Mortgage broker serving Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
First-time buyers in Bakersfield need the right loan programs to maximize their purchasing power.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Bakersfield starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | Any buyer - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment, forgiven after 6 payments |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time buyers needing down payment help |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
FHA dominates Bakersfield purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.
CalHFA is a strong option for Bakersfield. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Veterans buy Bakersfield homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.
Many Bakersfield properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
All Bakersfield properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.
Bakersfield local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Bridge financing for Bakersfield homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.
LLC financing available in Bakersfield. Investors can purchase in entity names.
FHA streamline dominates Bakersfield refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.
VA IRRRL is the best refi for Bakersfield veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.
Many Bakersfield homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.
Every Bakersfield refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.
Bakersfield owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.
Fixed home equity loan option in Bakersfield. Predictable payments for major expenses.
DSCR financing for Bakersfield investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.
Fix-and-flip financing for Bakersfield investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.
Commercial hard money in Bakersfield. Quick funding when timing is critical.
Multifamily loans available for Bakersfield apartment investors. Commercial financing options.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Bakersfield buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA is a strong option for Bakersfield. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Bakersfield local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Elite grants provide Bakersfield down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.
Many Bakersfield properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
Family property transfers in Bakersfield benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.
Bakersfield first-time buyers often use co-borrowers. Family help for qualification.
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
Bakersfield sits in the southern Central Valley where CA-99 and CA-58 meet, about 110 miles north of LA. Population is 404,321, median household income $73,827. The homeownership rate here is 60.2%, and the median home price of $415K tells you why people are buying here instead of the coast. This is where your California income can still get you a mortgage on a real house with a yard, not a condo three hours from work.
If you've got kids or you're planning to, the school ratings here matter for both your daily life and your resale value down the line. Fruitvale Elementary pulls an 8, Frontier High an 8, Bakersfield High a 7. Those are solid numbers that help property values hold steady when you go to sell or refinance. The two big school districts - Kern High and Bakersfield City - are actually major employers here too, which means stable jobs and families who stick around. When you're looking at a 30-year mortgage, you want neighbors who aren't going anywhere either.
Where you buy in Bakersfield changes everything about your loan options and monthly payment. Seven Oaks runs $450K-$650K, newer construction with golf course access in Southwest Bakersfield - you'll need conventional or jumbo financing here depending on your down payment. Stockdale is the sweet spot at $350K-$500K, established homes with great schools where conventional loans work clean. Northwest Bakersfield offers newer builds at $380K-$550K on bigger lots, popular with families stepping up from starter homes. Rosedale gives you character at $280K-$420K, tree-lined streets with 1940s-60s homes that often need some work but qualify for renovation loans. East Bakersfield is your entry point at $250K-$380K, mix of old and new where FHA loans are common and first-time buyers can actually get in the door.
CA-99 runs right through town connecting you north to Fresno in about 103 minutes and south toward LA. CA-58 heads east toward Tehachapi and west to the coast. CA-178 gets you into the Kern River canyon if you're into outdoor stuff. Here's the thing - most people who buy in Bakersfield work in Bakersfield. You're not doing a Bay Area commute or fighting LA traffic. GET Bus covers local transit if you need it, but this is a driving town. The lack of a brutal commute is exactly why your mortgage payment stays manageable compared to what you'd pay in Fresno or anywhere coastal.
The job market here is more diverse than people think, and that matters when lenders look at employment stability in the area. Kern High School District and Bakersfield City School District are the biggest employers, plus Cal State Bakersfield adds education jobs. Mercy Hospitals brings healthcare stability. Then you've got agriculture giants like Bolthouse Farms and Wonderful Company - this is farming country, and that means food processing, logistics, and distribution jobs. Oil and energy still play a role too. The mix of public sector, healthcare, and ag means the economy doesn't tank when one industry has a bad year. Lenders like that diversity when they're underwriting your loan.
Common questions from Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Bakersfield buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Bakersfield properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Bakersfield'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 Bakersfield. 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 Bakersfield. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Kern County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Bakersfield. 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 Kern County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Bakersfield buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Bakersfield. 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 Kern County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Bakersfield properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Bakersfield. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Kern County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Bakersfield. 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 Bakersfield'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 Bakersfield (Kern County) is $524K for a single-family home. This is a standard area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
Most Bakersfield properties are under the $833K conforming loan limit and don't require jumbo financing. Jumbo loans are typically only needed for luxury homes or larger estates.
The 2026 Kern County loan limits are: FHA: $524K, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $833K. Any loan amount above $833K is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Bakersfield with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Kern 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: 3-5%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans. For Bakersfield's median price of $415K, many first-time buyers use 3-5% down programs.
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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