The process can be challenging for physicians looking to buy a home in California due to their unique financial circumstances.
With extensive education and student loan debt, many doctors face financial hurdles that can make it difficult to secure a conventional mortgage. This is where physician mortgage loans come in.
There are approximately 104,000 active physicians in California and according to Zillow, the median home value in California is approximately $784,000 as of April 2023. However, this varies widely depending on the specific city or region within the state. For example, the median home value in Los Angeles is approximately $968,000, while the median home value in Sacramento is approximately $541,000.
We've rounded up the best physician home lenders for doctors in California to help you take the next step to purchase a home.
12 Best Doctor Mortgage Loan Lenders in California
Buying a home in California with its high cost of living can be especially challenging, even with a physician income.
Fortunately, physician mortgage loans have emerged as a popular option for medical professionals who are looking to purchase a home. These loans offer favorable terms, such as low or no down payments, no private mortgage insurance, and flexible debt-to-income ratios, making homeownership more accessible to physicians in California.
If you are a physician in California who is looking to purchase a home, here's a list of the best physician mortgage loans available to medical professionals in California.
1. BMO Bank
BMO Bank entered the US mortgage market in 2010 with the merger of M&I Bank and Harris Bank as the US operations of the Bank of Montreal in Canada. Since that merger, BMO Bank has been growing it’s US operations to become a nationwide retail and commercial presence.
BMO Strengths: BMO Bank has been aggressively growing in the US market over the past 12 years. When combined with their Canadian parent company, Bank of Montreal, they are one of the largest financial services firms in North America. As BMO Bank continues to grow, their mortgage services division is also adding more products and aiming to provide industry leading customer experience for every client from coast to coast.
Contact:
Doug Crouse (NMLS #363861)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 862-375-6267 (862-DrLoans)
2. City National Bank
City National Bank was founded in 1954 and is known for its expertise in serving the needs of affluent clients, including physicians.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, OD, DPM
Contact:
David Hager (NMLS #595259)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 904-208-1349
3. Evolve Bank and Trust
Evolve Bank & Trust is a best-in-class, technology-focused financial services organization headquartered in Memphis, TN, who specialize on the medical industry. EBT Medical Professional Program is designed to support the individuals who have made the commitment to a medical career.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, Resident, Fellows, PA, NP, DVM, CRNA, DC, OD, DPM, Pharmacist, Clinical Nurse Specialists
Evolve Bank and Trust Strengths: Gift funds allowed, non-occupant co-borrower, flexible debt-to-income ratios, commonsense underwriting, discounts on closing cost, minimum reserves required, self-employed allowed, dedicated team for processing loans.
Contact:
Jay Couillard (NMLS #87100)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 914-434-5036
4. Laurel Road
Laurel Road is committed to serving the financial needs of doctors with Physician Mortgages. You can get a 0.25% rate discount when you take out a new mortgage or refinance your existing mortgage. You could also save up to $650 off closing costs.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, Resident, Fellows, DPM
Laurel Road Strengths: Low fixed and variable APRs. Streamlined application and approval process. Applicants may also receive up to $650 in closing cost credits. Laurel Road’s digital application is available 24 hours per day for busy working professionals.
Contact:
Americo Mendes (NMLS #108768)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 203-842-8921
5. Liberty Federal Credit Union
Liberty Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution focused on returning value through innovative products and services. Liberty has been recognized on a state level by Forbes as one of Indiana’s best financial institutions. In recent years, the credit union has also received acclaim on a national level, including being named the nation’s Best Credit Union for Checking by Investopedia in 2021 and appearing on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Banks in 2022.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, Resident, Fellows, OD, DPM, Pharmacist
Liberty Federal Credit Union Strengths: Liberty Federal Credit Union excels in providing value through better loan options for borrowers. According to the American Credit Union Mortgage Association, Liberty FCU was the Midwest’s top credit union in 2021 total first mortgage originations.
Contact:
John Feige (NMLS #453634)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 502-767-7867
6. PNC Bank
PNC Bank is one of the nation’s top retail lenders and servicers of residential mortgage loans, and for more than 160 years has been committed to providing clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. Combining approximately 2,200 retail banking branches and 8,900 ATMs throughout the US with competitive products and online and mobile solutions.
Contact:
Scott Brown (NMLS #184397)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 713-843-8807
7. Premier Realty and Lending
Premier Realty and Lending is a global mortgage lender representing clients throughout the Golden State of California–from Los Angeles to Sacramento, Humboldt to Palm Springs, and Napa to San Diego. Trusted resource to doctors and other professionals doing high-end mortgages for 20+ years.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, Resident, Fellows, PA, DVM, RN, DC, OD, DPM, Pharmacist
Premier Realty and Lending Strengths: A high-tech company with a streamlined process that can be started right from your smartphone.
Contact:
Nikki Jaeger (NMLS #2292889)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 916-247-5427
8. Physician Group at Neo Home Loans
Physician Group at New Home Loans offers 100% financing options available with fixed or adjustable terms for clients with 700 credit score or better and solutions with minimal down payments.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, Resident, Fellows, PA, NP, DVM, RN, CRNA, CPA, DNAP, DC, OD, DPM, APRN, CNM, Pharmacist
Strengths: Focused on helping clients close their loans in as little as 17 days (depending on the program and down payment amount). Can help 1099 independent contractors with no previous experience as self-employed, 100% loan to value to $1M and 95% loan to value up to $2M loan amount.
Contact:
Josh Mettle (NMLS #219996)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 855-260-9932
9. PhysicianLoans
PhysicianLoans originated as a family business in 1993 and after being a pioneer in the physician loan space, grew to become one of the most trusted brands for doctors.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM
PhysicianLoans Strengths: Pioneers in this space and an approved member benefit for the AMA, AOA and SOMA.
Contact:
Tal Frank (NMLS #6502)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 877-593-9313
10. The Federal Savings Bank
The Federal Savings Bank is committed to finding the right mortgage for customers, especially those who are committed to save lives.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, Resident, Fellows, PA, NP, DVM, CRNA, DNAP, OD, DPM, APRN, CNM, Pharmacist, Psychologist
The Federal Savings Bank Strengths: Qualify with few funds–low down payment and NO Reserves.
Contact:
Upen Patel (NMLS #1374243)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 571-331-5161
11. Truist
Truist was formed in 2019 through the merger of BB&T Corporation and SunTrust Banks, Inc. Truist Bank operates in 17 states across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, offering a comprehensive range of financial products and services
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DPM, and DDS
Contact:
Suzy Savod (NMLS #505434)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 866-810-4404
12. US Bank
US Bank offers a Doctor Mortgage Program, designed to help medical professionals, including physicians, dentists, and veterinarians, buy or refinance a home.
Eligible Professions: MD, DO, DDS, DMD, OD, PharmD or JD
Contact:
Jonathan Brozek (NMLS #850168)
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: 916-788-7982
How Do California Physician Mortgages Work?
Physician loans, also known as doctor mortgages, can be a great option for medical professionals who are looking to purchase a home in California. These loans are designed specifically for doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals who may have unique financial situations. Physician loans offer favorable terms, such as low or no down payments, no private mortgage insurance, and flexible debt-to-income ratios. Lenders who offer physician loans will take into account a doctor's potential future income when considering their eligibility, rather than just their current income and debt. This is because medical professionals often have high earning potential, but may also have significant student loan debt that can impact their current financial standing. By taking this into account, physician loans can help make homeownership more accessible for doctors who may not be able to qualify for traditional mortgages.
Choosing a Conventional vs Doctor Mortgage When Buying a Home in California
Physician loans can be a good option for doctors who plan to stay in California for the long term and are committed to homeownership. However, it's important to consider all the options before making a decision. If you have the ability to put down 20% and get a conventional mortgage, that may be a better option in the long run. Conventional mortgages usually come with lower interest rates and fees, which can result in lower monthly payments and a lower overall cost for the loan. But if you can't or don't want to put down 20%, then a physician mortgage loan can be a reasonable alternative.
When comparing conventional mortgages and physician mortgages, physician loans have advantages primarily in terms of easier underwriting requirements. Physician loans can help you qualify for a loan that you otherwise wouldn't be able to get. Conventional mortgages are more difficult to qualify for, but they can offer significant financial benefits if you can meet the requirements. Ultimately, the decision between a conventional mortgage and a physician mortgage will depend on your financial situation and long-term goals.