A Anaheim Condo: Consider the Loan First - Anaheim - 1

The median price of condos in Anaheim is around $642,450. Compared to the overall median home price in Anaheim, which ranges from $954,662 to $961,240 (Zillow, Redfin, as of 2026), this indicates that condos offer a relatively lower entry point. Considering that the overall median price in Orange County has risen to about $1.3 million, Anaheim condos are seen as a more accessible option within the county.

This figure does not only signify a lower entry price. When purchasing a condo, the approval of the loan is just as important as the listing price; whether the complex is a warrantable condo or a non-warrantable condo can significantly affect financing options. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac classify a complex as non-warrantable if the percentage of delinquent units exceeds 15%, the percentage of rental (investor-owned) units typically exceeds 50%, the reserve fund is less than 10% of the budget, there are pending lawsuits, or the proportion of commercial space is excessive (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Selling Guide). When classified this way, it often limits financing options to loans with higher interest rates instead of conventional loans.

In California, there is an additional variable to consider. The SB 326, known as the Balcony Law, enacted in 2019, mandates that structures exposed to the outside, such as balconies, be inspected every nine years, with the first inspection deadline set for January 1, 2025 (governingdocs.dev, summarized as of 2026). If repairs are needed based on the inspection results, the costs must be reflected in the complex's reserve study. This means that older complexes are more likely to incur reserve fund expenditures or special assessments after inspections, which in turn affects the financial status of the association and the possibility of obtaining loans.

The level of management fees should also be considered. In California, condo management fees typically range from $300 to $400 per month, but recent studies indicate that in areas with many older buildings and rising labor and insurance costs, the average has increased to as much as $520 per month (HOA Fee Calculator, as of 2026). Particularly, due to rising reinsurance costs and litigation risks, condo insurance premiums have significantly increased in recent years, leading to management fee increases ranging from $200 to $700 per month or special assessments per unit ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 not being uncommon (Insurance Information Institute, comprehensive data from Silver Creek Asset Management).

If approaching for rental purposes, California Civil Code Sections 4740 and 4741 should also be noted. The association cannot generally prohibit rentals and can only limit the minimum rental period to no less than 30 days. However, restrictions that were already reflected in the CC&Rs prior to the purchase may still be valid, so it is essential to verify this before signing a contract.

To gauge the likelihood of loan approval in advance, it is advisable to check the following five items for each listing:

  • Review the association's financial statements and budget for the past 2-3 years
  • Check the results of the reserve study and the reserve fund accumulation rate
  • Confirm any pending or scheduled special assessments
  • Review the minutes of the association meetings for any history of lawsuits or disputes
  • Check the percentage of rental units and rental restriction regulations

These five items are also what loan officers will verify when assessing warrantability, so if buyers review them in advance, they can get a sense of loan possibilities before making an offer (NAR Condo Purchase Guide, Fannie Mae Selling Guide reference).

Ultimately, in a market like Anaheim where there is a clear price difference between condos and single-family homes, approaching solely based on the sale price can lead to unexpected obstacles during the loan process. To accurately assess financing possibilities, it is essential to check recent financial statements, reserve study results, pending lawsuits, and rental unit percentages. This article does not constitute investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a real estate professional and a loan officer before finalizing any contracts.