Cesar HuertaExcellence Real Estate
AgentHuertaRE@gmail.com IG @huerta.real.estate DRE# 02208057
Today's mortgage rates (averages) Source: Mortgage News Daily · Updated Nov 10, 2026 · Not a loan quote Mortgage News Daily · Nov 10, 2026 · not a loan quote
Realtor · Excellence Real Estate

Your first home can be closer than you think.

I help first time buyers in Whittier, Corona, Ontario, Chino, and nearby cities. I also help you look at programs that can lower what you need to bring to the table.

Se habla español. Con gusto le ayudo en su idioma.

Cesar Huerta, Realtor, Excellence Real Estate
Listings

Here are a few homes Cesar has been sharing. He is not the listing agent on these. Each card names the listing brokerage. Tap a home to search it on RealScout, or text Cesar and he will walk you through it.

Listing facts checked Nov 10, 2026. Prices can change.

7815 Clive Ave, Whittier

$775,000

3 bed · 2 bath · 1,268 sq ft · built in 1947

Listed by Keller Williams Pacific Estate, Salomon Castro. MLS PW26240183.

6379 Felix Ct, Chino

$740,000

4 bed · 2 bath · 1,658 sq ft · pool home on a cul-de-sac

Listed by NEXT Brokerage, Matthew Ornelas. MLS CV26212550.

1758 S Briar Ave, Ontario

$780,000

4 bed · 3 bath · 1,873 sq ft · quiet cul-de-sac

Listed by RE/MAX Champions, Andy Nguyen. MLS IV26231075.

25377 Temescal Valley Ln, Corona

$735,000

3 bed · 3 bath · 2,182 sq ft · Serrano Ridge, Sycamore Creek

Listed by Compass, Shellsy Ashen. MLS NP26235054.

Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
Open houses this weekend

These are open houses we could confirm for Saturday, Nov 14 and Sunday, Nov 15, 2026. Times change. Please check again before you go, or text Cesar and he will double check with you.

Checked Nov 10, 2026. Whittier, Pico Rivera, and Norwalk came from openhousesinlosangeles.com. Corona came from a current listing feed on jeremycampbellrealestate.com. Chino came from byowner.com. I could not confirm a solid list for La Habra or Ontario, so those cities have live search links only.

Whittier · Saturday, Nov 14

5537 Carley Ave, 90601$939,900 · 3 bed, 2 bath · 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. · Dreamscape Real Estate
4709 Canyon Rim Dr, 90601$1,188,888 · 4 bed, 3 bath · 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. · Keller Williams Realty Riv
11119 Portada Dr, 90604$769,000 · 3 bed, 1 bath · 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. · T.N.G. Real Estate Consultants
13287 Helmer Dr, 90602$1,174,995 · 5 bed, 3 bath · 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. · Century 21 Masters

Whittier · Sunday, Nov 15

4709 Canyon Rim Dr, 11119 Portada Dr, and 13287 Helmer DrSame homes as Saturday, at the same times.
12008 Turnleaf Ave, 90602$839,000 · 3 bed, 3 bath · 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. · Choice 100 Realty, Miriam Song

Pico Rivera · Saturday and Sunday, Nov 14 and 15

6430 Bollenbacher Dr, 90660$695,000 · 2 bed, 1 bath · 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days · Dynasty Real Estate
9038 Primrose Dr, 90660$760,000 · 3 bed, 3 bath · 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days · KW Executive

Norwalk · Saturday, Nov 14

12864 Sycamore Village Dr, 90650$517,777 · 2 bed, 1 bath · 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. · Realty Masters & Associates
12415 Imperial Hwy Unit 38, 90650$600,000 · 2 bed, 3 bath · 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. · Norco Realty

Norwalk · Sunday, Nov 15

13122 Thistle Ave, 90650$920,000 · 4 bed, 3 bath · 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. · Lovett & Associates, Realtors
11538 Foster Rd, 90650$850,000 · 4 bed, 2 bath · 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. · CNC Realty
12415 Imperial Hwy Unit 38, 90650$600,000 · 2 bed, 3 bath · 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. · Norco Realty

Corona · Saturday, Nov 14

3956 Lavine Way #114, 92883$650,000 · condo · 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
887 Big Spring Court, 92880$869,000 · 4 bed, 3 bath · 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
24221 Sonieta Court, 92883$685,000 · 4 bed, 3 bath · 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
3842 Morales, 92883$1,174,900 · 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Corona · Sunday, Nov 15

3018 Sundown Lane, 92882$830,000 · 4 bed, 2 bath · 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Chino · Sunday, Nov 15

Homestead at The Preserve model homesTamarack Street and Eureka Street new homes. Open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Prices start around $839,990.
16147 Pasture Ave$829,900 · 4 bed, 3 bath · 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. · Monarch at The Preserve (Pulte)
6852 Cloud Crest$795,000 · 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

La Habra and Ontario: please use a live search, because I could not verify a complete weekend list from the pages I could open.

Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
New listings this week, by county

I am not guessing at weekly counts. Those numbers change every day, and a static page cannot stay exact. Use these live searches to see what just came on the market. Or text Cesar and he can send you a fresh list.

Links collected Nov 10, 2026.

Los Angeles County

Whittier, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, and more.

Orange County

La Habra and nearby Orange County cities.

Riverside County

Corona and the rest of the county.

San Bernardino County

Ontario, Chino, and nearby cities.

Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
Buyer programs

A lot of people think they need 20% down. Many first time buyers do not. Here is a simple look at common programs. Rules change, funds can run out, and a lender has to check if you qualify. Cesar is a realtor, not a lender. He can explain the basics and connect you with a trusted loan officer.

Program facts checked Nov 10, 2026 from official or program sites.

Loan types

FHA loan

This is a government backed loan. Many buyers can put down as little as 3.5%. Credit rules can be a bit more flexible than some other loans. You will pay mortgage insurance on an FHA loan.

Who it's for: Buyers who want a smaller down payment and may not have a huge cash reserve.

Ask Cesar

VA loan

If you qualify through military service, you may buy with no down payment, as long as the price is not higher than the appraised value. There is no monthly mortgage insurance. You may pay a one-time VA funding fee. You need a Certificate of Eligibility, and you must live in the home.

Who it's for: Eligible veterans, service members, and some surviving spouses. Thank you for your service.

Ask Cesar

USDA loan

This can be a zero down loan for eligible homes in certain rural or smaller areas. Income limits apply. Many homes in bigger cities do not qualify. We can check an address together before you get your heart set on it.

Who it's for: Buyers with qualifying income who want a home in a USDA eligible area.

Ask Cesar

Conventional 3% down

Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible can let eligible buyers put down as little as 3%. Income limits usually apply. Gift funds and grants may be allowed. Homebuyer education is often required. A lender has to confirm the details for your income and the home.

Who it's for: Buyers who have some money for a down payment and meet the income rules.

Ask Cesar

California state help

CalHFA MyHome

This is a deferred second loan from the state, used with a CalHFA first mortgage. It can help with the down payment and closing costs. With a CalHFA FHA loan, help can be up to 3.5% of the price or the appraised value, whichever is less. With a CalHFA conventional, USDA, or VA loan, help can be up to 3%. You do not make monthly payments on MyHome. You pay it back when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first loan. You must be a first time buyer, live in the home, meet income limits, and take a homebuyer class. Source: CalHFA MyHome page and handbook, revised Oct 19, 2026.

Who it's for: First time buyers in California who will use a CalHFA approved lender.

Other CalHFA loans

CalHFA also has first mortgages (including CalPLUS) and extra help programs. ZIP can add more help for closing costs, often about 2% to 3%, with 0% interest. MyAccess can add more help, often about 2.5%, for the down payment or closing costs. These usually sit behind MyHome and have their own rules. CalHFA does not lend to you directly. You apply through an approved lender.

Who it's for: First time buyers already looking at a CalHFA loan who need a little more help.

Dream For All

This is CalHFA's shared appreciation loan for first-generation buyers. It can cover up to 20% of the price, up to $150,000, for the down payment or closing costs. When you sell or pay off the first loan, you pay back the help plus a share of the home's gain in value. Important: it is not taking new applications right now. The 2026 application window closed on March 16, 2026. If you already applied, check the DFA voucher portal. If you were not selected, you can still look at MyHome and other CalHFA help. Source: calhfa.ca.gov/dream, checked Nov 10, 2026.

Who it's for: Not open to new applicants today. Past applicants should check their portal. We can watch for a future round.

County and local help

Los Angeles County

LACDA's HOP80 and HOP150 programs can offer a second loan up to $100,000, or 20% of the price, whichever is less. The loan has 0% interest and deferred payments, with shared equity when you sell or move. The home must be in unincorporated L.A. County or a participating city. You usually need to put in at least 1% of your own funds and take an 8-hour HUD class. The county also has the Greenline Home Program, a $35,000 grant for down payment or closing costs. Greenline is for first time buyers who live in the county, with priority for lower income buyers in higher need areas. You must put in 3% of your own funds, take a class, and live in the home for three years. Funds can run out.

Who it's for: Income eligible first time buyers purchasing in a qualifying L.A. County area.

Orange County

The county Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) offers a silent, deferred loan of up to $80,000. It has 3% simple interest and a 30-year term. You must be a first time buyer, usually at or below 80% of area median income, put at least 1% down, take a class, and live in the home. The price may not be higher than 85% of the Orange County median sales price. This program only covers certain cities and unincorporated areas, such as Brea, Placentia, Stanton, and Yorba Linda. La Habra is not on the county's current eligible city list. Some cities run their own programs. We can check your target city together.

Who it's for: Lower income first time buyers buying in an eligible Orange County area.

Riverside County

Housing and Workforce Solutions offers first time buyer down payment help, often up to 20% of the price, with a $100,000 cap on the HOME program. It is a deferred second loan with no monthly payment and no interest, plus a 15-year affordability period. Closing cost help is not available at this time. Income limits apply. Location matters a lot. Corona is on the exclusion lists for both the HOME and PLHA versions, so a Corona purchase may not qualify for this county program. Always confirm the city before you plan around it.

Who it's for: Income eligible first time buyers buying in a qualifying Riverside County location, not including some cities such as Corona.

San Bernardino County and Inland Empire

The county Community Development and Housing Department says it no longer offers its own down payment assistance. It points people to a directory, to groups like Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services, and to CalHFA. There is a current regional option: the Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance Program (IEDPA). A second funding round was announced Oct 30, 2026. It can provide up to $40,000 as a 30-year, 0% deferred loan for qualifying first time buyers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Applications are being accepted through NPHS. Funds are limited.

Who it's for: First time buyers in the Inland Empire who meet IEDPA or other agency rules.

Other help and other loan types

Chenoa and 0 down DPA

Chenoa Fund can offer 3.5% or 5% as a second loan with an eligible FHA first mortgage. The buyer contribution can be $0, because the help can cover the required FHA down payment. This is still a loan on the home, not free money. A forgivable option may be forgiven after 36 on-time first mortgage payments, if you follow the rules and request the release. Credit, property, and lender rules apply. A participating lender must be used. Source: Chenoa Fund materials updated October 2026.

Who it's for: Buyers who qualify for FHA and want help covering the down payment, including some repeat buyers.

First time buyer basics

Many programs call you a first time buyer if you have not owned a home in the last three years. Start with a talk and a pre-approval, not with a random open house. Learn your true budget, including taxes, insurance, and a little extra for repairs. Take a homebuyer class if a program needs one. Then we look at homes that fit. Cesar will keep the steps simple and tell you what comes next.

Who it's for: Anyone buying a first home, or buying again after a long break.

Ask Cesar

Bank statement and ITIN loans

These are not government programs. Some private lenders offer bank statement loans for self-employed buyers who show income with bank deposits instead of tax returns. Some lenders offer ITIN loans for people who file taxes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Rates, down payments, and rules vary, and not every lender offers them. If this sounds like your situation, Cesar can connect you with a loan officer who works with these files.

Who it's for: Self-employed buyers, or buyers who use an ITIN, who still have a path to qualify.

Ask Cesar

This is general information, not a loan offer, a guarantee, or legal advice. Cesar Huerta and Excellence Real Estate do not make loans. Programs, income limits, eligible cities, and funding change often. A licensed lender must review your income, credit, and the home to see what you may qualify for. Official sources include HUD and FHA, VA.gov, USDA Rural Development, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, CalHFA, LACDA, LA County DCBA, OC Housing and Community Development, Riverside County HWS, San Bernardino County CDH, IECF/IEDPA, and Chenoa Fund.

Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
Before we shop

Buying a home is exciting. It also helps to know what is realistic before we start touring. This is for buyers who hope every home will be perfect, and who expect the seller to fix everything. That is not how most California sales work. If we talk through this now, the search will feel calmer, and we can move faster when the right home shows up.

No home is perfect

Every home has something. Even brand new homes can have small finish issues, settling, or items on a punch list later. Older homes almost always have wear. The goal is not a flawless house. The goal is a safe home that fits your life and your budget, including a little money for work after you move in.

Cosmetic issues vs real issues

Cosmetic items are things like scuffed paint, old carpet, dated cabinets, or a messy yard. They can bother you, but they are often cheaper to handle later, or to live with for a while. Real issues are about safety and big systems. Think roof leaks, foundation or structure problems, bad electrical, failing plumbing, heat and air that does not work, or anything that makes the home unsafe. We focus first on those big items.

Sellers in California often sell as-is

In most regular home sales, the seller must give you a Transfer Disclosure Statement, called a TDS. That form is where they tell you about problems they already know about. There are also other disclosures, like natural hazard information. Even with those forms, many sellers still sell the home as-is. As-is means they may not agree to fix things. They still have to be honest about what they know. They are not required to repair most items just because an inspector found them.

How inspections work

If your offer is accepted, you usually have time to inspect the home. A general home inspector walks the property and writes a report. You may also want extra checks, like termite, roof, sewer, or chimney, depending on the house. The report is not a pass or fail test. It is a to-do list and a heads up. Almost every report looks long. That does not automatically mean the home is a bad home. Cesar will help you sort the big items from the small ones.

Repair asks, credits, and price cuts

If something important comes up, we can ask the seller to fix it, give you a credit, or lower the price. The seller can say yes, say no, or meet you in the middle. If your investigation contingency is still in place, you may also have the right to cancel if you cannot reach an agreement. In a busy market, a long list of small cosmetic asks can scare a seller and can lose you the house. Ask when the issue is about safety, a major system, or a costly surprise. Be careful about asking for every little thing.

Plan money for work after closing

It is smart to keep a repair cushion, even if the home looks great. Paint, fences, appliances, and small surprises add up. A home warranty is an optional plan that may help with some systems or appliances after you move in. It is not a substitute for a good inspection, and coverage varies. We can talk about whether one makes sense for you.

Get pre-approved first

Talk to a lender and get a pre-approval letter before we fall in love with a house. Then we know your price range. Sellers also take your offer more seriously. If you are not pre-approved yet, Cesar can connect you with a lender.

Showings, how many homes, and moving fast

Open houses are a great first look. Private showings let us take more time. You do not need to see dozens of homes, but seeing a few helps you learn what you like. Before we go, know your must-haves and your nice-to-haves. Keep your phone close. If a good home appears, we may need to write an offer quickly. That is easier when your pre-approval, ID, and down payment plans are already ready.

Please be kind at every showing. This is still someone's home, or a listing another agent is working hard on. Follow the listing agent's rules. Do not criticize the home out loud while we are inside. Do not open closets or cabinets in a rude way if we were asked not to. Leave the house as we found it. Respect helps your offer, and it is just the right way to act.

Myth vs fact

Myth: The seller has to fix everything the inspector finds.
Fact: In California, sellers often sell as-is. They must disclose what they know, but they do not have to make most repairs.
Myth: A new home will have no problems.
Fact: Even new homes can have punch list items or issues that show up later. No home is perfect.
Myth: The inspection is a pass or fail test.
Fact: The report is a list of findings. We use it to decide what matters and what you can live with.
Myth: I should ask for every small cosmetic fix.
Fact: In a competitive market, a long repair list can lose you the house. Focus on safety and big-ticket items.
Myth: I can wait to get a loan letter until I find the right house.
Fact: Get pre-approved first. Then you can shop in the right range and make a stronger offer faster.
Myth: If I want the home, the seller should meet every request because I am the buyer.
Fact: The seller does not have to agree. Being reasonable, fast, and respectful gives you a better chance.

What to expect, step by step

  1. 1
    Talk and get pre-approved. Share what you need and what you can spend. A lender checks your numbers and writes a letter.
  2. 2
    Set a real budget. Include the down payment, closing costs, and a cushion for repairs after you move in.
  3. 3
    Tour homes. We go to open houses and private showings. You learn the area and what feels right.
  4. 4
    Make an offer. We name a price, a timeline, and any contingencies. In a busy market, we may need to move the same day.
  5. 5
    Review the home if your offer is accepted. The standard C.A.R. purchase contract often gives you 17 days to investigate, but that time is negotiable. We can agree to a shorter or longer period. You also review the seller's disclosures, including the TDS in most sales.
  6. 6
    Decide on repairs or credits. Ask only about what really matters, or plan to handle smaller items yourself. The seller can say no.
  7. 7
    Loan, appraisal, and final walk-through. Your lender finishes the file. We visit one last time before closing.
  8. 8
    Close and get the keys. Then you settle in and take on the to-do list at your own pace.

This is general information about common California home purchases. It is not legal advice, and it is not a promise about any one home or contract. The C.A.R. Residential Purchase Agreement, disclosure rules, and contingency periods can be negotiated. Some sales have different disclosure rules. Talk with Cesar, and with your own advisor if you need legal advice, about your situation.

Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
About Cesar

Hi, I'm Cesar. Buying your first home is a big deal, and it can feel like there is a lot nobody explains. My job is to make it simple. I will tell you what you can afford, what help may be out there, and what to expect at each step, in plain English or Spanish.

I work with a lot of families buying for the first time. There is no pressure and no runaround. If now is not the right time, I will tell you that too, and help you get ready.

Quick facts

Brokerage: Excellence Real Estate

DRE# 02208057

Focus: First time buyers

Languages: English and Español

Areas: Whittier, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, La Habra, Corona, Ontario, Chino, and nearby cities

Three simple steps

1. We talk. You tell me your budget and the areas you like.

2. You get pre-approved, and I set up your home search.

3. We tour homes, write a strong offer, and I stay with you until you get the keys.

Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
Let's talk

Tell me what you are looking for. I will get back to you the same day whenever I can. También en español.

Call 562-284-9106

Text 562-284-9106

AgentHuertaRE@gmail.com

IG @huerta.real.estate

Cesar Huerta, Realtor · Excellence Real Estate · DRE# 02208057

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Cesar HuertaCall 562-284-9106Text meAgentHuertaRE@gmail.comIG @huerta.real.estateDRE# 02208057
Cesar Huerta · DRE# 02208057
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