Real Estate ToolboxSimi Valley · Ventura County
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First-time buyers · Simi Valley & Ventura County

Buying Your First Home in Simi Valley? Start With the Real Numbers.

Three short videos and four plain-English guides: what a first home costs each month, how much you need down, and the local help most buyers never hear about.

Tell Us What You're Looking For

Watch: about a minute each

Simi Valley's down payment help

The City of Simi Valley's program can help with up to 20% down, with no monthly payments on the assistance loan. The guide below covers who qualifies.

What a $700K first home costs each month

Principal, interest, property tax, insurance, and the costs people forget, worked out for Ventura County in 2026.

The $1,035,000 number

Ventura County's 2026 conforming loan limit, and why it changes your down payment and loan options.

Read: the free guides

What a first home really costs each month

A line-by-line monthly payment for a typical Ventura County starter home.

2026 loan limits and down payments

Conforming vs. jumbo, and how much down you may actually need.

Simi Valley's down payment help

How the city's assistance program works, the income limits, and how to apply.

Where Dream For All stands

California's shared-appreciation program: its 2026 status and what to do while you wait.

Your first four steps

  1. Know your monthly number

    Start with what you can comfortably pay each month, not the price on the listing.

  2. Check the help you may qualify for

    Simi Valley's assistance program and state programs can change your down payment math.

  3. Get pre-approved

    Talk with a lender before you tour, so you can move when the right home shows up.

  4. Tell us what you're looking for

    Areas, size, budget. We'll set up a search and walk you through what's selling and for how much.
Ready when you are. Tell us the areas, size, and budget you have in mind, and we'll set up your search and show you what homes are really selling for. Or pick a time to talk.
Start My Home Search   Book a Free 15-Minute Call

Who you'll work with

Steve HiseA Simi Valley resident for more than 35 years, Steve walks buyers through the numbers, the search, and every step to closing.
Tricia GarciaTogether, Steve and Tricia bring about 20 years of combined experience and have helped hundreds of families buy and sell in Simi Valley and beyond.

Questions buyers ask

Do I need 20% down to buy a home in Simi Valley?

No. Many loan programs allow much less down, and the City of Simi Valley's down payment assistance program may help eligible buyers. Your lender can tell you which programs fit your situation.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Ventura County?

$1,035,000 for a one-unit home in 2026. Loans above that are jumbo loans, which usually have stricter requirements.

Does it cost anything to talk with you?

No. Our guides and a first conversation are free, with no obligation. How buyer agent compensation works is explained in a written agreement before we tour homes together.

Is this financial advice?

No. Steve Hise and Tricia Garcia are licensed Realtors, not lenders or financial advisors. Talk with a licensed lender about your loan options.

General education from licensed Realtors, not lending, legal, or financial advice. Program rules and limits change; confirm current details with the program and a licensed lender.
Steve Hise CA DRE #01702055 | Tricia Garcia CA DRE #02032007
Real Estate Toolbox | eXp Realty
1720 E Los Angeles Ave, Suite F, Simi Valley, CA 93065 | 805-424-6226
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