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🏠 SE Los Angeles · Compton, CA

FHA & First-Time Buyer Loans in Compton, CA

Compton is a city with history, resilience, and a strong sense of community in the heart of Southeast Los Angeles. For families who have been renting here for years and are ready to build equity, the path to homeownership is more accessible than many people realize. I am here to help you get there.

Know your city

~97,000
Population
10.1 sq mi
City Size
1888
Incorporated
~12 mi
From Downtown LA
Compton College
Known For

Why Compton buyers have more options than they think

Compton sits in the southern portion of the SE Los Angeles corridor, bordered by Lynwood, Carson, Gardena, and Long Beach. Median home prices run approximately $580,000 to $630,000 — one of the most affordable entry points for first-time buyers in the region.

The housing stock is primarily single-family homes with some duplexes and small multi-unit properties. Compton has strong freeway access via the 91, 710, and 110 — making it a practical choice for buyers who commute throughout the LA basin.

Compton has a large population of long-term renters who are financially ready to transition to ownership. Many qualify for programs they have never heard of. That is exactly the gap I help close — I will tell you honestly what you qualify for and what steps you need to take to get there.

The LA County FHA loan limit is $1,209,750 — well above what most homes in Compton cost. That means buyers here have full access to FHA financing with a low 3.5% down payment, often paired with CalHFA down payment assistance.

Programs that give Compton buyers the best shot

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a self-employed borrower, or someone who has been told you are not ready yet — there is likely a path forward. Here are the programs I work with most in Compton.

FHA Loan — 3.5% Down

The foundation for most first-time buyers in Compton. Low down payment, flexible credit requirements, and LA County loan limits up to $1,209,750. Often combined with CalHFA down payment assistance to reduce what you need at closing.

CalHFA MyHome Assistance

A state-backed deferred-payment second loan that covers your down payment or closing costs. No monthly payment on the assistance — it is repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.

CalHFA Dream For All

Covers up to 20% of the purchase price when funds are available. Statewide funding is limited — getting pre-approved early puts you in position to act when the program opens.

Gift Fund Financing

FHA allows 100% of your down payment to come from a gift — from a parent, sibling, grandparent, or other family member. Common in Compton and completely acceptable. I handle all the documentation.

What does a $600,000 home in Compton cost per month?

Here is a real payment estimate based on a $600,000 purchase price using FHA financing. This gives you a clear starting point — your actual payment will depend on current rates and your specific loan terms.

Payment Estimate — FHA Loan · Compton, CA
Purchase Price: $600,000
Down Payment (3.5%)$21,000
Loan Amount (with UFMIP financed)$589,132
Interest Rate (example only)6.25%
Principal & Interestapprox. $3,625/mo
Property Tax (1.25%/yr LA County)approx. $625/mo
Homeowners Insurance (est. 0.28%/yr)approx. $140/mo
FHA Mortgage Insurance (0.55%/yr)approx. $265/mo
Estimated Total / Month approx. $4,660/mo

This is an estimate for illustration purposes only. The 6.25 percent rate shown is an example and is NOT a guaranteed rate. Actual rates change daily and vary based on your credit score, loan amount, and market conditions. Your actual payment will vary based on exact tax and insurance amounts and final loan terms. This is not a commitment to lend. Call 323-947-4134 for current rates.

Down payment help — what Compton buyers need to know

Compton is a strong fit for CalHFA programs. Home prices here are among the most accessible in the SE Los Angeles region — which means buyers often qualify for more assistance relative to the purchase price than in higher-cost cities.

The MyHome Assistance program provides a deferred-payment second loan that covers your down payment or closing costs. There is no monthly payment on the assistance — it is simply repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home.

To qualify you need to be a first-time buyer (no ownership in the last 3 years), have a household income within the LA County CalHFA limit, and complete an 8-hour homebuyer education course. If you meet those requirements — let's talk.

Hablo Español. Le ayudo en su idioma.

Entiendo que comprar una casa es una de las decisiones más importantes de su vida. Por eso estoy aquí — para explicarle cada paso con claridad, en español, sin prisa y sin presión. Llámeme cuando esté listo.

Real words from real people

“Gabriel Mendoza went above and beyond assisting us with refinancing our home. He was knowledgeable and able to get the job done in a timely manner. He was available to answer all our questions throughout the entire process.”
— Kim · Verified Google Review · 5 Stars

Helpful links for Compton homebuyers

Common questions from Compton buyers

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan in Compton?

FHA loans in Compton require a minimum down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. For a typical Compton home around $625,000, that is approximately $21,875 down, plus closing costs. Gift funds from a family member are allowed for the full down payment.

What is the 2026 FHA loan limit for Compton?

The 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in Los Angeles County, which includes Compton (ZIP 90220-90222), is $1,209,750. Buyers can finance up to that amount with just 3.5% down using FHA financing.

Can I buy a home in Compton with no money out of pocket?

Yes. Through CalHFA Dream For All shared appreciation loans, MyHome Assistance, and gift fund financing, many Compton buyers close with little to no money out of pocket. The exact structure depends on credit, income, and the property. I offer pre-approval consultations in English and Spanish.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Compton?

For FHA loans, the minimum is 580 for 3.5% down, or 500-579 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. If your score needs work, I offer a credit review and a custom plan to get you mortgage-ready, often in 60-90 days.

¿Habla español? Do you speak Spanish?

Sí. Soy completamente bilingüe y atiendo a la comunidad de Compton en inglés y español. Todas las divulgaciones, solicitudes y consultas están disponibles en español. Estoy aquí para servirle, desde la pre-aprobación hasta el cierre.

How long does it take to close on a home in Compton?

A typical purchase loan in Compton closes in 21 to 30 days from contract acceptance. I have closed loans in as few as 14 days for clients with complete documentation. Refinances generally close in 30 to 45 days.

Can I buy a home in Compton with a VA loan?

Yes. As a veteran or active-duty service member, you can purchase in Compton with $0 down and no mortgage insurance using a VA loan. The 2026 VA loan limits in LA County match the conforming limits. I handle VA loans for many veteran clients.

Have a different question? Message me on WhatsApp or call 323-947-4134.

Meet your mortgage planner

GM
Mortgage Planner · Bilingual

Gabriel Mendoza

Bilingual mortgage planner serving Compton and the surrounding Southeast LA communities. Specializing in FHA, CalHFA Dream For All, MyHome Assistance, and first-time buyer programs. Over 20 years of experience and a 5.0-star Google rating across 46 reviews.

NMLS #343144 · Verify on NMLS Consumer Access

CA DRE #01727991 · Corp DRE #02108126

Global Funding Corporation · 19900 MacArthur Blvd #640, Irvine, CA 92612

📞 323-947-4134 WhatsApp Email

Last updated: · Rates, loan limits, and program guidelines change frequently. Call for current numbers.

I serve all of Southeast Los Angeles

Looking at homes in a neighboring city? I serve the entire SE Los Angeles corridor and surrounding communities.

Ready to talk about buying in Compton?

I am available 7 days a week — in English and Spanish. No pressure, no obligation. Just honest guidance from start to finish.

Helping You Is My Passion

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