What You Should Know About Getting a Mortgage Today in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA
If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines thinking homeownership in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles is out of reach due to tight mortgage lending standards — it’s time to take another look. Recent data shows that mortgage credit availability is increasing, meaning it’s becoming slightly easier for qualified buyers to secure financing. And while this shift opens up new possibilities, it’s happening without a return to the risky lending practices that led to the 2008 housing crash.
Lending Is Easing, But Still Responsible
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) — a key indicator of how easy it is to get a mortgage — has been trending upward. In fact, May 2025 marked the highest credit availability level since August 2022.
This matters for both local and out-of-state buyers eyeing homes in Southern California’s luxury enclaves. Whether you’re seeking a Spanish Revival estate in Beverly Hills Flats or a contemporary masterpiece in the Bird Streets, expanded lending access could mean more buying power — especially if you’ve got good credit and stable income.
Greater Access Doesn’t Mean Greater Risk
While more people are being approved for loans — including those with slightly lower credit scores or smaller down payments — lending standards are still far more stringent than they were in the mid-2000s. Back then, the MCAI index peaked at a jaw-dropping 868.7 in 2006 during the height of the housing bubble. By comparison, today’s figure sits at a modest 105.1 — a fraction of what it once was.
This is good news for the Los Angeles housing market, where buyers and sellers alike benefit from stability. Unlike the free-for-all lending atmosphere that contributed to the crash, today’s environment favors long-term sustainability — which is essential in high-value markets like Beverly Hills, Brentwood Park, Bel Air, and Hancock Park.
Why It Matters Now
Brett Hively, SVP of Mortgage, Finance, and Strategy at Ameris Bancorp, sums it up well:
“This uptick is opening the door for many borrowers to move forward with a home purchase or a refinance program.”
For buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines, this shift could be the window of opportunity you've been waiting for. From ultra-luxury estates to high-end condos in Wilshire Corridor, now may be a smart time to talk with a lender, explore your options, and secure financing before further market shifts.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to purchase a home in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles, don’t assume the mortgage process is out of reach. Lending standards remain responsible — but they are loosening just enough to help more qualified buyers make their move. Whether you're seeking a lifestyle upgrade, relocating to LA, or investing in a legacy property, let’s explore your mortgage options today.
Ready to get started? Let’s connect and I’ll introduce you to the best local lenders who understand the unique needs of buyers in Beverly Hills and the broader LA luxury market.