Compare Loan Estimates from several lenders before locking. Request Loan Estimates from at least three lenders on the same day and compare the APR, lender fees and points line by line.
Practitioner view
Outside of the interest rate, Section A on the loan estimate is the most important piece to review. This is the line that actually separates lenders. It's where the origination fee, discount points, processing, and underwriting are. … But the only true apples to apples comparison you can do is compare every lender at the same rate and compare everyone's Section A fees with each other. The lender with the lowest Section A fees is typically the best.
Quoted via a Connectively expert request. Views are the source's own.
San Diego, California: 2026 Market Data
📊 LOCAL MARKET DATA
- Median household income (San Diego): $108,077
- Median owner-occupied home value (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year): $906,700
- FHA share of mortgage originations (San Diego County, HMDA 2025): 6.0%
- Conventional share of mortgage originations (San Diego County, HMDA 2025): 83.3%
- Median real estate taxes paid by homeowners (San Diego County, ACS 2024 5-year): $5,774 a year
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, HMDA
Mortgage Rate Trends in San Diego: 2026
If you're buying or refinancing in San Diego this year, understanding the local market matters more than chasing national headlines. The median value of owner-occupied homes in San Diego, California is $906,700 (Census ACS 5-year, 2020–2024). Financing in San Diego follows clear local patterns. Conventional loans dominate here, making up 74.6 percent of the market, while FHA loans account for 13.2 percent. That mix reflects a region where many buyers bring solid credit and down payments, though FHA financing still plays an important role for those who qualify and prefer its terms. Don't forget to factor in carrying costs beyond the rate itself. San Diego County homeowners paid a median $5,774 a year in real estate taxes (Census ACS 2024 5-year), about 0.68% of the county's $854,700 median owner-occupied home value in the same survey. Because rates and terms vary by borrower, it pays to compare offers from several lenders rather than accepting the first quote. Read the fine print on fees and points, ask questions, and make sure the loan structure fits your long-term plans.
$906,700 Median Owner-Occupied Home Value in San Diego: What It Means for Your Down Payment
With a median owner-occupied home value of $906,700 (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year), San Diego buyers face a down payment conversation that feels heavier than most of the country. A traditional 20 percent down works out to roughly $181,340, which is a significant savings goal for most households. The good news is you don't actually need that much. Conventional loans allow as little as 3 percent down, and FHA financing opens the door at 3.5 percent, though both add mortgage insurance until you build enough equity. Many San Diego buyers land somewhere in the middle, putting down 5 to 10 percent to balance their monthly payment against their cash reserves. Keep in mind that at this price point, a larger down payment can also help you avoid jumbo territory and keep your loan conforming, which usually means better rates. California also offers down payment assistance programs worth exploring, especially for first-time and moderate-income buyers trying to break into this expensive coastal market.
