Financing is half of every ADU project. The build is the other half — and the two have to line up. That is why ADU Cities keeps a short, vetted list of approved lenders: mortgage professionals who understand ADU construction, California property, and how a loan has to be structured so a project can actually break ground.
Talk to an approved lender early — ideally before plans are drawn. Knowing your real budget up front shapes the size, finish level, and timeline of the ADU we design for you.
Our Approved Lenders
Anita Pattillo
Mortgage Broker — Focused on RE, Inc.
Anita Pattillo heads Focused on RE, Inc., a Torrance-based brokerage handling real estate sales and mortgages across Southern California. Anita works directly with ADU Cities clients on the financing side of their projects — walking through the options, the numbers, and what it takes to get an ADU loan funded and closed.
Office: 21250 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 500, Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: (310) 345-5616
Email: anita.smartbusiness@gmail.com
CA DRE: #01490593
Additional local lenders serving our two home counties:
Los Angeles County
Logix Federal Credit Union
Santa Clarita (Valencia), CA
Logix markets home-equity financing specifically for ADU projects — its ADU page walks through using a HELOC to build an ADU or convert a garage, up to 70% combined LTV. Credit union membership required.
Phone: (800) 328-5328
NMLS ID: 503781
Foothill Credit Union
Arcadia, CA
Foothill’s home-equity program calls out ADU additions by name — HELOC draws can fund architectural design, construction costs, and permit fees during the build. Credit union membership required.
Phone: (626) 445-0950
First City Credit Union
Altadena, CA
The Los Angeles County employees’ credit union. Its HELOCs run $25,000–$399,000 (up to 80% CLTV) on California primary residences and are marketed for home improvements. Credit union membership required.
Phone: (800) 944-2200
Orange County
New American Funding
Tustin, CA (Headquarters)
A national direct lender headquartered in Tustin. New American Funding offers FHA 203(k) renovation loans and one-time-close construction-to-permanent financing — the loan structures most ADU builds rely on.
Phone: (800) 450-2010
NMLS: #6606
Orange County’s Credit Union
Santa Ana, CA
Orange County’s own credit union offers HELOC and fixed home-equity loans — including options up to 100% LTV — that homeowners commonly use to fund ADU construction. Credit union membership required.
Phone: (800) 506-5070
NMLS: #403462
SchoolsFirst FCU
Tustin, CA (Headquarters)
A federal credit union serving California’s educational community, headquartered in Tustin. SchoolsFirst offers HELOCs and fixed-rate home-equity loans up to $500,000, which members use to fund ADU and remodel projects. Membership is limited to the educational community and their families.
Phone: (800) 462-8328 ext. 8288
How It Works
1. Start with a conversation. Call an approved lender and say you are planning an ADU with ADU Cities. They will look at your property, your equity position, and your goals.
2. Get your real numbers. Your lender lays out the financing options that fit your situation — loan type, amount, payment, and what the lender needs from you and from us.
3. We build to the budget. With financing lined up, ADU Cities designs and builds your ADU to the numbers you approved. Questions about the build itself? Call us at 562.810.1965.
Are You a Lender?
We are adding a small number of ADU-savvy lenders to this list. If your team finances California ADU projects and wants to work with our clients, apply to become an Approved Lender or call ADU Cities at 562.810.1965.
Approved lenders are independent businesses and are not employees, agents, or affiliates of ADU Cities or Mars Construction Industries Corp. ADU Cities does not make lending decisions and does not guarantee loan approval, rates, or terms. Verify any lender’s license with the California Department of Real Estate or NMLS Consumer Access before doing business. Equal Housing Opportunity.
