Cameron Bartolomea | California Mortgage Loan Officer and Mortgage Help
California Loan Officer | Cameron Bartolomea | NMLS #2777999

California mortgage help for buyers, homeowners, and investors.

Mortgage help for buyers, homeowners, self employed borrowers, investors, and more complex situations across California, with in person meetings available when helpful and full remote support statewide.

California statewide Purchase and refinance Fast communication Clear next steps

Clear answers. Fast follow up. Real options based on your actual numbers and goals.

Cameron Bartolomea, loan officer at Strategic Home Loans
Office
California support with a Westlake office when you want to meet in person
Company
Strategic Home Loans
Programs
Purchase, refinance, FHA, VA, jumbo, and specialty options
Direct Contact
Text or call Cameron directly at 818 857 9675

Choose the clearest next move for your situation

Pick the lane that fits you best and start there.

Buying soon and need real numbers

Best next step: preapproval and a payment review so you know what price range, down payment, and monthly payment make sense.

Just want rough guidance first

Best next step: text me the basics. We can start with the scenario before you spend time gathering everything for a full application.

Self employed or non standard income

Best next step: compare conventional qualification against bank statement or other specialty options before assuming the file is difficult.

Refinance, cash out, or restructure

Best next step: review payment change, breakeven, equity, and long term fit instead of focusing only on one rate quote.

Why borrowers work with me

Buying or refinancing a home is a big financial move. My job is to simplify the process, explain the numbers clearly, and help you compare options that actually fit your goals.

  • Clear communication. You should understand what is happening, what is needed, and what the realistic next step is.
  • Scenario-based advice. We can compare purchase, refinance, cash out, jumbo, and specialty options side by side.
  • California wide support with direct access. I help borrowers throughout California and still offer in person meetings when that is useful.
  • Flexible solutions. Not every borrower fits into a standard box. Self-employed, investor, and higher-balance scenarios may still have strong paths forward.

Who I help

  • First-time buyers who want guidance on down payment, monthly payment, and preapproval.
  • Move-up buyers and refinancers looking to improve structure, payment, or long-term strategy.
  • Self-employed borrowers who may need bank statement or non-QM financing.
  • Investors reviewing DSCR and rental-property financing.
  • Older homeowners exploring reverse mortgage options and equity planning.
Email: cameron@strategichomeloans.com NMLS: 2777999 Office: Strategic Home Loans

Loan programs and financing options

A quick view of the loan types I help with most often across California.

Conventional loans

Strong fit for many primary-home buyers and refinancers with stable income and solid credit.

  • Purchase and refinance
  • Low down payment options may be available
  • Useful for many owner-occupied scenarios

FHA loans

Helpful for buyers who want more flexible qualification standards and a lower down payment structure.

  • Often used by first-time buyers
  • Flexible credit and down payment paths
  • Primary residence focused

VA loans

For eligible veterans, service members, and qualified surviving spouses.

  • Purchase and refinance options
  • No down payment in many scenarios
  • Strong benefit for qualified borrowers

Jumbo loans

For higher-balance properties that may exceed standard conforming loan limits in your area.

  • Higher-value homes
  • Purchase and refinance
  • Often paired with stronger reserves and credit

Bank statement and non-QM

Useful for self-employed borrowers or clients with more complex income documentation.

  • Alternative income documentation
  • Business owners and independent contractors
  • Flexible qualifying options

DSCR and reverse mortgage

Investor financing and equity-based retirement planning both require very different strategy conversations.

  • Investor cash flow focus for DSCR
  • Lifestyle and equity options for eligible older homeowners
  • Needs-based planning, not one-size-fits-all

Need a quick answer on your scenario?

Send the basics, like price range, estimated credit, down payment, income type, and property type. I can usually point you to the cleanest next step quickly.

Popular mortgage scenarios I help with

Common California borrower situations, kept simple.

First-time buyers

Down payment, payment comfort, and preapproval

If you are buying for the first time, the most important thing is understanding a realistic payment range and what cash to close would actually look like.

Start preapproval →
Self-employed

Tax returns not telling the full story?

Bank statement, non-QM, and specialty options can matter when business write-offs make conventional qualification harder than it should be.

Review specialty options →
Refinance

Rate, payment, cash out, or restructuring

Refinance decisions should be based on your full plan, not just a headline rate. A breakeven and equity review usually tells the real story.

Open refinance tools →
Investor

Rental-property and DSCR strategy

If you are looking at an income-producing property, the numbers need to work both for underwriting and for your own long-term cash-flow goals.

Estimate investor numbers →

Common mortgage comparisons borrowers ask me to sort out

These are the comparisons a lot of people search before they call. The goal is to make the tradeoffs easier to understand.

Purchase strategy

FHA vs. conventional

  • Usually comes down to credit profile, mortgage insurance, and cash to close.
  • Best option is not always the lowest down payment if monthly cost ends up worse.
  • A side-by-side payment review is usually the cleanest answer.
Income strategy

W-2 vs. self-employed qualification

  • Tax returns do not always tell the full story for business owners.
  • Bank statement or specialty documentation can matter when write-offs are heavy.
  • The goal is to find the best fit without forcing the wrong loan box.
Equity strategy

Refinance vs. staying put

  • A good refinance review looks at breakeven, payment change, cash-out goals, and timeline.
  • Sometimes the best move is refinancing now; sometimes it is waiting.
  • That answer should come from numbers, not pressure.

What the process usually looks like

1

Quick review

We start with your goal, timeline, income picture, assets, and the type of property or loan strategy you are considering.

2

Scenario planning

I help you compare realistic options so you understand payment, cash to close, documentation, and the tradeoffs of each path.

3

Application and structure

Once the direction is clear, we line up documents, review the file structure, and move efficiently toward approval and closing.

What I focus on when I work with clients

  • Direct communication. You should know what is happening, what is still needed, and what the clean next move is.
  • Strategy before pressure. Good mortgage planning is usually about structure, timing, and fit, not just one rate quote.
  • Statewide California support. I help borrowers across California while still offering a real Westlake office for anyone who wants in person help.
  • Clear explanations without pressure. Whether you are a first time buyer, refinancing, self employed, exploring investor options, or looking at reverse mortgage planning, I keep things understandable.
Important: Rates, pricing, and eligibility can change. This page is educational and designed to help you understand options, but final approval always depends on full review, current guidelines, and lender underwriting.

California support with direct access when you need it

I work with borrowers throughout California. Some clients like to meet in person. Many prefer to handle everything by phone, text, email, and virtual meetings.

Strategic Home Loans has public Google and Yelp reviews, so you can look at the company reputation before you ever reach out.

I help borrowers throughout California, including Southern California, Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Diego County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, the Central Coast, the Inland Empire, the Bay Area, and the Sacramento region, with a Westlake Village office available for in person meetings when needed.

Mortgage Tools

Start with simple defaults. Open advanced options if you want to dial it in.

Purchase payment

Enter a price and down payment to estimate monthly payment. Advanced lets you adjust rate, taxes, insurance, and HOA.

💡
Simple start: Price, down payment, and term.
Defaults are estimates. For an exact quote, text me and I will run your scenario.
$
Example 750,000
%
Common 3, 5, 10, 20
$
Auto updates when percent changes
Advanced options
Rate, taxes, insurance, HOA
%
Example 6.75
$
If none, keep 0
%
Estimated annual percent of value
%
Estimated annual percent of value
Taxes and insurance are estimates. Your actual escrow can vary based on location, coverage, and assessed value.
Estimated monthly payment
$5,543
Principal and interest $4,734
Taxes and insurance estimate $809
HOA $0
Loan amount $600,000

Estimate uses default assumptions for rate, taxes, insurance, and HOA. This is not a commitment to lend.

Refinance explorer

See payment change, savings, and breakeven. Simple inputs first. Advanced options cover cash out, taxes, insurance, and custom costs.

💡
What to enter: Home value and your current loan balance. If you have no mortgage balance, set it to 0.
You can also use this for a new loan setup, including a cash out scenario.
$
Example 800,000
$
If no mortgage, use 0
$
Optional
%
If you are not sure, use your best estimate.
%
New loan amount is current balance plus cash out plus optional costs rolled in.
Advanced options
Costs, roll in, taxes, insurance, HOA
%
Example 1.50 percent or 7500 dollars
$
Optional. If you know exact new loan amount.
%
%
Taxes and insurance are estimated from home value.
$
Breakeven is based on principal and interest change unless you add taxes, insurance, and HOA. This is an estimate.
Estimated monthly change
$0
Current payment estimate $0
New payment estimate $0
New loan amount $0
Estimated closing costs $0
Estimated new LTV 0%
Breakeven estimate
0 months

This is an educational estimate and not a commitment to lend. Rates, costs, and eligibility vary.

DSCR investor check

Estimate if rent covers payment. Advanced lets you adjust rate, taxes, insurance, and HOA.

$
%
$
$
Use actual rent or best estimate
Advanced options
Rate, taxes, insurance, HOA
%
$
%
%
DSCR thresholds vary by program. This is a simple estimate.
Estimated DSCR
1.20
Rent $4,000
Estimated PITI plus HOA $3,328
(Estimated principal and interest $2,678. Taxes and insurance $650. HOA $0)

This is an educational estimate and not a commitment to lend. Rates, costs, and eligibility vary.

Lifestyle and equity planning explorer

Simple illustration for older homeowner equity planning, including reverse mortgage style scenarios. For an exact review, text me and I will run the real numbers.

Illustrative principal limit factor
0.470
Eligible base $800,000
Illustrative principal limit $376,000
Estimated fees -$16,000
Payoff existing mortgage -$150,000
Illustrative available funds $210,000
Available funds depend on age, rates, lending limit rules, existing payoff, and closing costs. This is only a simplified illustration.

Specialty financing

Flexible options for unique income, high value properties, or new construction.

Bank statement

For self employed borrowers who want an alternative to tax return income.

Book a call

Non QM

Flexible documentation for unique income situations or high net worth borrowers.

Book a call

Construction

Finance the build and convert to a permanent loan depending on program options.

Book a call

Foreign national

Programs designed for non US citizens buying property in the United States.

Book a call

2026 California mortgage snapshot

A quick look at loan limits and office information people often want before they reach out.

2026 conforming baseline
$832,750

National one-unit conforming loan limit in most counties for 2026.

2026 high-cost ceiling
$1,249,125

Upper one-unit conforming ceiling in designated high-cost areas.

Ventura County 1-unit
$1,035,000

Current 2026 Ventura County one-unit conforming and FHA high-balance limit.

Office
Westlake Village

Office location for Strategic Home Loans, with borrower support throughout California.

Mortgage help anywhere in California

Most questions come down to payment, cash to close, timing, and whether the file fits. Here are some of the situations I help with most.

Looking for a California mortgage loan officer?

If you want a real point of contact instead of a national call center, you should be able to text, call, review options, and understand the path forward without chasing five different departments.

Westlake office, California wide service

Westlake is where I am based, not the only place I help. Borrowers throughout California can work with me by phone, text, email, and virtual meetings, and in person meetings are still available when helpful.

Self employed, investor, and specialty scenarios

Business owners, 1099 borrowers, investors, higher balance buyers, older homeowners, and harder files often need a more strategic review. That is where bank statement, DSCR, reverse mortgage, jumbo, and other specialty options can matter.

Rough numbers, planning, or full preapproval

Not everyone is ready for a full application on day one. Sometimes the right first step is sorting out rough numbers, down payment strategy, or whether buying, refinancing, or waiting makes more sense.

Questions people often have before they reach out

A lot of people wait too long to ask simple questions. Here are the ones I hear most.

I do not want to waste time

You do not need a perfect file just to start a conversation. A quick scenario review can usually tell you what matters most first.

I only want rough numbers right now

That is fine. A rough review can still help you understand payment range, likely documentation, and whether the scenario looks clean.

My income is not straightforward

That is exactly why specialty options exist. Self-employed, commission, investor, and non-standard files should be reviewed strategically, not dismissed quickly.

I do not know the best program yet

Most borrowers do not. A good first call is often less about choosing the final loan and more about narrowing down the right paths to compare.

Common California mortgage questions

A lot of borrowers are not ready for a full application when they first reach out. Sometimes they just want rough numbers, a second opinion, or a better read on whether the scenario looks workable.

That is normal. The right first conversation can clear up a lot quickly and keep you from wasting time on the wrong approach.

Some people are looking for first time buyer help. Others are comparing FHA with conventional, jumbo with conforming, bank statement with tax return qualification, or purchase versus refinance timing.

Some are trying to figure out whether a condo, multi unit, investor, reverse mortgage, trust, cannabis related, or other specialty situation still has a workable path. Those are the kinds of questions worth reviewing before you assume the answer is no.

If you already know what you want, great. If not, that is fine too. A good first conversation can save a lot of confusion later.

2026 loan-limit references on this page are educational and may change in future calendar years. Program availability, pricing, underwriting, and qualification depend on full review and current lender guidelines.

Buying and just need a clean starting point

A short review can help you sort out payment range, likely cash to close, and whether the file looks strong enough to push forward right now.

Self employed, investor, or specialty income

Harder files often need a better game plan, not a generic answer. That is where the right structure can change the whole picture.

Older homeowner or equity planning questions

Lifestyle and equity planning conversations, including reverse mortgage options for eligible homeowners, should be handled carefully and clearly.

Common mortgage questions

Below are some of the questions that come up most often for buyers, homeowners, self employed borrowers, investors, and specialty scenarios.

Buying and first time buyer questions

What kinds of home loans can you help with?
I can help review purchase, refinance, FHA, VA, jumbo, bank statement, DSCR, reverse mortgage, and other specialty scenarios depending on the borrower, property, and overall file.
Do you help first time homebuyers in California?
Yes. First time buyers often need help comparing down payment options, monthly payment comfort, closing costs, reserves, and what matters before they start writing offers.
Can I buy a home in California with 3 percent down?
Potentially yes. Some conventional programs allow low down payment options for qualified borrowers, but the right structure still depends on credit, income, reserves, occupancy, and the property.
Can I buy a home in California with 3.5 percent down?
Potentially yes. FHA financing is one of the most common ways borrowers buy with 3.5 percent down when the credit profile and full file support it.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in California?
That depends on the program. Some paths are more flexible than others, so the smarter move is comparing the scenario against the right loan options instead of assuming there is only one number that matters.
How much do I really need for down payment and closing costs?
That depends on the loan program, price point, property type, and whether seller credits or gift funds are part of the structure. A quick review usually gets you a much more useful answer than a generic rule of thumb.
Can I use gift funds for my down payment or closing costs?
In many cases yes, but the answer depends on the loan program, occupancy, documentation, and who is providing the gift.
Can seller credits help lower my cash to close?
Often yes. Seller credits can sometimes help with closing costs, prepaid items, or rate strategy, depending on the program, negotiations, and overall structure.
Can down payment assistance help me buy in California?
Potentially yes. Assistance programs can depend on area, income, occupancy, and program availability, so it is better to review the real scenario than assume a program will fit.
Do I need perfect credit before I reach out?
No. A quick conversation can tell you whether you look ready now, what paths may fit, or which specific improvements would make the biggest difference first.
Can I qualify after a recent job change?
Maybe. Recent job changes are not automatically a deal killer, but the type of employment, pay structure, field continuity, and full documentation matter.
Can overtime, bonus, commission, RSU, or stock income help me qualify?
Potentially yes, if there is enough history and the income is documented in a way that supports stability and continuance. The exact pay structure matters.
Can part time or second job income count?
Sometimes yes. History, consistency, and how the income is documented usually matter more than the label alone.
Can student loans affect how much house I can buy?
Yes. Student loan treatment can affect qualification, which is why a rough review can be useful before you make assumptions about payment range.
Can you help compare FHA versus conventional?
Yes. That comparison usually comes down to down payment, monthly mortgage insurance, credit profile, long term plan, and whether lower cash to close or a different payment structure makes more sense.
Can you help with condos, townhomes, and multi unit properties?
Yes. Condos, planned unit developments, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes can all change guidelines, down payment, reserves, and loan options, so it helps to review the exact address or property type early.
Can I buy before I sell my current home?
Potentially yes. That usually comes down to equity, reserves, qualifying, timing, and whether bridge style planning or a more conservative approach makes more sense.
Can I make an offer before I have a full preapproval?
You can, but it is usually smarter to know your numbers first. A clean preapproval often makes the process smoother for both you and the seller.
Can I buy in one California city if I work in another?
Yes, that is common. Commute, occupancy, property type, and overall file strength matter more than whether the property and workplace are in the same city.

Refinance questions

Can you help with refinance strategy, not just a rate quote?
Yes. A refinance should be reviewed in the context of payment change, cash out goals, equity position, breakeven, and the bigger plan, not just the headline rate.
When does a refinance really make sense?
Usually when it improves the bigger picture. That may mean lowering the payment, reducing risk, accessing cash for a specific purpose, consolidating debt strategically, or changing the structure to fit the long term plan better.
Can I refinance to remove FHA mortgage insurance?
Sometimes yes. That usually depends on your current equity, credit, loan type, and whether moving into a conventional structure actually improves the overall numbers.
Can I do a cash out refinance in California?
Potentially yes. Cash out refinance options depend on equity, occupancy, credit, income, property type, and the new loan structure.
Can I refinance if I only want rough numbers first?
Yes. A rough review is often the best starting point. We can look at approximate payment change, estimated cash out range, and whether it even makes sense before you go deep into documentation.
Can I refinance if I have a second mortgage or HELOC?
Potentially yes. Existing subordinate financing can change the structure, but it is common enough that it is worth reviewing instead of assuming the answer is no.
Can I refinance to consolidate debt?
Sometimes yes, but it should be reviewed carefully. It can help in the right scenario, but the payment change, fees, and long term fit still matter.
Can I refinance if rates are not dramatically lower?
Maybe. Sometimes the value is not only in rate. Term change, mortgage insurance removal, cash flow improvement, debt restructuring, or risk reduction can still matter.
Can I refinance an investment property?
Potentially yes. The right answer depends on occupancy, equity, cash flow, documentation, and whether a conventional, DSCR, or specialty structure fits better.
Can I refinance soon after buying?
Maybe. Timing can depend on the purpose of the refinance, seasoning expectations, current equity, and the type of loan being used.

Self employed, investor, cannabis, and specialty questions

Do you work with self employed borrowers in California?
Yes. Self employed files often need a closer look at tax returns, business structure, deposits, reserves, and whether a conventional or alternative documentation option makes more sense.
Can bank statement loans help if my tax returns look too low?
Potentially yes. Bank statement programs are often designed for borrowers whose cash flow is stronger than what the tax returns show after write offs.
Do you help with 1099 income or non W2 income?
Yes. 1099 and contractor income can work, but the best path depends on how long you have received it, how it is documented, and whether a standard or alternative documentation route fits better.
Can I qualify if I have only been self employed for one year?
Maybe. Some files need more history, while others may still have workable paths depending on prior experience, documentation, and the program being reviewed.
Do you help with investor and DSCR scenarios?
Yes. If you are reviewing a rental property, DSCR and investor financing can be compared alongside down payment, reserves, rent coverage, and the overall property strategy.
Can rental income from another property help me qualify?
Potentially yes. It depends on documentation, lease history, equity position, and how the file is being underwritten.
Can you help with jumbo and high balance financing in California?
Yes. California borrowers often run into high balance and jumbo territory faster than they expect. Those files usually need a tighter review of income, reserves, assets, and property type early in the process.
Can you help if I work in the cannabis industry or use cannabis related income?
Potentially yes, but those files should be reviewed carefully before anyone assumes a program will work. Lender treatment, program rules, documentation, and how the income is sourced can all matter.
Can a cannabis business owner get a home loan?
Potentially, but that answer should be reviewed carefully. Ownership structure, documentation, banking history, tax returns, and lender overlays can all matter.
Can a cannabis industry employee qualify for a mortgage?
Potentially yes, but the right answer depends on the employer, pay structure, documentation, and the program being reviewed.
Can you handle foreign national, construction, reverse mortgage, or other specialty scenarios?
Potentially yes. Strategic Home Loans offers several specialty categories, so if your file falls outside a standard purchase or refinance, the fastest move is to send me the rough outline and I will tell you whether it looks like a fit.
Can you help with non warrantable condos or harder property types?
Potentially yes. Harder property types often need a more specialized review, but it is worth checking before ruling them out.
Can I buy or refinance in a trust?
Potentially yes. Trust vesting can work in many situations, but title, vesting, occupancy, and program requirements should be checked early.
Can an LLC buy an investment property?
Sometimes yes, especially in investor and specialty scenarios, but the best structure depends on occupancy, property type, documentation, and the specific loan program.
Can bankruptcy, foreclosure, or a short sale still leave a path forward?
Potentially yes. Timing, re established credit, reserves, and the program being reviewed all matter.
Can I qualify using retirement or asset income?
Potentially yes. Certain scenarios allow asset based qualification or other income approaches, but the right structure depends on the file.
Can I qualify with heavy write offs?
Potentially yes. That is one of the most common reasons people review bank statement and specialty options instead of assuming they have no path.

Lifestyle and reverse mortgage questions

Do you help with reverse mortgage questions in California?
Yes. For eligible older homeowners, reverse mortgage conversations should be reviewed carefully around goals, equity, existing mortgage payoff needs, ongoing property obligations, and whether the plan actually fits your situation.
What do you mean by lifestyle and equity planning?
That is a simpler way to talk about older homeowner equity options, including reverse mortgage solutions, payoff planning, and how home equity might fit into the bigger retirement picture.
Can a reverse mortgage help pay off an existing mortgage?
Potentially yes for eligible homeowners, but the exact fit depends on age, equity, occupancy, costs, and the overall plan.
Can a reverse mortgage be used for a home purchase?
Potentially yes in the right scenario for an eligible borrower, but purchase structure, cash to close, counseling, and program details should be reviewed carefully.
Do reverse mortgage options require a careful review first?
Absolutely. Reverse mortgage conversations should never be treated like a one line internet answer. Goals, family considerations, occupancy, property charges, and counseling requirements all matter.

California service and process questions

Do you only work in Westlake Village?
No. I am based in Westlake Village, but I support borrowers throughout California and can work in person when useful or statewide by phone, text, email, and virtual meetings.
Do you work with borrowers anywhere in California?
Yes. I support California borrowers all across the state. Some files are fully local. Others are handled remotely from start to finish.
Can we handle everything by phone, text, email, and virtual meetings?
Yes. Many California borrowers prefer a virtual process. We can usually handle the review, document collection, updates, and next steps without making the process feel complicated.
Can I start with a rough conversation before a full application?
Yes. A quick text, call, or scenario review is often the best first step if you want direction before gathering everything for a full application. A formal preapproval or final loan decision may still require full documentation and credit review.
Can you review a scenario before I run credit?
Usually yes, at least at a rough level. A full approval decision may still require credit and documentation, but we can often talk through direction first.
How fast can I get a preapproval?
That depends on how complete the file is and how quickly documents come in, but a clean scenario can usually move much faster than people expect once the basics are in place.
Can I meet in person if I want to?
Yes. If meeting in person helps, that is still an option. If not, the process can still be handled remotely.
Do you work weekends or outside normal office hours?
Communication timing can vary, but if you have an active scenario and need help moving the file forward, it is worth reaching out and I will tell you the fastest way to connect.
What is the easiest way to get started?
The fastest path is usually a text, a quick call, or the online application. Once I know your goal and rough numbers, I can tell you what looks most realistic and what to focus on first.
Can you help if I am not sure whether I should buy, refinance, or wait?
Yes. Sometimes the highest value conversation is simply sorting out whether now is the right move, what numbers would need to improve, or what steps would put you in a better position later.
Do you help buyers, refinancers, investors, and older homeowners from one place?
Yes. I help buyers, homeowners, investors, and older homeowners with equity planning, so we can sort through the right direction from one place.

Let’s turn your mortgage question into a clear next step

Tell me what you are trying to do, where you are in the process, and whether you want rough guidance or a real preapproval plan. I will help you sort through realistic options and what to focus on first.

Text Cameron Call Cameron Start application
Questions about buying, refinancing, self employed income, or investor options?
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