In a world where you can buy Lamborghinis and tacos with Bitcoin, it was only a matter of time before real estate joined the crypto party. So, if you’re wondering whether you can use cryptocurrency to buy a home in California — the answer is yes. But the process is more Silicon Valley wizardry than your average down payment.
Let’s break it all down — from crypto-backed loans to the escrow companies that actually know what Ethereum is (hint: it’s not a new yoga studio).
🔐 Option 1: Crypto-Backed Mortgage Loans (Most Common)
You don’t actually need to sell your crypto to buy a house. Instead, you can collateralize it — basically, use it as security to take out a traditional home loan. Think of it as staking your crypto instead of cashing out (and triggering capital gains tax).
🚀 Top Crypto Mortgage Lenders:
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Milo Credit: Offers up to 100% financing using Bitcoin or Ethereum as collateral. They’ve closed millions in U.S. home purchases for crypto-rich buyers. milo.io
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Arch Lending: Lets you lock in traditional mortgage rates while leveraging your crypto assets. archlending.com
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Other Private Lenders: Some boutique firms and hedge-backed groups now offer crypto-secured mortgage options, especially for high-net-worth clients.
📉 Pros vs. Cons:
Pros:
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Keep your crypto and still buy real estate
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No need to liquidate, so you avoid capital gains taxes
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Looks like an “all-cash” offer to sellers
Cons:
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If crypto prices crash, you could face a margin call
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Loan terms vary — read the fine print carefully
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Only available through niche lenders
💸 Option 2: Convert Crypto to Fiat Before Closing
This is the classic route — sell your crypto for USD, move it to a bank account, and wire funds to escrow. But there’s a smarter way to do it:
🔄 Use Conversion Services or Crypto-Focused Platforms:
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RealOpen: Founded by "Selling Sunset" star Christine Quinn, it lets you shop with crypto and converts it into dollars before closing. realopen.com
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BitPay: A major player in crypto payments — they partner with escrow companies to securely convert and transfer funds.
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Coinbase / Kraken / Binance: Sell your crypto here, but make sure your bank accepts large transfers from exchanges (some get weird).
This route does trigger taxable events — so talk to your CPA first.
🏢 Escrow & Title Companies That Actually Handle Crypto
Not every escrow officer is ready to talk blockchains over lunch, so you need one that’s equipped and compliant.
🔐 Top Crypto-Friendly Escrow Companies in California:
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Guaranty Escrow (Los Angeles) – They accept crypto via BitPay and can hold funds securely in escrow. guaranty-escrow.com
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First California Escrow – Crypto-ready and licensed in California, they’ve worked with several digital asset transactions. bitpay.com
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Glen Oaks Escrow – They've publicly closed crypto-backed refinances and purchases. glenoaksescrow.com
These firms know how to verify crypto transactions, source funds legally, and keep regulators happy — which is half the battle.
📜 Legal + Tax Considerations
Before you go all-in on Bitcoin real estate, here's what to know:
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Capital Gains Tax: Selling crypto = taxable event
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Escrow Law: California's DFPI regulates financial transactions — you must use licensed escrow companies
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FHFA Guidance: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now consider crypto as part of borrower assets (still early-stage)
And yes — if the IRS ever audits you, they’ll want to know where that $200K Ethereum down payment came from. So keep documentation clean and transparent.
✅ Quick Recap: How to Buy Real Estate with Crypto in CA
| Method |
How It Works |
Who to Talk To |
| Crypto-Backed Loan |
Use crypto as collateral, keep assets |
Milo, Arch Lending |
| Sell Crypto to Fiat |
Sell for USD, wire to escrow |
Coinbase + licensed escrow firms |
| Crypto-to-Seller Deal |
Seller accepts crypto directly |
Use RealOpen or a crypto attorney |
🔑 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely — if done right. Crypto-rich buyers are finding smart ways to diversify into real estate without losing their digital holdings. But it’s not DIY. You’ll need:
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A lender who gets blockchain finance
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A crypto-compliant escrow & title team
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An agent (like you?) who can quarterback it all
In 2025, real estate meets fintech. And if your crypto portfolio’s booming, it might just be the smartest way to lock in a tangible asset that doesn’t fluctuate every time Elon tweets.
Want help navigating a crypto-backed real estate purchase in LA?
Let’s connect and make it happen — securely, smartly, and on the blockchain.
📲 Chris Wulff | Wulff Realty Group
📧 [email protected] | 📞 949-412-8492
📸 @wulffestates
