Buy with Reign

Less than most people think. Some loan programs allow as little as 3 to 3.5 percent down, and assistance programs may cover part of that. Twenty percent is not a requirement. It is a myth that keeps families renting longer than they need to.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage is around 7.03% (Freddie Mac, September 24, 2026). Your actual rate depends on your credit, down payment and loan type, so a lender's quote is the number that matters for your budget.

Watsonville, by a wide margin. Homes there have a median around $649,000 and typically sell in about 22 days. That is roughly 30 to 40 percent below the city of Santa Cruz, with the same coastline and a 15 minute drive up Highway 1.

Yes. ITIN mortgage programs exist for buyers who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. They typically require a larger down payment and carry a slightly higher rate, and they are offered by specific lenders rather than every bank. Reign Home can connect you with lenders who handle them.

Usually not. Waiting for a perfect rate often means paying more for the house itself. If a monthly payment works for your family today, buying now and refinancing later if rates fall is frequently the better move. You marry the house and date the rate.

From accepted offer to closing usually takes 30 to 45 days. Finding the right home can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your criteria and how much inventory is available.