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Laguna Beach is one of the most competitive coastal markets in Orange County. Conventional financing is the standard here — most sellers expect it.
HousingWire flagged a 10.4% drop in mortgage applications as the 30-year fixed hit 6.57%. Fewer buyers competing means more negotiating room if you're qualified. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
6.57% (Apr 2026)
30-Year Fixed Rate
620
Min Credit Score
3%
Min Down Payment
At 20% equity
PMI Removal
Conventional Loans in Laguna Beach
Most conventional loans require a 620 minimum credit score. To get competitive rates in Laguna Beach's price range, you want 740 or higher.
Standard down payment is 3-5% for conforming loan amounts. Above the conforming limit, you're in jumbo territory and lenders want 10-20% down.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conventional loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach is one of the most competitive coastal markets in Orange County. Conventional financing is the standard here — most sellers expect it.
HousingWire flagged a 10.4% drop in mortgage applications as the 30-year fixed hit 6.57%. Fewer buyers competing means more negotiating room if you're qualified. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Most conventional loans require a 620 minimum credit score. To get competitive rates in Laguna Beach's price range, you want 740 or higher.
We shop conventional loans across 200+ wholesale lenders. Retail banks give you one rate sheet. We give you dozens.
Not every lender prices Laguna Beach properties the same way. Condos, cliff-side homes, and mixed-use lots get flagged differently. Lender selection matters.
ARM demand is picking up as fixed rates stay elevated. A 5/1 or 7/1 ARM can save real money if you plan to sell or refinance within that window.
Conventional loans also give you cleaner appraisal conditions than FHA. Laguna Beach properties with deferred maintenance or ocean exposure don't always pass government loan inspections.
FHA loans cap out at $1,249,125 in Orange County and require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Most Laguna Beach buyers outgrow FHA fast.
Jumbo loans cover what conforming conventional can't. If your purchase price clears the conforming limit, talk to us about where conventional ends and jumbo begins.
Laguna Beach has a high share of non-warrantable condos and unique architectural properties. These can hit walls with standard conventional guidelines.
Vacation rental income and part-time residency complicate conventional underwriting. Owner-occupancy rules are strict — lenders verify intent carefully here.
Minimum is 620, but most lenders price aggressively at 740+. Lower scores mean higher rates and fees.
It depends on occupancy classification. Lenders treat vacation rentals differently than primary or investment properties — documentation requirements vary.
Standard conventional works for warrantable condos. Non-warrantable buildings require portfolio lenders outside conventional guidelines.
As little as 3% on conforming loan amounts. Jumbo-priced properties typically need 10-20% down.
If you plan to sell or refi within 5-7 years, an ARM can cut your rate meaningfully. Fixed rates are elevated as of April 2026.
PMI cancels automatically when you reach 20% equity based on original value. You can also request removal if the property appreciates.