Resource Hub
Straight answers from our team about buying a home. Every page says who wrote it, when it was last checked, and where the facts come from.
31 resources
Buyer guide Pre-approval
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What's the Difference?
A pre-qualification is a quick estimate, often based on information you tell the lender and the lender has not checked.
Buyer guide Grants
Down Payment Grants in California (2026): Which Are Real, and Which Are Loans
Most "down payment grants" in California are not grants.
City guide Rancho Cucamonga
Down Payment Assistance in Rancho Cucamonga: 2026 Guide
Program Dream For All
Dream For All Is Closed: What Are My Options in 2026?
California's Dream For All program is closed to new applications.
Program CalHFA MyHome
CalHFA MyHome Assistance for 2026: San Bernardino County
CalHFA MyHome Assistance is a deferred second loan from the California Housing Finance Agency.
Program GSFA Platinum
GSFA Platinum Down Payment Assistance Explained for 2026
GSFA Platinum is a down payment and closing cost assistance program run by the Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA).
Buyer guide How we work
Who Handles My Mortgage File? How TBDG Works
Who you'll talk to, and who looks at your file, from first call to keys.
Robert and Colleen OlivasReviewed October 2026Read
Program CalHFA
CalHFA Explained: 7 Things to Know Before You Apply (2026, San Bernardino County)
CalHFA, the California Housing Finance Agency, offers first-time buyer programs through approved lenders.
Program CalPLUS with ZIP
CalPLUS With ZIP: When It Makes Sense
CalPLUS is a CalHFA first mortgage with a slightly higher fixed rate than the standard CalHFA loan.
Buyer guide Choosing a lender
How to Choose a CalHFA-Approved Lender in the Inland Empire
A CalHFA-approved lender is a lender that the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) has approved to offer its loans.
Buyer guide Debt-to-income
Debt-to-Income Ratio: 2026 Limits by Loan Type
Buyer guide Underwriting
What Does a Mortgage Underwriter Look For?
A mortgage underwriter checks that you can repay the loan and that the home qualifies for it.
Buyer guide Earnest money
Earnest Money in California: How It Works and When You Lose It
Earnest money is a deposit you put into escrow after the seller accepts your offer.
Buyer guide Credit scores
Credit Score Minimums for FHA, Conventional, VA and CalHFA Loans (2026)
The minimum credit scores for FHA, VA, conventional and CalHFA loans in 2026, in plain words.
Program FHA loans
FHA Loans in the Inland Empire (2026): County Limits and How to Choose an FHA Lender
Look for a HUD-approved lender (HUD is the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and a licensed loan officer.
Buyer guide Income limits
CalHFA and Down Payment Assistance Income Limits: San Bernardino and Riverside Counties (2026)
CalHFA's income limit in San Bernardino County is $210,000 (2026). Other programs set their own limits.
Buyer guide Mello-Roos
Mello-Roos in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and Ontario Ranch: How It Works and How to Check a Home (2026)
Two homes at the same price can have very different yearly tax bills.
City guide First home
Buying Your First Home in Rancho Cucamonga (2026): A Step-by-Step Guide
What first-time buyers in Rancho Cucamonga should know before they start, from the family team down the street.
Robert and Colleen OlivasIn reviewRead
City guide Ontario, CA
Buying Your First Home in Ontario, California (2026): Programs, Limits and Taxes
If you are buying a first home in Ontario, California, the city's first-time buyer program is closed; state programs from CalHFA and GSFA may still apply, subject to eligibility and availability.
City guide San Bernardino County
Buying a Home in San Bernardino County (2026): What Help Exists, the Limits, and Property Taxes
San Bernardino County's own housing department no longer offers down payment assistance.
Buyer guide FHA or conventional
FHA or Conventional? How to Choose (2026)
FHA loans are insured by the federal government and are often more flexible with credit, and HUD doesn't require you to be a first-time buyer.
Program VA loans
VA Home Loans in California (2026): How They Work, the Funding Fee, and What's Different Here
A VA-backed home loan is a mortgage from a private lender, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Buyer guide Moving to Tennessee
Moving from California to Tennessee: Buying Your Next Home (2026)
Talk with a lender about the Tennessee purchase before you sell your California home.
Buyer guide Tennessee taxes
Tennessee Property Tax and Income Tax, Explained for Californians (2026)
In Tennessee, the county property assessor decides your home's appraised value.
Community Los Angeles
Our booth at Black Men's Wellness Day LA 2026
Our teamNov 7, 2026Read
Closing story VA loans
Keys down the street from their first grandchild
Community Tustin
Thank you, Tustin Unified School District, for the Health & Benefits Expo
Our teamOct 21, 2026Read
Community Fullerton
Thank you, Cal State Fullerton, for the Totally 80's Benefits Bash
Our teamSep 25, 2026Read
Community Fountain Valley
Thank you, Hyundai Motor America, for having us at your Health & Wellness Fair
Our teamSep 22, 2026Read
Program CalHFA income limits
CalHFA Income Limits by County (2026)
CalHFA's 2026 limit for all 58 California counties, from CalHFA's own sheet.
The Brandon Drew GroupFrom CalHFA's 2026 sheetSee all 58 counties
City guide Rancho Cucamonga
The city we call home: Rancho Cucamonga
Robert and Colleen OlivasOct 2026Read
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