Cash-Out Refinance
- Lump sum $25K–$500K+ typical
- One new mortgage replacing your old one
- Fixed rate, predictable monthly payment
- Lock in a new rate at the same time you fund the work
Finance your
California
Zone 0 work.
California's AB 3074 requires a 5-foot ember-resistant zone around every home in High Fire Hazard areas. Most homeowners need $25K–$100K to get compliant. Nate Jones — NMLS #304056, 23 years at New American Funding — is the California mortgage specialist who structures cash-out refinances for Zone 0 work.
NMLS #304056 · New American Funding · Following CAL FIRE & Board of Forestry guidelines
The funding gap
Most homeowners can't pay cash for Zone 0 work.
AB 3074 requires removing combustible vegetation, replacing wood fencing within 5 feet of your home, hardening vents, and other ember-resistant upgrades. For most California homes, compliance ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on lot size, existing landscaping, and how much fencing or hardscape needs to be replaced.
Insurance carriers aren't waiting for the state to start enforcement. Premium increases, non-renewals, and outright drops are happening to non-compliant homes right now. Most homeowners need financing to act quickly — and a 401(k) loan or credit card isn't the right tool for this size of project.
For most homeowners, a cash-out refinance is the right tool. You replace your existing mortgage with a new one for a larger amount and receive the difference as cash to fund the work. Whether it makes sense depends on your current rate, your equity, and how much you need — decisions Nate walks every homeowner through before they commit.
When it makes sense
- You've built equity in your home and need $25K+ to do the work properly
- Today's rates are at or below your current rate
- You want one predictable payment instead of a second loan stacked on top
- You're planning to stay in the home long enough to recoup closing costs
Nate will walk through whether it's the right fit for your situation.
Who you'll talk to
Why work with Nate Jones.
Nate Jones · NMLS #304056
Senior Loan Officer · New American Funding · 23 years in California mortgages
Nate has closed over $2 billion in California home loans across 23 years. He specializes in cash-out refinance structures for homeowners doing significant property work — including AB 3074 / Zone 0 compliance projects. He understands the specific cost ranges, the timeline pressure from insurance carriers, and how to size a refi against the real scope of Zone 0 work.
- 23+ years California mortgage origination
- $2B+ in closed loans
- Cash-out refinance specialist for California homeowners
- Based in San Diego, serves homeowners statewide
- New American Funding NMLS #6606
Official AB 3074 resources
FireReadyHome is a private service. For official guidance, consult these California state resources directly.