CA · Seth Lester · West Capital Lending
California home loans and cash-to-close planning
For a California purchase, the mortgage decision includes both the amount needed at closing and what you may owe later. Compare the first mortgage, any assistance loan and your retained savings as parts of one plan.
Prefer to talk first? Call or text 480-335-9828.
Seth Lester · Branch Manager & Loan Officer · NMLS #390622
Compare your first mortgage and closing funds
Start with the property type, intended occupancy and funds you want available after closing. A purchase comparison should identify lender charges, third-party costs, prepaids and reserves rather than stopping at the down payment.
Read about conventional financing and compare eligible alternatives using a common purchase price and closing date. If assistance is involved, ask for the first and junior loans to be explained together.
CalHFA MyHome: deferred does not mean forgiven
CalHFA describes MyHome as a deferred-payment junior loan for eligible down payment or closing costs. Its rules include first-time-buyer, primary-residence, education, income and property requirements.
Deferred payments do not mean the loan balance disappears. Review the assistance agreement and ask an approved program lender what happens at sale, refinance or payoff. Do not confuse a junior loan with a grant or assume another CalHFA program has the same terms.
Questions before selling or refinancing
Think beyond the first year. If your likely plans include moving or refinancing, understand how any subordinate financing could affect that transaction. Ask which obligations must be paid and which terms can change the expected savings.
Use the refinance guide for the broader comparison and the closing-disclosure guide to locate the costs in your paperwork. Your own loan documents govern the obligations.
Choose the conversation that fits.
California mortgage questions
Is MyHome an unrestricted cash grant?
No. CalHFA identifies MyHome as a deferred-payment junior loan with eligibility requirements. It is not money available for any use or any borrower.
Can every buyer use MyHome?
No. Borrower, occupancy, income, education and property rules apply. A CalHFA-approved lender must review the specific request.
Why ask about a future refinance before buying?
Assistance repayment can affect the cost of a later transaction. Understanding the obligations now helps avoid assuming a future refinance will be simple or inexpensive.
Official homebuyer resources
CalHFA MyHome requirements · CalHFA homebuyer programs
Agency resources are provided for education. Listing a program does not mean Seth Lester or West Capital Lending participates in it. Eligibility, funding and terms must be confirmed with the agency and an approved program lender. Program information checked November 1, 2026.
Review my California purchase budget.
Start with your location, timeline and the question you want to resolve. Choose how you would like Seth to follow up. A contact request is not an application or loan approval.
Licensing and program availability
Seth Lester is licensed in California through West Capital Lending.
Seth Aaron Lester · Individual NMLS #390622 · California DRE salesperson license #02429524. Responsible broker: West Capital Lending, Inc. · Company NMLS #1566096 · California DRE corporation license #02022356. Verify licensing through NMLS Consumer Access and review West Capital Lending’s licensing information.
Loan programs, pricing and assistance availability vary by state, lender, borrower and property. A conversation or contact request is not a loan approval. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.