Mortgage broker serving Alameda, CA, offering a full range of loan programs - purchases, refinancing, investment properties, FHA, VA, jumbo, DSCR, bank statement loans, down payment assistance, and more. Personalized programs for your unique situation. 40+ years California mortgage experience.
Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program and give you the best rate for your unique situation.
We as brokers shop hundreds of lenders for you. Banks offer their own limited products.
As mortgage specialists serving Alameda buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Alameda's competitive market demands strong pre-approval and flexible loan options.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Alameda purchase.
SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION"For over 30 years, A Good Lender has been a trusted and essential part of my family's financial journey, guiding us through more than a dozen mortgage financing transactions with professionalism, integrity and care. What sets A Good Lender apart is their reliability and ability to demystify the mortgage process."
"Rodney Roloff & The Team at A Good Lender made my house buying process a breeze. Rodney helped me to better understand the loan process and walked me through everything step by step. If your looking for a good lender. One who will help you get the best rate. I highly recommend reaching out to Rodney and his team at 'A good lender'"
"From our first home buying experience, to exploring HELOC options, and refinancing, every step we were supported with clear and accurate information. A team who's knowledgeable, prompt to respond to any questions, and who genuinely cares for their clients is a rare find in this industry."
We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.
Complete your loan application online and upload your documents. We'll review everything to make sure it's complete before submitting to our lending partners.
We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.
Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Alameda home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Alameda starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Alameda home buyers—covering purchase loans, refinance, commercial real estate, and specialized financing like bank statement and jumbo loans. Explore the general programs to compare down payment options and requirements, or apply now for a custom financing solution tailored to your Alameda property.
Whether you're buying your first condo or a $3M estate, we offer comprehensive financing solutions with 14-day closings. Explore our complete range of purchase loan programs below.
Refinance to lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or access home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or investment opportunities. Explore all refinance programs below.
Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.
Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.
From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.
We specialize in complex financing scenarios where traditional loans don't fit. Explore all niche programs below.
Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.
Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.
Speed & Certainty
Whether you're buying your first condo or a $3M estate, we offer comprehensive financing solutions with 14-day closings. Explore our complete range of purchase loan programs below.
Rate & Term, Cash-Out
Refinance to lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or access home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or investment opportunities. Explore all refinance programs below.
SBA 504 & 7(a)
Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.
Build & Improve
Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.
Specialized Properties
From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.
Complex Scenarios
We specialize in complex financing scenarios where traditional loans don't fit. Explore all niche programs below.
CalHFA & Local DPA
Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.
Alternative Documentation
Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.
Popular loan programs for Alameda homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Homes above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125 |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Investment properties, no income verification |
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | First-time buyers - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Seniors 62+ accessing Alameda home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Alameda homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.25M. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Alameda with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Alameda first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Alameda properties may exceed $1.25M. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Alameda's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Alameda buyers.
Bridge loans help Alameda buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Alameda investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Alameda mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Alameda homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Alameda refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Alameda HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Alameda FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Alameda. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Alameda rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Alameda use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Alameda apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Alameda. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Alameda buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Alameda buyers.
Local Alameda DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Alameda buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Alameda family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Alameda buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
Every situation is unique. The right loan program depends on your unique situation. See what works best for you.
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Alameda is an island city in the East Bay with 79,177 residents and a median household income of $112K. The homeownership rate sits at 48.5%, which is actually low for a place this desirable, and here's why: at a $1M median home price, you're looking at needing roughly $200K down and an income around $250K to comfortably qualify for a conventional loan. This isn't a starter home market. It's where tech workers, medical professionals, and dual-income households buy when they want that San Francisco lifestyle without the San Francisco commute or the San Francisco chaos.
The school ratings matter here because families are competing with investors and tech money for limited inventory. Alameda High and Encinal High both serve the island, and Bay Farm Island Elementary consistently ranks well, which is part of why Bay Farm commands a premium. When you're dropping $1M minimum, you want to know the schools justify that price tag for resale. The district has strong parent involvement and stable enrollment, which means property values tend to hold even when the broader market softens. Families who buy here usually stay through high school, so you're not dealing with constant turnover in your neighborhood.
Gold Coast is the trophy property zone, $1.5M to $3.5M and up for Victorian mansions with waterfront views. You're looking at jumbo loans and significant down payments, often 20-30% to avoid PMI at those price points. Park Street runs $900K to $1.5M for historic homes near the walkable downtown core, and conventional jumbos are standard here. Bay Farm Island is the family enclave, $1M to $1.8M for planned community living with newer construction and top school access. West End offers the entry point at $600K to $1M, mostly condos and townhomes near Alameda Point, where FHA loans can work on the lower end if you find a condo-approved building. The HOA fees in West End and Bay Farm add $300-600 monthly, which affects your debt-to-income ratio when qualifying.
Here's the thing about Alameda: you're 8 minutes to Oakland, 24 minutes to San Francisco, 46 minutes to Palo Alto. That commute access is baked into the million-dollar price tag. The Webster and Posey Tubes connect you to I-880, and the Oakland-Alameda Ferry drops you at the SF Ferry Building in 20 minutes if you work downtown. AC Transit runs frequent service, and you can bike most places on the island itself. The commute flexibility is why tech workers and finance people pay the premium. You're not trapped on a freeway for two hours like you would be in Tracy or Gilroy.
Alameda Health System and the Alameda Unified School District are the big public sector employers, providing stable jobs that keep the local economy steady. But the real story is Penumbra Inc and Wind River Systems, tech and medical device companies that attract high-earning professionals who can actually afford to buy here. Alameda Point, the former naval air station, has been redeveloping with commercial and residential projects that are slowly adding inventory. The City of Alameda itself employs a good number of residents. Real talk: most buyers here work in San Francisco, Oakland, or Silicon Valley and commute out. The local job market supports the service economy, but the housing prices are driven by people earning tech and finance salaries elsewhere.
Common questions from Alameda homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.
Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.
Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.
Typical Alameda closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.
You have several low down payment options in Alameda: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Alameda buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Alameda buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.
Yes! Zero-down options for Alameda buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many Alameda families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Alameda County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Alameda properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Alameda's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Alameda. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.
Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Alameda. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Alameda County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Alameda. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.
As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.
You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Alameda County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Alameda typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.
Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.
You have several low down payment options in Alameda: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Alameda buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Alameda. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.
As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.
You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Alameda County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Alameda typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.
Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.
Typical Alameda closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.
Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.
2026 Alameda County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Alameda properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Alameda buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.
Yes! Zero-down options for Alameda buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many Alameda families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Alameda. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Alameda County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Alameda. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.
For Alameda's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.
The 2026 FHA loan limit for Alameda (Alameda County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
It depends on the property. Alameda's median home price is $1M, while the conforming loan limit is $1.25M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 Alameda County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Alameda with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Alameda County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.
We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 5-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Alameda's median price of $1M, most buyers put down 15-20%.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.
Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.
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