Stylists, barbers & booth renters
Commission, tips, booth rent, and write-offs make your income look smaller on paper than it is. We work with lenders who know how to read it.
First-time buyers ยท San Fernando Valley & Los Angeles
Your first condo, without the runaround.
A buying process built for people who work for themselves. If your income comes from a chair, a truck, a storefront, or a 1099, we know how to get you from "I don't think I qualify" to keys in hand.
No credit pull, no obligation. A short conversation to see whether buying makes sense for you right now.
Built for people who work for themselves
Most lenders are set up for W-2 paychecks. If you're self-employed, your tax returns often show less than you actually make, and that's where first-time buyers get told "no" too early. We start by finding the lender and the program that fit how you get paid.
Owners, contractors & freelancers
Shop owners, trades, creatives, and anyone with an LLC or Schedule C. We'll map out what your last two tax years mean for a loan and what to do before the next filing.
Buying solo or with someone
Whether you're buying on your own, with a partner, or with a friend or family member as a co-buyer, we'll structure the approach around everyone's income and goals.
How it works
Three steps. No pressure at any of them.
A 15-minute conversation
You tell us how you earn, roughly what you have saved, and where you'd like to live. We tell you honestly whether now is the time or what would need to change first.
Lender and program matching
We introduce you to a lender who's comfortable with self-employed income and check which California and LA County assistance programs you may be eligible for.
Find and vet the right condo
We search the Valley and greater LA together, then dig into the HOA financials, rules, and reserves before you commit. You should know what you're buying into.
What you get
- Lender matching for self-employed income. Conventional, FHA, and bank-statement options, explained in plain language.
- Down payment program navigation. We track CalHFA, LA County, and city programs so you don't have to, and flag which ones fit your situation.
- Condo-specific due diligence. HOA dues and reserves, special assessments, litigation, rules that affect working from home, and whether the building is approved for FHA or VA financing.
- A realistic monthly number. Mortgage, HOA dues, taxes, and insurance together, so the payment you plan for is the payment you'll actually have.
- Straight answers. If waiting a year would put you in a better position, we'll tell you that and show you what to do in the meantime.
Down payment help you may not know about
California and Los Angeles County run several programs for first-time buyers, and condos are eligible for most of them. Here's a snapshot; eligibility and funding change often, so treat this as a starting point.
CalHFA
MyHome Assistance
A deferred-payment junior loan for down payment or closing costs, up to 3% of the price (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA), paired with a CalHFA first mortgage. Homebuyer education required.
LA County (LACDA)
Home Ownership Program
Second-mortgage assistance up to $100,000 or 20% of the price, whichever is less, for buyers under county income limits. Condos, townhomes, and houses qualify. First-come, first-served through participating lenders.
CalHFA
Dream For All
Up to 20% of the price as a shared-appreciation loan for first-generation buyers, awarded by lottery during short application windows. The 2026 window has closed; we watch for the next one.
Program terms shown are summaries as of September 2026 and are subject to change. Eligibility, income limits, and funding availability are determined by the administering agency and your lender, not by Real. Read the full guide.
See where you stand
Tell us a little about how you earn and what you're hoping to do. We'll follow up within one business day with an honest read and a next step. No credit pull, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call or text (424) 363-9043.
Guides
Short, practical reads. No sign-up required.
Getting a mortgage when you're self-employedHow lenders read your tax returns, what write-offs cost you in buying power, and what to do before your next filing.
Down payment assistance in LA, explainedCalHFA, LA County, and how programs stack. What "first-time buyer" actually means and the income limits that apply.
Condo buying basicsHOA dues, reserves, special assessments, FHA approval, and the rules that matter if you work from home.
Common questions
I write off most of my income. Can I still get a loan?
Often, yes. Conventional and FHA lenders qualify you on net income from your tax returns, with some expenses (like depreciation) added back. If that number is too low, bank-statement loans use 12 to 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns, at a higher rate. The right answer depends on your numbers, and sometimes the best move is adjusting how you file for one year before buying.
How long do I need to have been self-employed?
Most conventional lenders want a two-year history. Some will accept 12 months if you were doing the same kind of work as an employee before, or if you've been in the field for a while under a different structure. We'll help you figure out where you land.
What does "first-time buyer" mean for these programs?
For most California and LA County programs, it means you haven't owned a home in the past three years. You may qualify even if you owned something years ago.
Do I need 20% down?
No. Many first-time buyers put 3% to 5% down, and assistance programs can cover part or all of that. A smaller down payment usually means mortgage insurance, so we'll show you the full monthly picture either way.
Why a condo and not a house?
In the Valley and greater LA, a condo is usually the most realistic first purchase. You'll also want to understand HOA dues and rules going in, which is part of what we help with. If a house is within reach for you, we'll tell you that too.
What does this cost me?
Nothing out of pocket to talk. If you buy, our compensation is agreed in writing before we start touring, and in many transactions it's paid by the seller as part of the deal. We'll walk through it clearly before you sign anything.
Is this a lender?
No. Real is a licensed real estate brokerage. We introduce you to independent lenders and help you compare options; loan approval and program eligibility are decided by the lender and the administering agency.
Ready to find out where you stand?
A short conversation, an honest answer, and a clear next step.
Get started