Mortgage Broker in Santa Monica, CA — Home Loans for Purchase and Refinance

If you are buying a home or refinancing in Santa Monica, Lendia can help. Lendia, Inc. is a licensed California mortgage broker, not a bank. Instead of offering a single lender’s products, we compare options from the wholesale lenders we work with for FHA, VA, conventional, jumbo and non-QM loans, then walk you through the choices that fit your situation. Santa Monica is in Los Angeles County, and we arrange loans for properties throughout the county.

Buying or Refinancing in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a beachfront city on the Westside of Los Angeles County, with the pier, the Third Street Promenade and a long stretch of coastline. Housing leans heavily toward condos, townhomes and apartment buildings, with single-family neighborhoods in the north and in parts of the city away from the ocean. Many residents rent, and ownership often means attached housing. Walkable streets, transit and proximity to the beach are part of everyday life here, and they shape which neighborhoods and building types buyers consider.

Since condos are so prevalent, association rules, reserves and building condition play a big role in whether a loan can be approved. Larger loan amounts can require higher-balance or jumbo financing, and buyers may need to show reserves and clear documentation. Borrowers in entertainment, technology and healthcare may be self-employed or have bonus and stock income, so choosing a loan that can count that income properly matters. Some owners also hold small rental properties and need to think through refinancing carefully. Gathering building documents and income records early helps avoid delays once an offer is accepted.

Common Loan Situations in Santa Monica

• Condo project review. Lenders look at the building’s budget, reserves and any pending special assessments before approving a purchase.
• Variable or non-salary income. Buyers with commissions, bonuses, equity compensation or business income can often use alternative documentation approaches.
• Small rental properties. Owners of duplexes or small buildings may be weighing a refinance against keeping an existing loan.

Los Angeles County Loan Limits for 2026

The 2026 conforming loan limit for a one-unit home in Los Angeles County is $1,249,125. Los Angeles County is a designated high-cost area, so its limit sits at the national ceiling for 2026. Conventional loans above that amount are jumbo loans, which follow different guidelines. VA loans work differently: with full entitlement there is no VA-set loan limit, and the county limit mainly matters for borrowers with reduced or remaining entitlement. You can look up the limit for a specific ZIP code on our California loan limits page.

Home Loan Programs Available in Santa Monica

• Conventional loans — for buyers and homeowners with solid credit; down payment options start as low as 3% for eligible buyers.
• FHA loans — government-insured loans with down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers and more flexible credit guidelines.
• VA loans — up to 100% financing for eligible veterans, active-duty service members and some surviving spouses.
• Jumbo loans — for conventional loan amounts above the Los Angeles County limit of $1,249,125.
• Non-QM and bank statement loans — alternative documentation for self-employed borrowers, investors and other non-traditional income.
• Refinancing — rate-and-term and cash-out options for current Santa Monica homeowners.

How Working With Lendia Goes

1. Start with your goals. Tell us whether you are buying, refinancing or taking cash out, and what monthly payment feels comfortable. The affordability guide shows how lenders look at your income and debts.
2. Get preapproved. We review your income, assets and credit, then explain which programs fit. See what to expect in our preapproval guide.
3. Compare options. Because we are a broker, we can compare programs from the lenders we work with rather than quoting one product.
4. Close with clear communication. We keep you updated on appraisal, underwriting and closing steps so there are no surprises.

Common Questions From Santa Monica Borrowers

What is the loan limit in Los Angeles County?

For 2026, the one-unit conforming limit in Los Angeles County is $1,249,125. Conventional loan amounts above it are jumbo loans, while VA loans with full entitlement have no VA-set limit. Limits are higher for two- to four-unit properties.

Can I buy in Santa Monica with less than 20% down?

Yes, depending on the program. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% down for eligible buyers, FHA loans as low as 3.5% down for qualified borrowers, and VA loans offer up to 100% financing for eligible borrowers. Lower down payments usually mean mortgage insurance on conventional and FHA loans. Our down payment guide explains the tradeoffs.

Is Lendia a bank or a broker?

Lendia is a mortgage broker, which means we arrange your loan with a lender rather than lending our own money. Lendia, Inc. is licensed in California only. You can verify our license on the NMLS Consumer Access website using NMLS #295073.

Ready to talk about your Santa Monica purchase or refinance? Request a rate quote or call (949) 333-4636.

Lendia, Inc. | 1907 Millwood St, Santa Ana, CA 92705 | NMLS #295073 | Licensed by the California DRE #01877189