special assessments, which vary by address, are added on top, so most owners pay somewhat more than 1% in total. Some newer communities also carry Mello-Roos charges. The actual tax bill for a specific property is the best source, and your escrow officer can provide it.
Can I get down payment assistance with a VA loan in San Diego?
CalHFA offers a VA loan program, and assistance options may apply depending on the loan structure, so it is worth asking a CalHFA-approved lender. Many VA borrowers do not need a down payment at all if they have full entitlement. They still pay closing costs, and only the VA funding fee can be financed into a purchase loan.
Is it better to buy a condo or a house in San Diego?
It depends on your budget, plans and tolerance for HOA rules. SDAR’s August 2026 data showed a $670,000 median for condos and townhomes versus $1,120,000 for detached homes. Condos cost less upfront but add HOA dues and possible special assessments. A real estate agent and lender can model both for your finances.
How long does it take to buy a home in San Diego?
Timelines vary. The house hunt often moves quickly: SDAR reported detached homes averaging 35 days on market in August 2026. Once an offer is accepted, escrow length is set in your purchase contract. It can stretch when a loan or assistance program adds review steps. Starting homebuyer education and pre-approval early shortens the overall process.
The Bottom Line
Buying a home in San Diego in 2026 is expensive, but the costs are knowable. Rates near 7%, a $1,104,000 county loan limit, and median prices around $670,000 for condos and $1,120,000 for detached homes set the frame. CalHFA and the San Diego Housing Commission can close part of the down payment gap for eligible buyers. Planning for the supplemental tax bill, insurance and HOA dues keeps the first year from going sideways.
A practical next step: take a homebuyer education course, then request Loan Estimates from two or three lenders that participate in CalHFA or SDHC programs. That way you see your real numbers before you start making offers.
Sources
All sources accessed September 22, 2026.
- Freddie Mac — “Mortgage Rates Average 6.95%” — https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mortgage-rates-average-695
- Mortgage News Daily — “Freddie Mac Mortgage Rates – Weekly Survey” (includes MND daily index) — https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage-rates/freddie-mac
- Federal Housing Finance Agency — “FHFA Conforming Loan Limit Values” — https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit
- Federal Housing Finance Agency — “Conforming Loan Limit Values for Calendar Year 2026 – All Counties” (CSV) — https://www.fhfa.gov/document/d/cll/fullcountyloanlimitlist2026_hera-based_final_flat.csv
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — “FHA Lenders Single Family” (2026 Maximum Mortgage Limits) — https://www.hud.gov/hud-partners/single-family-lender
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — “FHA 2026 Areas Above Floor and Below Ceiling” — https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/SFH/documents/FHA-2026-Areas-Above-Floor-and-Below-Ceiling.pdf
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — “Mortgagee Letter 2023-05: Reduction of FHA Annual MIP Rates” — https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/2023-05hsgml.pdf
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — “VA funding fee and loan closing costs” — https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/funding-fee-and-closing-costs/
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — “VA home loan entitlement and limits” — https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/loan-limits
- California Housing Finance Agency — “MyHome Assistance Program” — https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/myhome.htm
- California Housing Finance Agency — “2026 Government & Conventional Income Limits” (effective 06.30.2026) — https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homeownership/limits/income/income.pdf
- California Housing Finance Agency — “California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan” — https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/
- San Diego Housing Commission — “First-Time Homebuyers” — https://sdhc.org/housing-opportunities/first-time-homebuyers/
- San Diego Housing Commission — “2026 San Diego Area Median Income Limits” — https://sdhc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AMIIncomeLimits-2026.pdf
- Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® / ShowingTime Plus — “Monthly Indicators, August 2026” — https://sdar.stats.10kresearch.com/docs/mmi/x/report
- Redfin — “San Diego, CA Housing Market” — https://www.redfin.com/city/16904/CA/San-Diego/housing-market
- Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), data from Realtor.com — “Housing Inventory: Median Listing Price in San Diego County, CA” — https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MEDLISPRI6073
- County of San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk — “Recording” (Documentary Transfer Tax) — https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/recorder-clerk/recording.html
- County of San Diego Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk — “Homeowners’ Exemption” — https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/arcc/home/divisions/assessor/property-tax-savings/homeowner-exemption.html
- San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector — “Secured Property Taxes” — https://www.sdttc.com/content/ttc/en/tax-collection/secured-property-taxes.html
- San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector — “Supplemental Property Taxes” — https://www.sdttc.com/content/ttc/en/tax-collection/supplemental-taxes.html
- California Department of Insurance — “Home/Residential Insurance” — https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/5-residential/index.cfm
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — “Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure: Your guides as you choose the home loan that’s right for you” — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/archive/blog/loan-estimate-and-closing-disclosure-choose-right-home-loans/
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available information believed to be accurate at the time of writing, and rates, rules, products and eligibility requirements change frequently. It is not financial, insurance, tax or legal advice, and no advisor-client relationship is created by reading it. We are not licensed financial advisors, insurance agents, tax preparers or attorneys, and nothing here is a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any product, policy or security. Your own situation is different from the examples used here, so please consult a licensed financial advisor, insurance agent, tax professional or attorney before making any decision. We make no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information and accept no liability for any loss arising from its use. Some links may be to third-party sites we do not control.
Internal Link Ideas
- FHA, VA and Conventional Loans Compared for San Diego Buyers (topic #115)
- Property Taxes in San Diego County: Prop 13, Prop 19 and Supplemental Bills (topic #117)
- Mortgage Pre-Approval in California: Documents, Timelines and Credit Impact (topic #113)
- Saving for a Down Payment in San Diego: Realistic Timelines and Account Choices (topic #68)
- Homeowners Insurance in San Diego: Why Premiums Are Rising and How to Keep Coverage (topic #11)
External Authoritative Links
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Buying a House tools: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/
- CalHFA — Homebuyer Loan Programs: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/index.htm
- FHFA — Conforming Loan Limit Values: https://www.fhfa.gov/data/conforming-loan-limit