California HELOC lender and mortgage brokerBorrow against your home. Keep the rate you already have.
A cash-out refinance trades your 3% or 4% rate away on the whole balance. A home equity line of credit leaves it alone and charges today’s rate only on the cash you take.
How much equity do you need? Equity is your home value minus what you owe. Most HELOC programs want you to keep at least 20% after the line, so you can borrow up to 80% of the home’s value counting your mortgage. Some programs go to 90%, leaving 10%.
Mike prices it at today’s rates and emails your rate, payments and closing costs. No credit pull.
Estimate only, not an offer of credit. HELOC rates are variable, maximum APR 18%. Fees to open the line range from $0 to $1,500. No annual fee. Refinance: today’s par 30-year fixed, 7.125% (7.192% APR), sample loan; cash-out prices higher. HELOC terms
Got it. Your quote is in Mike’s hands.
We emailed you a copy of the numbers you ran. Mike will send your exact rate and payments, usually within one business day. Want to talk sooner?
These rates include about one discount point. Use the live rate engine to see the exact points and closing costs for each rate, or pick a rate with no points or a lender credit instead.
Scenario: single-family primary residence in Ventura County, 20% down, 30-year term unless noted, 780+ credit, 30-day lock, escrows included; jumbo priced on a $1,200,000 loan. Payments shown are principal and interest only and do not include taxes and insurance, so your actual payment will be higher. Rates and APRs are examples for that scenario, change throughout the day, and are not a commitment to lend.
HELOC vs cash-out refinance, with your numbers
These update as you change the numbers in the estimate above. Change my numbers
Your HELOC payments
Untouched $0
$0/mo
Costs nothing until used
Your plan $50,000
$0/mo
Fully drawn $100,000
$0/mo
HELOC payments: interest only while you draw at the 7.49% starting rate, then 20-year repayment.
A cash-out refinance has to borrow the whole amount on day one and reprices your entire first mortgage at today’s rate. A line leaves your first mortgage alone, and you pay interest only on what you actually draw.
California HELOC options for every kind of borrower
Same idea every time: keep your first mortgage and borrow against the equity. What changes is how you qualify, what the home is used for, and whether you want a line or a fixed loan.
Buy the rate down, take a lender credit, or land in between. Pick a program and see what each choice does to the full monthly payment and the cash you bring to closing.
$800,000 home · $160,000 down · $640,000 loan · Ventura County · 780+ credit
Full payment adds a Ventura County property tax estimate, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance where it applies. Cash to close is the down payment plus net lender closing costs for that option, before prepaid items, title and escrow. Estimates for the scenario shown, not a commitment to lend.
A direct lender that can also shop your loan
Alameda Mortgage Corp is a direct lender, so many HELOCs, purchases and refinances close with us. When another wholesale lender has a better price or a program we don’t offer, Mike can broker your loan there instead, so you get both options with one application. You deal with Mike from the first call to the closing table.
One person prices your loan, answers your calls and gets you to closing.
You talk to the person pricing your loan
Mike runs the Simi Valley branch himself. No call center, no hand-offs, and an answer the same business day.
Direct lender, with options
Alameda Mortgage lends directly and can also broker to other wholesale lenders, so you compare real pricing in one place instead of applying at several banks.
Equity and mortgages under one roof
A HELOC, a fixed second or a refinance: Mike prices the options side by side so the numbers make the choice.
What clients say about working with Mike
Real reviews from real closings, gathered from every place clients leave them.
4.96
★★★★★
408 reviews
A
Alex B
Lakeside, CA · October 5, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Great communication and service
Abdullah Fahim
a month ago
★★★★★ Google
S
Shannon B.
“Client
Mike was super helpful and very communicative. He made the process less stressful and was upfront about anything I had questions on. He really made buying our first home enjoyable! Thanks Mike for all your amazing hard work! Will definitely use him again in the future and recommend him to all my family and friends!
C
Calvin P
Los Angeles, CA · September 18, 2026
★★★★★Experience
The process went smoothly and very quickly
Samar Mortazavi
2 months ago
★★★★★ Google
He is a very supportive, responsible and hardworking person. I would 100% recommend Mike to anyone who needs a loan. Their deep knowledge of loans options and attention to detail gave me full confidence that I was in good hands. It’s clear they truly care about their clients and are passionate about what they do. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and professional lender.
O
Ola M.
“Client
Mike Fisher did an excellent job for my Buyer in Thousand Oaks, and went above and beyond his job to make sure we have a smooth escrow. More happy customers!
A
Abdullah F E
Escondido, CA · September 1, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Awesome work amd great congratulations.
Hosein Gholami
4 months ago
★★★★★ Google
It was great working with Mike, he made everything work smoothly and I'm glad i choose to work with him, he helped me buy my first home, would definitely recommend him!
T
Travis B.
“Client
Zero used car salesmen vibe. Communication was top notch. Jason was trustworthy and cannot thank him enough for truly stress free experience. I will be back and will be referring people, thanks again to Jason Smith and the team at Alameda Mortgage!
M
Mae C
North Hills, CA · July 17, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Everthing was explained in detail and answered all my questions.
Mina Zarrabi
5 months ago
★★★★★ Google
D
Darina T.
“Client
Working with Jason was a wonderful experience. My husband and I appreciate his professionalism and knowledge in the industry. He made our first time home buying experience very easy and stress free. We would highly recommend him to our family and friends.
K
Kraig S H
Laguna Woods, CA · July 2, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Mike had great communication and knows how to get things done.
Aaron Kirsch
a year ago
★★★★★ Google
Mike is best!
M
Matthew T.
“Client
Jason helped me from beginning to end of my home-buying experience. He was patient, knowledgeable, and always responded quickly to any issues that came up. By the time I closed on the house, I felt confident that I knew what I was getting into and that I was in good hands. My brief interactions with other people at the company were all positive and professional. Thank you for guiding me through the whole process!
J
Joi S.
“Client
I can not get over how easy my home loan process was. Working with Jason Smith at Alameda Mortgage was the best decision I ever made. Jason made the loan process so seamless and stress-free, and he got me a great rate! I highly recommend Alameda Mortgage and Jason.
J
Jennifer E.
“Client
This is the second time that Jason Smith has ensured that our escrow closed and he made sure we closed early and with the best possible interest rate. He is responsive, knowledgeable, motivated, and true to his word. Jason Smith made the escrow process as painless and and stress-free as possible. You will not regret giving Jason the opportunity to help make your dreams come true.
Client reviews
A
Alex B
Lakeside, CA · October 5, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Great communication and service
C
Calvin P
Los Angeles, CA · September 18, 2026
★★★★★Experience
The process went smoothly and very quickly
A
Abdullah F E
Escondido, CA · September 1, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Awesome work amd great congratulations.
M
Mae C
North Hills, CA · July 17, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Everthing was explained in detail and answered all my questions.
K
Kraig S H
Laguna Woods, CA · July 2, 2026
★★★★★Experience
Mike had great communication and knows how to get things done.
Abdullah Fahim
a month ago
★★★★★ Google
Samar Mortazavi
2 months ago
★★★★★ Google
He is a very supportive, responsible and hardworking person. I would 100% recommend Mike to anyone who needs a loan. Their deep knowledge of loans options and attention to detail gave me full confidence that I was in good hands. It’s clear they truly care about their clients and are passionate about what they do. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and professional lender.
Hosein Gholami
4 months ago
★★★★★ Google
It was great working with Mike, he made everything work smoothly and I'm glad i choose to work with him, he helped me buy my first home, would definitely recommend him!
Mina Zarrabi
5 months ago
★★★★★ Google
Aaron Kirsch
a year ago
★★★★★ Google
Mike is best!
S
Shannon B.
“Client
Mike was super helpful and very communicative. He made the process less stressful and was upfront about anything I had questions on. He really made buying our first home enjoyable! Thanks Mike for all your amazing hard work! Will definitely use him again in the future and recommend him to all my family and friends!
O
Ola M.
“Client
Mike Fisher did an excellent job for my Buyer in Thousand Oaks, and went above and beyond his job to make sure we have a smooth escrow. More happy customers!
T
Travis B.
“Client
Zero used car salesmen vibe. Communication was top notch. Jason was trustworthy and cannot thank him enough for truly stress free experience. I will be back and will be referring people, thanks again to Jason Smith and the team at Alameda Mortgage!
D
Darina T.
“Client
Working with Jason was a wonderful experience. My husband and I appreciate his professionalism and knowledge in the industry. He made our first time home buying experience very easy and stress free. We would highly recommend him to our family and friends.
M
Matthew T.
“Client
Jason helped me from beginning to end of my home-buying experience. He was patient, knowledgeable, and always responded quickly to any issues that came up. By the time I closed on the house, I felt confident that I knew what I was getting into and that I was in good hands. My brief interactions with other people at the company were all positive and professional. Thank you for guiding me through the whole process!
J
Joi S.
“Client
I can not get over how easy my home loan process was. Working with Jason Smith at Alameda Mortgage was the best decision I ever made. Jason made the loan process so seamless and stress-free, and he got me a great rate! I highly recommend Alameda Mortgage and Jason.
J
Jennifer E.
“Client
This is the second time that Jason Smith has ensured that our escrow closed and he made sure we closed early and with the best possible interest rate. He is responsive, knowledgeable, motivated, and true to his word. Jason Smith made the escrow process as painless and and stress-free as possible. You will not regret giving Jason the opportunity to help make your dreams come true.
Write a review
How was working with Mike and Alameda Mortgage Corp? We read every one.
We got your review. It will show here after a quick look.
We lend everywhere in California
Alameda Mortgage is licensed statewide, so Mike closes HELOCs, purchases and refinances in all 58 California counties, with local appraisers and e-signing from the Simi Valley office. Below are the areas we close in most, each with local rates, its own loan limits and a guide for each way people borrow there.
Alameda Mortgage Corp: Simi Valley mortgage lender and broker, and California HELOC specialists
From the branch on Tapo Street, Mike Fisher helps homeowners and buyers across Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and the rest of California. Most of the calls right now come from homeowners who locked a 3% or 4% first mortgage and want cash without giving that rate up, which is why a California HELOC leads this site. The rest are buyers and owners looking at a Simi Valley mortgage, a refinance or a loan that a bank turned down.
Tell us the value and the goal. Home value, what you owe and how much you want available.
See your line and rate. Priced with no hard credit pull while you decide.
Valuation and approval. Many lines use an automated valuation; income by pay stubs, tax returns or bank statements.
Sign and draw. After the three-day right to cancel on a primary home, draw whenever you need it.
Refinance, HELOC or both? Let the numbers decide.
If your rate is well above today’s, a refinance can lower the payment or fold in high-rate debt. If it is well below, a HELOC usually wins. Mike prices both so you can see it.
We refinance homes across Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, the San Fernando Valley and the rest of California: rate-and-term refinances to lower a payment, cash-out refinances to consolidate debt or remodel, and term changes to pay a home off sooner.
*Rates from today’s cards above for a 780+ credit, single-family primary residence in Ventura County with a 30-day lock and escrows; see APRs there. HELOC rate is the variable starting APR. Your rate depends on your scenario.
Refinance when
Your rate is well above today’s
You want one fixed payment for everything
You want to drop FHA mortgage insurance or shorten the term
Mike runs the Alameda Mortgage Corp branch on Tapo Street in Simi Valley. When you call, you talk to the person pricing your loan. He has helped Ventura County and San Fernando Valley families buy, refinance and tap equity for years, and he can lend anywhere in California.
A home equity line of credit is a second loan secured by your home that works like a credit line. You are approved for a limit, draw what you need during the draw period, and pay interest only on the amount you have drawn. Your first mortgage is not touched.
How much can I borrow with a California HELOC?
Most lenders let your first mortgage and the new line together reach up to 90% of the home’s value. On an $850,000 home with a $420,000 balance, that is a line of up to $345,000. Lines run from $50,000 to $800,000.
Is a HELOC better than a cash-out refinance?
When your first mortgage rate is well below today’s rates, usually yes. A cash-out refinance replaces your whole balance at the new rate, while a HELOC only charges the higher rate on the cash you take. When your current rate is close to today’s, a cash-out refinance can make more sense because it gives you one fixed payment. See the side-by-side math.
What credit score do I need?
Our best HELOC pricing generally starts around a 680 credit score with a combined loan-to-value at or under program limits. Lower scores may still qualify for a line or a closed-end second at a higher rate.
Can I get a HELOC if I am self-employed?
Yes. A bank statement HELOC qualifies you on 12 or 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns, which helps owners who write off a lot of their income.
How long does a HELOC take to close?
Often two to four weeks from application. Many lines can use an automated valuation instead of a full appraisal, which shortens the timeline.
Find out what line you qualify for
Send a few details and Mike will price your HELOC and, if it is worth comparing, a cash-out refinance next to it. No credit pull to start.
