James Taverner, Southern California mortgage broker with Lunar Home Loans, featuring 5-star customer reviews
Southern California Mortgage Broker

Is James Taverner Southern California’s Best Mortgage Broker?

Let’s see what our clients have to say.

Verified 5-star client reviews

Local home loans for the Inland Empire, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and surrounding Southern California communities — from Corona and Eastvale to Temecula, Rancho Cucamonga, Orange County, and San Diego.

Local expertise

Local Mortgage Expertise for Southern California Homebuyers

Finding the right home in Southern California is exciting, but navigating our local real estate market requires a financing expert who understands just how different one community can be from the next.

Whether you are looking for your first home in Riverside or Corona, a newer home in Eastvale or Ontario Ranch, more space in Temecula or Murrieta, or trying to compete in markets like Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, Chino Hills, Orange County, San Diego, North County or Los Angeles County, you need a mortgage professional who understands the local market.

Southern California isn’t one single housing market.

Home prices, property taxes, HOA costs, special assessments, Mello-Roos, insurance costs, loan limits, and competition can vary dramatically depending on where you’re buying.

I provide personalized mortgage solutions for buyers and homeowners throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California, helping clients understand not just what they qualify for—but how to structure their financing intelligently.

Kasandra Trujillo

Google Review

Jan 22, 2025

I had the opportunity to work with James as our mortgage loaner. As first time buyers, every question I had was answered promptly regardless of the day and time. I was given all information needed and never felt like I didn't know what was going on. The path was set clearly and all information was given in a way that I could understand. James was very patient with our process, definitely someone I would recommend and trust! He is knowledgeable, provides effective communication, and patient. Always working towards the best interest for the client. We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with James and make our first home purchase stress free. Thanks James, for all your effort!
Verified Google Review
Areas served

Mortgage Expertise Across Southern California

Southern California is made up of dozens of unique housing markets, and a one-size-fits-all mortgage strategy doesn’t work here. I proudly help homebuyers and homeowners throughout the region, including:

  • Riverside & Western Riverside County

    Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, Moreno Valley, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and surrounding communities.

  • Southwest Riverside County

    Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee, and nearby communities.

  • San Bernardino County & the Inland Empire

    Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Redlands, Chino, Chino Hills, Upland, Highland, Beaumont, and surrounding areas.

  • Orange County

    Brea, Yorba Linda, Anaheim Hills, Fullerton, Orange, Tustin, Irvine, and surrounding communities.

  • Greater Southern California

    I also help borrowers throughout Los Angeles County, San Diego County, and other California communities.

Why Local Mortgage Experience Matters

Southern California real estate can be extremely competitive.

Working with a local mortgage broker means having someone who understands issues that frequently affect Southern California transactions, including:

  • High property values
  • County-specific conforming loan limits
  • FHA and conventional financing
  • Property taxes
  • HOA dues
  • Mello-Roos and special assessments
  • Condo financing
  • Manufactured homes
  • Jumbo financing
  • Seller credits
  • Down payment assistance
  • Appraisal and property-specific challenges

A strong pre-approval backed by a responsive local lender can also give buyers and their real estate agents more confidence when submitting an offer.

“He got us the best possible interest rate in a shorter time than we expected.”

We were looking for a short escrow closing and James immediately was able to find a great lender who got us the best possible interest rate in a shorter time than we expected. He was consistently communicating each step in the process so that there weren't any surprises. I don't post reviews often but the experience deserves recognition as James exceeded our expectations for those who are looking for a trustworthy individual to manage your mortgage needs!

Mike KimballGoogle Review · Nov 30, 2023
Verified Google Review
Loan options

Mortgage Solutions Built Around the Buyer — Not the Bank

Every borrower is different.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to figure out how much money you actually need to purchase a home, a growing family looking for more space, a homeowner considering a refinance, or an investor building a real estate portfolio, I’ll help you evaluate the available options.

  • Conventional Loans

    Flexible financing options for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.

  • FHA Loans

    Low down payment financing that can be especially helpful for first-time buyers and borrowers who need more flexible credit or debt-to-income guidelines.

  • VA Loans

    Excellent financing benefits for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and military families.

  • First-Time Homebuyer & Down Payment Assistance

    Programs that may help qualified California buyers reduce the amount of cash needed to purchase a home.

  • High-Balance & Jumbo Loans

    Financing solutions for Southern California's higher-priced housing markets.

  • Refinancing

    Options to lower a payment, restructure debt, remove mortgage insurance, access home equity, or change the term of an existing mortgage.

  • Investment Property Financing

    Loan options for borrowers purchasing or refinancing rental properties.

My goal isn’t simply to quote an interest rate. It’s to help you understand the numbers, compare your options, and build a mortgage strategy that makes sense for your situation.

“James is your go-to man.”

James is your go-to man. His interest rates were competitive and he is very knowledgeable of the lending and real estate industry. I was borderline qualifying and James went the extra mile to make it happen. He was patient, understanding, and always kept me informed. Communication is a biggie for me and he was always available. We started the loan process September 19 and my escrow closed October 20! I'm still pinching myself that I'm a homeowner! I look forward to working with James for future lending needs.

Karen KoditekGoogle Review · Oct 24, 2023Verified Google Review
Eric LiuSep 13, 2024
James was an absolute godsend as our loan officer, especially as first-time homebuyers navigating the complexities of the process. Our journey was a bit longer than usual since we initially started with resell homes but ended up with a new build. Throughout the entire process, James was incredibly experienced, attentive, and communicative, keeping us informed every step of the way. We had countless calls with him, and no matter how many questions we had, he was always patient and took the time to explain everything clearly. We truly valued how upfront and clear he was with all the information, making it easy for us to feel confident in every decision. On top of that, James secured a generous lender credit for us, which helped cover some of our closing costs — a huge bonus that made a real difference. We're so grateful to have worked with him and feel like we've found our go-to loan officer for any future needs. Thank you again James! Highly recommend!
Verified Google Review

Ready to Make Your Move in Southern California?

Buying a home is a major financial decision, but figuring out the financing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Whether you’re ready to start looking at homes or you’re simply wondering:

“Can I qualify?”

Let’s run the numbers. I’ll help you understand your buying power, estimated payment, cash needed to close, and loan options so you can make an informed decision before you start shopping.

James Taverner

Mortgage Broker · Lunar Home Loans

NMLS
1369773
Company NMLS
1986844