What is the history of first cal mortgage? History. First Cal was founded in 1977 by Dennis Hart to provide builder and retail financing. In 1986 they expanded, opening a wholesale pision called Headlands Mortgage. First Cal sold its loan and servicing operations to a fortune 500 company in 1995. Three years later, Headlands was taken public...What states does first cal lend in? First California Mortgage Company (First Cal) is a mortgage lender based in Petaluma, California, with branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. First Cal is currently lending in these states plus Idaho, New Mexico and Oregon, and previously provided loans in 42 U.S. states.Who is first cal? First Cal was founded in 1977 by Dennis Hart to provide builder and retail financing. In 1986 they expanded, opening a wholesale pision called Headlands Mortgage. First Cal sold its loan and servicing operations to a fortune 500 company in 1995.