California Purchase Mortgages

Buy a home with a mortgage strategy built around you.

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or relocating, I'll help you compare your options, understand your financing strategy, and move through the purchase with confidence. And if you work overtime, I'll make sure it's counted right.

Overtime-income specialist
NMLS Licensed #1791379
DRE #02051920
Licensed in California
25+ Years First Responder
Equal Housing Opportunity
Which Mortgage is Right for You?

Explore mortgage options designed for different buyers and financial goals.

Choosing the right mortgage is about more than finding a rate. The structure of your loan affects your monthly payment, your cash flow, your flexibility, and your long-term plans.


I help buyers compare loan options based on:

  • Down payment goals
  • Monthly payment comfort
  • Credit profile
  • Property type
  • Income structure (including overtime and shift pay)
  • Long-term plans
Purchase Loan Options

Types of home loans available through Hess Mortgages

Hess Mortgages helps homebuyers across California explore conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, jumbo mortgages, and personalized financing solutions tailored to their goals.

Conventional Loan

Solid credit and steady income. As little as 3% down, fixed or adjustable, no upfront MIP.

  • As little as 3% down
  • Fixed & adjustable rates
  • No upfront MIP
Learn more
Most Popular

FHA Loan

Flexible qualification for first-time buyers or lower credit. Down payments from 3.5%, scores from 580.

  • Down payments from 3.5%
  • Credit scores from 580
  • Flexible qualification
Learn more

VA

For eligible veterans, active-duty, and surviving spouses. $0 down, no PMI.

  • $0 down payment
  • No PMI required
  • Competitive rates
Learn more

First-Time Buyer & Down Payment Assistance

CA programs (CalHFA, GSFA, and first-responder DPA) explained in plain language. Compare what you actually qualify for.

  • Down payment help available
  • First-responder & CalHFA programs
  • Low-to-no down options
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Jumbo

For high-value homes above the conforming limit. Flexible structures, personalized underwriting.

  • Loans over $766,550
  • Flexible structures
  • Private banking terms
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Bridge / Buy Before You Sell

Move up without carrying two homes. Make a strong, non-contingent offer and close fast.

  • Buy before your current home sells
  • Make a non-contingent offer
  • Close fast in a competitive market
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HELOC / Equity Line

Tap your home's equity with a flexible line of credit you draw on as needed — for renovations, debt consolidation, or large expenses.

  • Draw as needed
  • Pay interest only on what you use
  • Keep your first mortgage
Learn more

Home Equity Loan

A fixed-rate second mortgage that lets you borrow a lump sum against your equity without touching your first mortgage or its rate.

  • Keep your first mortgage and rate
  • Fixed rate, predictable payment
  • One lump sum upfront
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Reverse Mortgage

For homeowners 62+ who are house-rich but cash-poor. Access your equity to cover living expenses, supplement fixed income, or eliminate a monthly payment, all while staying in your home.

  • No monthly mortgage payment
  • Stay in your home
  • Age in place safely
Learn more

Bank Statement Loan

For self-employed borrowers who qualify using 12–24 months of bank deposits instead of tax returns.

  • Qualify on deposits
  • No tax returns
  • Built for self-employed
Learn more

Alternative-Doc Loan

Flexible documentation paths for borrowers whose income doesn't fit a standard W-2 box.

  • Flexible income docs
  • Multiple qualifying methods
  • Tailored to your situation
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DSCR — Rental Property Loan

A debt-service-coverage-ratio loan that qualifies on the property's rental income rather than your personal income. The property qualifies itself.

  • Qualify on rental income
  • No personal income docs
  • Qualify on the property
Learn more

Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage)

For self-employed individuals and buyers without traditional W-2 income.

  • Self-employed friendly
  • Non-W-2 income
  • Non-traditional income OK
Learn more
New

No-Doc Loan

Minimal income documentation for qualified, asset-strong borrowers.

  • Minimal documentation
  • Asset-based options
  • For qualified borrowers
Learn more

Big banks only have one option. You deserve more.

Chase, Wells, and the big banks typically offer one or two loan products and really want your deposits. The loan is just the gateway. Andy works across a wide range of programs to find the one that actually fits your goals.

 

Not sure which loan is right for you? Andy will walk you through it. No pressure, no jargon.

Find Your Rate
First-Time Homebuyer Guidance

Buying your first home? We'll walk you through the process.

Many buyers start the mortgage process unsure where to begin. My goal is to simplify the experience and help you make informed decisions at every stage.

I help first-time buyers understand:

  • How much home they may qualify for
  • Down payment options
  • Monthly payment expectations
  • Mortgage pre-approval
  • Closing costs
  • Loan program comparisons
Common Questions

First-Time Homebuyer Questions

Quick answers to the questions most first-time buyers have before they start the mortgage process.

How much home can I afford as a California buyer?

It depends on your income, monthly debts, down payment, credit profile, and the loan program you choose. Rather than guessing, Andy will walk through real numbers with you and give you an honest, personalized range — including an estimated monthly payment — before you start touring homes.

How much down payment do I actually need?

Less than many buyers expect. Conventional loans can start as low as 3% down, FHA from 3.5%, and VA loans may allow $0 down for eligible buyers. Andy can also help you understand how your down payment affects your monthly payment and whether mortgage insurance applies.

What is pre-approval, and why does it matter?

Pre-approval is a lender's review of your income, assets, and credit that shows how much you may be able to borrow. In competitive California markets, sellers often expect it before accepting an offer. Andy can help you get pre-approved so you can shop with confidence.

I'm a firefighter with overtime and shift income — how is that treated?

Overtime and shift-differential income may be counted toward qualifying when it's documented and meets lender guidelines. Andy works with firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics, and nurses regularly, and can explain what documentation may be needed for your income to be reviewed fairly.

Why Buyers Work with Hess Mortgages

A more personal mortgage experience.

The mortgage process can feel overwhelming, especially in competitive California markets. I focus on making it more strategic, transparent, and relationship-driven.

People choose me because they want:

  • Direct access to an experienced advisor
  • Straight, clear guidance
  • Clear communication throughout the process
  • Financing strategies aligned with long-term goals
  • A trusted resource before, during, and after closing
The Mortgage Process

What to expect during the home loan process.

Four clear steps. No surprises. From your first call to closing day, I guide you the whole way.

01

Schedule a Call

Book a free 20-minute consultation. I will listen to your goals, answer your questions, and give you an honest picture of what's possible.

02

Review Your Options

I'll pull together real loan scenarios with real numbers, so you can compare and choose with confidence.

03

Submit Your Application

The application process is streamlined and mostly digital. I guide you through every document and keep you updated along the way.

04

Close with Confidence

I stay involved through closing day and beyond, so you always know what's next and who to call.

Start with a Free Call
Referral Partners

Trusted by buyers, families, and referral partners.

A lot of my clients come to me through real estate agents, financial professionals, past clients, friends, and family.

Every referral deserves:

  • Responsive communication
  • Professional guidance
  • Clear expectations
  • A thoughtful client experience

If you're referring someone, I'll treat them with the same care and professionalism I'd want for my own family.

Purchase Mortgage Questions

Buying a Home in California, Answered

Andy's answers to the questions buyers ask him most.

What's the difference between conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans?

Conventional loans suit buyers with solid credit and steady income. FHA loans are more flexible on credit and down payment. VA loans offer strong benefits for eligible veterans and service members. Jumbo loans cover higher-value homes above conforming limits. Andy compares all of them based on your goals. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage?

There's no single cutoff. Conventional loans generally favor higher scores, while FHA loans can work with more flexible credit. Your score affects your options and terms, but it's only one piece — income, debt, and down payment all matter too. Andy can review where you stand and what's realistic.

What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you share. A pre-approval is more thorough — your finances are reviewed and verified, which makes your offer far stronger when you find a home. Andy recommends getting fully pre-approved before you start shopping.

How long does the mortgage process take?

Most purchase loans close in about 30–45 days from a complete application, and refinances are often similar. Timelines vary with your loan type, property, and documentation. Andy keeps things moving and updates you at every milestone so nothing feels like a black box.

What documents will I need to apply?

Typically recent pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and a photo ID — though it varies by situation. You don't need anything prepared for a first conversation. Andy will give you a clear, specific checklist once you decide to move forward.

Should I wait for rates to change before buying or refinancing?

Timing the market is difficult, and the right decision depends on your goals — not just the headline rate. The smartest move is to understand your numbers now so you're ready to act when it makes sense for you. Andy can run your scenario honestly, with no pressure either way.

Ready When You Are

Let's talk through your home financing options.

Whether you're preparing to buy now or planning ahead, Hess Mortgages can help you explore mortgage options and build a financing strategy aligned with your goals.

Find Your Rate Schedule a Call