Mortgage Lender in Manhattan Beach, CA
Serving Manhattan Beach homebuyers since 1995, Choice One Mortgage specializes in the jumbo, super-jumbo, and non-QM loan programs that buyers in one of Southern California’s most prestigious beach communities need to compete and close.
Manhattan Beach is one of the most coveted addresses in Los Angeles — a premier South Bay beach city of roughly 36,000 residents that consistently ranks among the most expensive zip codes in California. With home prices ranging from $1.5 million to well over $10 million, this market is defined by jumbo and super-jumbo financing. Buying here requires a lender with deep expertise in luxury real estate loans, complex income documentation, and the specialized products Manhattan Beach buyers depend on.
That is exactly what Bill Lewis and Choice One Mortgage provide. As a mortgage broker with access to dozens of wholesale lenders, we shop your loan across the full spectrum of jumbo, super-jumbo, and non-QM lenders to find the best rate and terms for your financial profile. Whether you are purchasing a beachfront home in the Sand Section, an ocean-view estate on the Hill Section, or a family home in the Tree Section, we structure financing that fits the way you actually earn and hold your wealth.
Call (310) 614-5920 for a free, no-obligation consultation tailored to your Manhattan Beach purchase.
Free Loan Analysis • No Obligation • 30+ Years Experience
The Manhattan Beach Real Estate Market
Manhattan Beach sits along the Pacific coast in the heart of the South Bay, bordered by Hermosa Beach to the south and El Segundo to the north. The city is defined by its wide, clean beaches, the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, a vibrant downtown with boutique shopping and restaurants, and a family-oriented culture that has made it one of the most desirable communities in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
What makes Manhattan Beach stand out from a mortgage perspective is the concentration of high-value real estate. The 2026 conforming loan limit for Los Angeles County is $1,209,750, yet the vast majority of single-family homes here sell for multiples of that figure. Sand Section properties frequently trade between $3 million and $15 million. Even east of Sepulveda, entry-level prices start around $1.5 million. Jumbo and super-jumbo financing is not just common here — it is the standard.
The buyer profile reflects the market. Manhattan Beach attracts corporate executives, technology leaders, entertainment professionals, entrepreneurs, and professional athletes — many with complex income structures involving equity compensation, business ownership, or investment income that does not fit conventional underwriting guidelines. This is precisely why non-QM loan programs are critical here, and why working with a broker who originates these loans regularly makes a meaningful difference.
Manhattan Beach Unified School District — anchored by Mira Costa High School — is consistently rated among the best in Los Angeles County, attracting families willing to pay a premium for access and helping sustain property values across every neighborhood.
Manhattan Beach Neighborhoods We Serve
The Sand Section
The crown jewel of Manhattan Beach, located west of Sepulveda Boulevard between the beach and the downtown core. Ultra-luxury homes here range from $3 million to $15 million and beyond, with walk streets, beachfront lots, and ocean views commanding the highest premiums. Super-jumbo loan programs with flexible underwriting are essential in this neighborhood, and we work with specialty lenders experienced in financing at these price points.
The Hill Section
Perched on elevated terrain south of downtown, the Hill Section offers some of the most dramatic ocean and coastline views in the South Bay. Homes here typically range from $3 million to $10 million or more, with many featuring contemporary architecture and expansive lots. Jumbo and super-jumbo financing with competitive rates is the standard approach, and we match buyers with lenders who handle high-value appraisals and complex income profiles efficiently.
The Tree Section
A family favorite known for its mature tree-lined streets, wider lots, and strong neighborhood identity. The Tree Section typically ranges from $2 million to $5 million — solidly in jumbo territory. Many buyers here are families with children in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, and we regularly help them navigate jumbo qualification with a mix of W-2 and supplemental income sources.
East Manhattan Beach
Located east of Sepulveda Boulevard, East Manhattan Beach offers a more accessible entry point to the city with homes generally ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million. This neighborhood appeals to buyers who want Manhattan Beach schools and community without the ultra-luxury price tags of the west side. Both jumbo and high-balance conventional loans are used here, depending on the purchase price and down payment.
Manhattan Village Area
The area surrounding Manhattan Village shopping center features a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Price points vary widely from around $1 million for condos to $2.5 million or more for detached homes. This neighborhood offers some of the most diverse financing options in Manhattan Beach, with conventional, jumbo, and non-QM programs all in active use depending on the property type and buyer profile.
North End / El Porto
The northern stretch of Manhattan Beach bordering El Segundo, El Porto is known for its surf culture, laid-back vibe, and smaller lot sizes relative to the rest of the city. Homes and duplexes here typically range from $2 million to $5 million, with many properties attracting buyers who also see investment potential. We offer jumbo financing as well as DSCR programs for buyers interested in rental income from these properties.
Home Loan Programs for Manhattan Beach Buyers
As a mortgage broker, Choice One Mortgage searches dozens of wholesale lenders to match Manhattan Beach buyers with the optimal loan program. In a market where the average transaction is well into jumbo territory, access to multiple competing lenders is a significant advantage:
Jumbo and Super-Jumbo Loans
The foundation of Manhattan Beach home financing. With most homes priced from $1.5 million to $15 million, the vast majority of purchases require jumbo or super-jumbo loans. Our jumbo programs offer competitive rates with as little as 10% down for well-qualified borrowers up to approximately $2 million. For super-jumbo loans above $3 million, we work with specialty lenders who provide flexible terms, interest-only options, and underwriting designed for high-net-worth borrowers. On a $4 million loan, even a modest rate improvement saves six figures over the life of the loan.
Non-QM Loans
Manhattan Beach has an exceptionally high concentration of buyers whose income does not conform to standard documentation — tech executives with stock compensation, entertainment professionals with variable income, business owners who minimize taxable income, and investors with complex portfolios. Our non-QM programs include bank statement loans (12 or 24 months of deposits instead of tax returns), asset depletion loans, profit-and-loss statement loans for business owners, and DSCR programs for investment properties. These are not niche products in Manhattan Beach — they are essential, and we originate them weekly.
Conventional Loans
For condos and townhomes priced at or below the $1,209,750 conforming limit, conventional loans offer excellent rates and terms. Buyers with 20% down avoid mortgage insurance entirely.
VA Loans
Veterans and active-duty military purchasing in Manhattan Beach benefit from VA loans with zero down payment and no mortgage insurance. Since VA loans no longer impose a loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement, qualified veterans can use VA financing even on multi-million-dollar properties — a powerful advantage many veterans are not aware of.
Refinancing
Manhattan Beach homeowners with substantial equity have strong refinancing options, whether the goal is lowering a rate, shortening a term, or accessing equity. Our Refinance Scenario Builder lets you compare scenarios side by side.
Why Manhattan Beach Buyers Choose a Mortgage Broker
In a market as specialized as Manhattan Beach, the difference between a broker and a single bank is measured in real dollars and successful closings:
- Access to super-jumbo and specialty lenders — Super-jumbo loans above $3 million, non-QM programs for complex income, and interest-only jumbo options are not available at most retail banks. As a broker, we access the wholesale lenders that specialize in this type of financing.
- Competitive rate shopping — We submit your scenario to multiple competing lenders simultaneously. On a $3 million loan, even a quarter-point rate difference translates to tens of thousands in savings.
- 30+ years of South Bay experience — Bill Lewis has been originating loans in the South Bay since 1995. He understands Sand Section appraisal dynamics, Manhattan Beach buyer income profiles, and the nuances of financing in this specific market.
- One point of contact — You work directly with Bill from application through closing. No hand-offs, no call centers. One person who knows your file and takes ownership of your timeline.
No cost • No obligation • Response within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions About Manhattan Beach Mortgages
What is a jumbo loan, and why do most Manhattan Beach buyers need one?
A jumbo loan is any mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit — $1,209,750 in Los Angeles County for 2026. Since the vast majority of Manhattan Beach homes are priced well above that threshold, jumbo financing is the standard rather than the exception. Choice One Mortgage specializes in jumbo loans and has access to dozens of lenders competing to offer the best rates and terms for Manhattan Beach purchases.
What is a super-jumbo loan, and what are the requirements?
A super-jumbo loan generally refers to mortgage amounts above $2 million or $3 million, depending on the lender. In Manhattan Beach, where Sand Section and Hill Section homes routinely sell for $3 million to $15 million, super-jumbo financing is essential. Requirements typically include 20% to 25% down, strong credit (700+), and sufficient reserves. We work with specialty super-jumbo lenders offering flexible underwriting, interest-only options, and terms tailored to high-net-worth borrowers. Call (310) 614-5920 for a confidential consultation.
Can I get a mortgage in Manhattan Beach with self-employment or non-traditional income?
Yes, and this is one of our core specialties. Our non-QM programs include bank statement loans (12 or 24 months of deposits), asset depletion loans for borrowers with significant liquid assets, and P&L statement programs for business owners. These are designed for buyers whose financial strength is not reflected in their tax returns — a common situation for tech executives, entertainment professionals, and business owners purchasing in Manhattan Beach.
How much do I need for a down payment on a Manhattan Beach home?
Down payment requirements depend on the loan amount and program. For jumbo loans up to roughly $2 million, well-qualified borrowers can often put down as little as 10%. For loans between $2 million and $3 million, 15% to 20% is typical. For super-jumbo loans above $3 million, expect 20% to 25% down. VA-eligible veterans may qualify for zero down regardless of price. We search across multiple lenders to find the lowest down payment requirement for your profile.
How does working with a mortgage broker save money on a Manhattan Beach purchase?
At Manhattan Beach price points, broker-level rate shopping produces substantial savings. We submit your scenario to multiple wholesale lenders competing for your business. On a $3 million jumbo loan, a rate improvement of just 0.25% saves approximately $7,500 per year — or $225,000 over a 30-year term. Beyond rate, brokers access specialty products (non-QM, super-jumbo, interest-only) that many retail banks do not offer. In a market where most transactions involve complex financing, the broadest possible lender access is a necessity.
Serving Manhattan Beach and the South Bay
Choice One Mortgage has been serving homebuyers throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles since 1995. We work with buyers and homeowners in Manhattan Beach and all surrounding communities across Southern California.
Choice One Mortgage Company, Inc. | NMLS 233784 | CA DRE 01238593
Bill Lewis | NMLS 284797 | (310) 614-5920
Equal Housing Lender. Subject to credit and property approval. This is not a commitment to lend.