CalHFA Vs. Conventional: Which Is Best for Your First Home?

CalHFA Vs. Conventional: Which Is Best for Your First Home?

You’ve finally decided to stop paying your landlord’s mortgage and start paying your own. You’ve looked at the houses, checked the neighborhoods, and now you’re staring at two very different paths for your financing: a CalHFA program or a standard Conventional loan....
Does a 20% Down Payment Really Matter in 2026?

Does a 20% Down Payment Really Matter in 2026?

For decades, the "20% down payment" has been treated as the golden rule of home buying. It was the threshold that proved you were financially "ready" to own a home. But as we navigate the real estate market of 2026, many buyers, especially...