California refinance rates today
Today’s average refinance rates for California homeowners from Go Direct Lenders’ lending partners, plus what’s different about refinancing in California. Go Direct Lenders is licensed in California (California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, Financing Law License #603K273).
Rates as of · updated each business day
| Loan | Rate | APR | Monthly principal & interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional 30-year fixed | 7.418% | 7.451% | $2,774.43 |
| FHA Streamline 30-year fixed | 6.845% | 7.588% | $2,665.55 |
| VA IRRRL 30-year fixed | 6.866% | 6.937% | $2,638.44 |
How these rates are set. Each rate is the average of what Go Direct Lenders’ wholesale lending partners offer that business day for one sample loan, with no discount points. Your own rate and APR depend on your credit, loan-to-value, property and the market on the day you lock. Payments are principal and interest only; taxes, insurance and any mortgage insurance make the actual payment higher.
Conventional 30-year fixed rate/term refinance: 7.418% rate / 7.451% APR, based on a $400,000 refinance at 80% loan-to-value, a 760 credit score, a primary single-family residence, a 30-day rate lock and 0 discount points. 360 monthly principal-and-interest payments of $2,774.43. Estimated prepaid finance charges of $1,300 are included in the APR.
FHA Streamline 30-year fixed refinance: 6.845% rate / 7.588% APR, based on a $400,000 refinance at 96.5% loan-to-value, a 720 credit score, a primary single-family residence, a 30-day rate lock and 0 discount points. Includes the 1.75% FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium financed into the loan ($407,000) and monthly mortgage insurance. 360 monthly principal-and-interest payments of $2,665.55. Estimated prepaid finance charges of $7,922 are included in the APR.
VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) 30-year fixed: 6.866% rate / 6.937% APR, based on a $400,000 refinance at 100% loan-to-value, a 720 credit score, a primary single-family residence, a 30-day rate lock and 0 discount points. Includes the 0.5% VA IRRRL funding fee financed into the loan ($402,000). 360 monthly principal-and-interest payments of $2,638.44. Estimated prepaid finance charges of $2,880 are included in the APR.
Refinancing in California: what’s different
- A deed of trust that only secures a loan is exempt from California’s documentary transfer tax, so a refinance doesn’t trigger the transfer tax a sale would. [source]
- County recorders collect a $75 SB2 housing fee on many recorded real estate documents, capped at $225 per transaction per parcel. Ask your escrow officer whether it applies to your refinance. [source]
- California is a community property state. Both spouses generally must join in a deed of trust on community real property, even if only one is on the loan. [source]
- Refinance closings in California usually run through escrow. Independent escrow companies are licensed by the DFPI; title companies, banks and California attorneys can also act as escrow holders. [source]
Rules change and every county runs things a little differently, so confirm the details for your loan with your closing agent. This isn’t legal or tax advice.
California conforming loan limits for 2026
A conforming loan can be bought by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which usually means better pricing. For 2026 the baseline limit for a one-unit home is $832,750. 17 of California’s 58 counties have a 2026 one-unit limit above the $832,750 baseline. Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties are at the $1,249,125 ceiling, and San Diego County is $1,104,000.
Source: FHFA 2026 conforming loan limits and the FHFA county list.
Licensed in California
Go Direct Lenders, LLC, NMLS #1028986, also doing business as Veterans Direct.
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, Financing Law License #603K273.
Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license (license #603K273).
To file a complaint with the state: Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI).
Verify our licenses on NMLS Consumer Access.
Is refinancing worth it?
Compare your current rate with today’s, then run the numbers in our refinance calculator. If rates aren’t there yet, a free rate alert will tell you when they are.
Frequently asked questions
Are refinance rates different in California?
The rates on this page are the same sample-loan rates we show in every state we serve. Your actual rate in California depends on your loan amount, credit score, equity, property type and occupancy, and on the market the day you lock. State taxes and closing practices affect your closing costs, not usually your rate.
Is Go Direct Lenders licensed in California?
Yes. Go Direct Lenders, LLC (NMLS #1028986) holds a California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, Financing Law License #603K273. You can verify every state license on NMLS Consumer Access.
What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in California?
The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750, and the high-cost ceiling is $1,249,125. 17 of California’s 58 counties have a 2026 one-unit limit above the $832,750 baseline. Los Angeles, Orange, San Francisco and Santa Clara counties are at the $1,249,125 ceiling, and San Diego County is $1,104,000.
How often are these rates updated?
Every business day, after our rate check runs late in the morning Pacific time.
Go Direct Lenders is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Administration or any other government agency.
Go Direct Lenders, LLC DBA Veterans Direct | NMLS ID 1028986 | Equal Housing Opportunity. Not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. By refinancing an existing loan, the consumer’s finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.