How to Buy Real Estate in California Using Bitcoin, Ethereum & More
By Wulff Realty Group | @wulffestates
🏁 INTRODUCTION
If you've stacked Satoshis or ridden the Ethereum rocket, you may be wondering: Can I use crypto to buy a home in California? The answer is yes — and it’s easier than ever, thanks to evolving tech, forward-thinking lenders, and escrow companies that know their way around a blockchain.
This playbook gives you everything you need to buy property in California using Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other major digital assets — without triggering massive tax bills or getting stuck in red tape.
Let’s dive in.
🔐 Chapter 1: Crypto-Backed Mortgage Loans (The Smart Route)
You don’t have to sell your crypto to buy real estate. In fact, the smartest crypto buyers collateralize their coins — using them to secure a mortgage without liquidating.
What It Means:
You pledge your crypto (Bitcoin, ETH, etc.) to a lender who gives you a dollar-based mortgage. Your assets are held securely, and you don’t owe taxes since you haven’t sold anything.
🏦 Top Crypto Mortgage Lenders:
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Milo Credit
Offers 100% financing with BTC or ETH as collateral. Known for a fast and crypto-friendly underwriting process.
👉 milo.io
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Arch Lending
Works with crypto investors to provide home loans using digital assets as collateral.
👉 archlending.com
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Other Private Lenders
High-net-worth individuals and boutique lenders in California sometimes offer private funding if you have serious digital assets and a solid property target.
✅ Pros of Crypto-Backed Mortgages:
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Keep your crypto (you don’t have to sell!)
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Avoid capital gains taxes
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Makes your offer look like an “all-cash” deal to sellers
⚠️ Cons:
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Volatility risk — a major dip could trigger a margin call
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Loan terms vary — read the fine print!
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Not available from traditional banks (yet)
💱 Chapter 2: Convert Crypto to USD Before Closing
This is the more “traditional” approach: You sell your crypto for U.S. dollars, move it into a bank account, and use it as your down payment or cash offer.
But you still need to be strategic.
🔄 Use Conversion Platforms or Escrow-Backed Services:
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RealOpen — A platform that converts crypto to USD in real-time and works with luxury real estate.
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Coinbase / Kraken / Binance — Sell to USD, then wire to escrow (check with your bank for transfer limits).
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BitPay — Partnered with several California escrow companies.
⚠️ Heads up: This route does create a taxable event. You’ll owe capital gains taxes on the appreciated crypto you sell. So talk to your CPA before you pull the trigger.
🏢 Chapter 3: Escrow & Title Companies That Work With Crypto
This is where most crypto deals get stuck — unless you have an escrow company that knows what they’re doing.
💼 Trusted Escrow Partners in California:
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Guaranty Escrow (Los Angeles)
Works directly with crypto buyers using platforms like BitPay
👉 guaranty-escrow.com
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First California Escrow
Accepts a wide range of digital currencies and has crypto transaction experience
👉 bitpay.com/directory
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Glen Oaks Escrow
Known for closing Bitcoin-financed deals and understanding crypto documentation
👉 glenoaksescrow.com
These companies help convert your crypto, verify the source of funds, and work within California’s strict escrow laws.
⚖️ Chapter 4: Legal & Tax Essentials
Don’t get caught up in the excitement and forget the legal side. Crypto real estate deals are legit — but they must follow California’s financial laws and IRS reporting guidelines.
📜 Must-Know Rules:
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Capital Gains Taxes apply if you sell your crypto
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IRS Form 8949 must be filed for each sale or swap
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California DFPI requires all escrow companies to be licensed — don’t use unlicensed intermediaries
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Proof of Funds is required — yes, even for your digital wallet
⚖️ Work with a CPA who understands crypto and a real estate attorney who can help you structure the deal correctly (especially if you’re using an LLC or trust).
🧠 Chapter 5: 3 Ways to Buy Real Estate with Crypto (Compared)
| Method |
Best For |
Pros |
Cons |
| Crypto-Backed Loan |
Investors with strong crypto bags |
No tax hit, retain assets, “cash” appearance |
Margin calls, limited lender pool |
| Sell Crypto to Fiat |
Simplicity seekers |
Straightforward, wide acceptance |
Taxable event, delays from bank transfers |
| Direct Crypto Deal |
Off-market or cash-flow sellers |
Fast, off-exchange, creative structuring |
Requires seller buy-in, more legal red tape |
🚀 Final Thoughts: Is Buying a House with Crypto Worth It?
Yes — but only if you do it the smart way.
Using your crypto to buy real estate is a powerful move. It lets you diversify your portfolio, leverage appreciating assets, and potentially save thousands in taxes — but you need the right players on your team.
🏡 Need Help Buying with Crypto?
Whether you're buying your first property or your fifth, I help crypto-savvy buyers secure homes across Los Angeles and Southern California using the right mix of digital tools and trusted experts.
Let’s put your crypto to work.
📩 Contact Me
Chris Wulff | Wulff Realty Group
📧 [email protected]
📱 949-412-8492
📸 @wulffestates
