Buying a home is scary. Let's walk through it together.
Home loans for first-time buyers, self-employed borrowers, and veterans across the East Bay — explained in plain English, at your pace.
No pressure and no jargon — just a real conversation about where you stand.
Watch & learn
Short, plain-English videos on buying a home, market updates, and the programs that can help you. My first ones are coming soon.
Whoever you are, there's likely a path to your keys
A lot of people assume they won't qualify. Often they're wrong. Here's who I work with most.
First-time buyers
Never done this before? Perfect. I'll explain every step so nothing catches you off guard.
Self-employed & 1099
Your taxes look different, and that's okay. I know how to tell your income story to a lender.
Veterans & VA loans
You earned this benefit. I'll help you use it — often with no down payment required.
Not quite ready
Credit or savings in the way? We'll build a simple plan and I'll check in until you're there.
What people say
A few words from clients and real estate partners I’ve had the pleasure of working with.
As a realtor, having a dependable and knowledgeable loan officer can make all the difference in a successful transaction—and working with Veasna Duong has been exceptional from start to finish.
Realtor
Vee is so informative! Clear precise instruction delivered in a professional manner. Highly recommend!
via Google
I had the opportunity to connect with Veasna Duong and was very impressed by the depth of insight into real estate market dynamics and emerging AI driven trends.
via Google
Worked with me? Share your experience
A quick review helps other families feel confident reaching out — and it genuinely means a lot to me.
Leave a Google reviewHi, I'm Veasna.
I didn't take the straight path into home loans. I studied biochemistry in college and spent about a decade working in a lab — first doing the research myself, then leading a team. It was good work, but not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
What I kept coming back to was helping people understand things. Years ago I tutored chemistry and math, and I loved the moment when something finally clicked for someone. That's the same thing I get to do now — just with mortgages instead of molecules.
Because here's the truth: buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, and the process is genuinely confusing. My job isn't to push you toward a number — it's to explain your options in plain English so you can make a choice you feel good about. No jargon, no pressure, and never making you feel dumb for asking a question.
I believe owning a home is one of the best ways a family can build lasting wealth — the kind you pass down.
If that's something you're working toward, I'd be glad to walk through it with you.
— Veasna Duong, Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #2383727
How it works, start to keys
Four steps. You'll always know what's happening now and what's coming next.
A free conversation
We talk through your goals and your numbers. No commitment, no credit surprise.
Get pre-approved
I help you gather what's needed and get you a clear budget you can shop with.
Shop with confidence
Make offers knowing exactly what you can afford — and that your financing is solid.
Close & get the keys
I stay with you through underwriting and closing until the home is yours.
You may qualify for more help than you think
California has real programs that help with your down payment and closing costs — money a lot of buyers never realize is available. Ask me which ones fit you.
- Down payment & closing-cost assistance — CalHFA, MyHome, ZIP and GSFA programs that can cover part of your upfront costs.
- Dream For All — California's shared-appreciation program to help first-time buyers get in the door.
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) — a federal tax credit that can save you money every year you own the home.
Not sure what you qualify for?
That's the most common question I get — and the easiest to answer. Tell me a little about your situation and I'll show you the options in plain terms.
See what fits youQuestions people ask me
Straight answers, no jargon. If yours isn't here, just ask — I'm always happy to explain.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Less than most people think. The old "20% down" rule is a myth for most buyers. Many loan programs let you put down as little as 3–5%, VA loans can be zero down for eligible veterans, and California assistance programs can help cover part of it. The right number depends on your goals, and I'll walk you through the trade-offs so you can decide what feels comfortable.
Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed or paid on a 1099?
Yes. It just takes a little more care in how we document your income, because your tax returns often look different from a W-2 employee's. This is something I work with a lot — the key is presenting your income to the lender the right way. Bring me your situation and I'll tell you honestly where you stand.
What credit score do I need?
There's no single magic number. Some programs work with scores in the low 600s, and a few go lower. A higher score usually means better terms, but "not perfect" doesn't mean "no." If your credit isn't quite there yet, I'll help you build a simple plan to get it where it needs to be.
What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualified is a quick estimate based on what you tell me. Pre-approved is stronger — I verify your income, assets, and credit, so you get a real budget and sellers take your offer seriously. In a competitive market, being pre-approved makes a real difference.
What does it cost to work with you?
Our first conversation is always free, and there's no obligation. Loan officers are generally paid as part of the loan itself, and I'll always be upfront about any costs before you commit to anything. You will never get a surprise from me.
Do I need a real estate agent too?
Most buyers work with both — your agent helps you find and negotiate the home, and I handle the financing. The two of us work as a team on your behalf. If you don't have an agent yet, I'm happy to point you toward ones I trust.
Video homework
Each of my videos comes with a worksheet or checklist so you can actually do the thing we talked about. They'll appear here as I publish — free to download, no email required.
The first worksheets are on their way — check back once the videos are live.
Let's talk — it's free, and there's no pressure
Book a time on my calendar below, or reach out however is easiest for you. The first step is just a conversation.
(209) 534-6685 Email
Veasnaduong@calcoastmtg.com Visit the office
6601 Owens Dr, Ste 260, Pleasanton
What to expect
We'll spend 20–30 minutes on the phone or in person. I'll ask a few questions, answer all of yours, and give you an honest read on your options.
You'll leave knowing your next step — whether that's getting pre-approved today or building toward it over the next few months.
CalCoast Financial Corp · Pleasanton, CA