TinyFest 2026 in Costa Mesa was one of those events where you show up curious and leave thinking, “Okay… maybe I could live in a tiny home.”

RJ and the US Tiny Loans team joined the tiny living community at the OC Fair & Event Center, where people toured tiny homes, ADUs, backyard studios, modular units, and van conversions. And while the homes were fun to explore, one question came up again and again:

“How do I actually pay for this?”

In this recap, we’re sharing a few highlights from TinyFest 2026, what stood out from the homes on display, and why talking about financing early can make the tiny home journey a lot less confusing.

Tiny Homes That Made People Stop and Look Twice

The best part of TinyFest was walking through the homes in person.

Photos are great, but stepping inside a tiny home is different. You notice the smart storage, the cozy lofts, the modern kitchens, and all the little design choices that make a small space feel surprisingly livable.

Some homes felt perfect for full-time living. Some looked ideal for weekend getaways. Others felt like they could work as a guest house, rental, or backyard escape.

A few even made you wonder why regular houses have so many random hallways.

ADUs and Backyard Studios Had Everyone Thinking

TinyFest was not just about tiny homes on wheels. A lot of people were also interested in ADUs and backyard studios, especially homeowners looking for ways to make better use of their property.

These spaces could work as:

• A guest suite
• A home office
• A rental unit
• A creative studio
• A space for family
• A workout or wellness room

One backyard studio even sparked a conversation about turning it into a yoga room, ice bath area, or golf simulator room.

RJ joked that if you’re planning to swing a golf club in there, you may want to check the ceiling height first, unless replacing light fixtures is part of your fitness routine.

Van Conversions Brought the Adventure Vibe

The van conversions were another fun part of the event.

There is something about walking into a well-built van that makes you suddenly picture yourself waking up near the beach, making coffee with a view, and becoming the kind of person who journals before 8 AM.

Even if, in real life, you hit snooze three times.

But that is what made TinyFest fun. It showed that tiny living looks different for everyone. For some, it is a tiny home. For others, it is an ADU, a backyard studio, a park model, or a van built for the road.

The Big Question: How Do You Finance a Tiny Home?

After people walked through the homes and started imagining the porch, the loft, the kitchen, or the perfect backyard setup, the practical question showed up quickly:

“How do I finance this?”

That is where US Tiny Loans fits in.

Tiny homes, ADUs, park models, modular units, and backyard studios do not always fit neatly into traditional mortgage options. Financing can depend on the type of home, where it will be placed, whether land is included, and how the space will be used.

In other words, the home may be tiny, but the financing details are not always tiny.

US Tiny Loans helps buyers understand their options early, so they can move forward with a

Biggest Takeaway From TinyFest 2026

For RJ, TinyFest was not just about seeing beautiful homes. It was about meeting people who were seriously thinking about living differently.

Some wanted to downsize.
Some wanted extra income.
Some were exploring space for family.
Some wanted a backyard office.
And some were “just looking,” which we all know can quickly turn into, “I need this exact one.”

TinyFest was full of excitement, ideas, and real questions. It gave people inspiration, but it also reminded us how important it is to understand the numbers before falling too hard for a floor plan.

Ready to Explore Tiny Home Financing?

TinyFest 2026 was a fun reminder that living small does not mean thinking small. These homes may be compact, but the possibilities are big: more flexibility, more creativity, more affordable living options, and maybe fewer rooms to clean.

That last one alone is pretty tempting.

Thinking about buying a tiny home, ADU, park model, or modular unit? US Tiny Loans can help you explore financing options before you fall too hard for the loft, the porch, or that dangerously cute little kitchen…