Cal. Health and Safety Code § 52013

(a) “Home mortgage” or “mortgage” means an interest-bearing loan made as provided in this part to a mortgagor, whether originated in the manner provided in subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 52020 that is evidenced by a promissory note and secured by a mortgage, deed of trust, or other security instrument on a home, and that may but is not required to be additionally secured by insurance on the payment of the note for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, or improving a home that meets either of the following criteria: (1) Is newly constructed or is being rehabilitated and that, in either case, is located within an area or neighborhood in which the city or county is conducting a housing rehabilitation or code enforcement program, a neighborhood preservation area or concentrated rehabilitation area designated pursuant to this division, an area for which federal funds are being made available, or a residential rehabilitation area as defined in Section 37912. However, a loan may be made for the purchase of a newly constructed home anywhere within the city or county if the purchase is in connection with a program adopted by ordinance of the city or county the purpose of which is to increase the housing supply. (2) Is a home upon which no rehabilitation is being undertaken in connection with any financing pursuant to this part, where the purchaser will not be the first occupant, and that is located within the city or county making or purchasing the home mortgage. (b) A “home mortgage” or “mortgage” shall not include a loan to a mortgagor for the purpose of refinancing an existing obligation of the mortgagor, unless substantial rehabilitation is to be undertaken in connection with the loan. (c) This section shall become operative January 1, 2012.