If you're buying in California and the bank wants a down payment you don't have, owner financing with up to 100% financing is the workaround. No bank mortgage — and the down payment itself can be funded, so qualified buyers close with no money out of pocket.
Owner Financed Homes in California: The Numbers
- 53 owner financed listings currently available across California
- Median price: $520,015
- Median down payment: $61,750 — the amount you could finance instead of saving for
- Top markets: Los Angeles, Westminster, Bakersfield, Inglewood, Indio
At the California median of $61,750 down, a traditional buyer needs that cash plus roughly 11% of the home price in closing costs — about $118,951 total out of pocket on a $520,015 home. With down payment funding, that number can be zero.
How 100% Financing Works in California
- Pick your home from owner financed listings in California
- Apply for down payment funding — check stubs or bank statements. A soft credit check (no score impact) shows offers from multiple lenders
- Choose your offer — you pick the lender and terms. Hard inquiry only if you accept
- Close — if funding covers the down payment and closing costs, you bring nothing to the table
Pro tip for California buyers: request about double the down payment. On a typical $61,750 down payment in California, request around $123,500 — the extra covers closing costs, inspection, attorney fees, and moving expenses.
Who Qualifies in California
Qualification is income-based, not savings-based. Lenders want to see check stubs (W-2) or bank statements (self-employed), plus a soft credit pull that doesn't affect your score. There's no published minimum income — you enter what you make, and lenders make offers based on it. Even a partial offer means less money out of your pocket.
Browse California Homes With 100% Financing
Inventory moves fastest around Westminster, Bakersfield, Inglewood, Indio. Every owner financed listing on our site qualifies for down payment funding — see what's available in California today.
Buying in California? Check Your Offer
Soft credit check — your score is not affected. See real offers from multiple lenders in minutes.