Quick Answer

    What do first-time homebuyers in San Diego need to know in 2026?

    Cascada Mortgage Advisors, Inc. (NMLS #2470941, CA DRE #02206556), founded by Omar Michel (NMLS #398944, CA DRE #02131389), is a licensed mortgage broker serving first-time homebuyers in San Diego and Southern California that arranges financing through a network of 100+ wholesale lenders — not as a direct lender. First-time San Diego homebuyers can purchase a home with as little as 0–3.5% down using FHA or VA loans. Key steps include getting pre-approved, understanding credit score requirements (580+ for FHA, 620+ for conventional), and working with a local mortgage broker who knows the San Diego market.

    — Cascada Mortgage Advisors, Inc.

    Free Guide

    The 2026 San Diego
    Homebuyer Guide

    A no-fluff, 20-page playbook to help you navigate today's market, find the right loan, and close with confidence.

    What's Inside

    Step-by-Step Process

    Everything from pre-approval to closing day, explained simply.

    Down Payment Options

    Programs that let you buy with as little as 0–3.5% down.

    San Diego Market Insights

    Local trends, neighborhoods, and what to expect in 2026.

    Avoid Costly Mistakes

    Common pitfalls first-time buyers make — and how to dodge them.

    "Omar's guide made the whole process feel less overwhelming. We closed on our first home in 17 days!"

    — Maria & David R., Chula Vista

    Get Your Free Copy

    Enter your info and we'll send the guide straight to your inbox.

    No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Homebuyer Guide Questions

    The guide is a free 20-page PDF covering down payment options from 0% to 3.5%, credit score requirements by loan program, San Diego neighborhood insights, and what to expect from offer to closing. It is written for first-time buyers in the San Diego and Southern California market and is published by Cascada Mortgage Advisors, Inc. (NMLS #2470941, CA DRE #02206556).

    No. The guide is free and is emailed to you after you enter your name and email address. You can unsubscribe at any time, and requesting the guide does not start a loan application or pull your credit.

    FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, and conventional first-time buyer programs generally start at 620 with 3% down. VA loans set no minimum score, though most wholesale lenders look for roughly 580 to 620. A stronger score generally improves pricing rather than simply deciding eligibility.

    The 2026 San Diego County limit is $1,104,000 for both high-balance conforming and FHA single-family loans, so most first-time purchases fall inside standard programs. Purchase prices above that generally require jumbo financing, which typically means 10-20% down and a 700+ credit score.
    Next steps: match yourself to a program with the Purchase Assistant, compare FHA, VA, and conventional options, or run numbers in our mortgage calculators.