Mortgage broker serving Benicia, 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 Benicia buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Benicia's market hovers near the $833K limit, making loan structuring critical for best rates.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Benicia 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 Benicia home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Benicia starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia 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 |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Jumbo | 15-20% | 680+ | Properties exceeding $832,750 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Homeowners 62+ tapping equity without payments |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Standard option for Benicia buyers. Most homes under $833K with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Benicia. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Benicia veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Benicia business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Benicia. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Benicia homes over $833K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Benicia sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Benicia investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Benicia homeowners. Best rates for loans under $833K.
FHA streamline refinance for Benicia. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Benicia veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Benicia home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Benicia homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Benicia owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Benicia investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Benicia projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Benicia investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Benicia investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Benicia buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Benicia. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Benicia has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Benicia buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Benicia family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Benicia purchases. Family member income boosts 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
Benicia sits on the Carquinez Strait in Solano County, about 33 miles northeast of [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca). Population is 27,040, median household income $124,375. The homeownership rate here is 70%, and that tells you something important - this is a place where people commit and stay. At $799K median home price, you're paying a premium compared to the Central Valley, but you're getting actual Bay Area location without San Francisco or Marin sticker shock. For households pulling in $120K-$150K, this is one of the last places where you can qualify for a conventional loan on a single-family home with a yard and still be within reasonable commute distance to SF or Oakland.
The schools here are a big part of why families stretch their budgets to buy in Benicia. Mary Farmar Elementary and Matthew Turner Elementary both pull 8 ratings, Benicia High gets an 8 as well, and even the middle school sits at a solid 7. When you're looking at $800K mortgages, you want to know your kids are in good schools and your property value has some protection. The district has been stable for years, which matters when you're thinking about resale five or ten years down the road. That 70% homeownership rate means most of your neighbors aren't transient renters - they've got mortgages and property taxes just like you will, so they care about maintaining the community.
Where you buy in Benicia directly affects your down payment and loan structure. Southampton runs $750K-$950K, waterfront properties with bay views near the marina - you'll need strong credit and 10-20% down for conventional financing here, and some buyers go jumbo on the higher end. Military East offers the most character, $650K-$850K, with historic homes on bigger lots and walkable streets - this is your entry point if you're trying to stay under conforming loan limits. Military West sits at $700K-$900K, good mix of housing types and solid value for families who want newer construction without the Rose Drive price tag. Rose Drive Area is the premium play, $850K-$1.2M with hillside views of the strait - you're looking at jumbo loans for most properties here, and buyers tend to be move-up purchasers or high-income professionals. The spread between neighborhoods gives you options depending on what you can qualify for.
The commute situation is what makes or breaks Benicia for a lot of buyers. You're 33 minutes to Oakland, 46 to San Francisco, 64 to San Jose. That's real commute time, not terrible but not nothing either. Here's the thing - you're trading that drive time for $400K-$600K in savings compared to buying in Marin or the Peninsula. If you work hybrid or can handle the bridge traffic a few days a week, the math works. If you're commuting five days to Palo Alto, you'll burn out fast and that mortgage payment won't feel worth it. Local transit exists but most people drive - factor gas and bridge tolls into your monthly budget when you're calculating what you can afford.
Benicia's job base is more diverse than you'd expect for a small city. Valero Benicia Refinery is the big industrial employer, paying solid wages that support the local housing market. Benicia Unified School District and City of Benicia provide stable public sector jobs with benefits. Amports handles vehicle processing at the port, and you've got Solano County Government offices here too. Kaiser Permanente adds healthcare jobs to the mix. The truth is, most buyers here don't work locally - they're commuting to higher-paying jobs in SF, Oakland, or the East Bay and choosing Benicia for the schools, safety, and the ability to actually afford a house. That higher median income of $124K supports these $800K price points, but it also means you're competing with other well-qualified buyers when you make an offer.
Common questions from Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Benicia buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Solano County limits: FHA $724,500, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Benicia properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Benicia'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 Benicia. 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 Benicia. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Solano County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Benicia. 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 Solano County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Benicia 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 Benicia: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Benicia buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Benicia. 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 Solano County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Solano County limits: FHA $724,500, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Benicia properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Benicia 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 Benicia 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 Benicia families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Benicia. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Solano County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Benicia. 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 Benicia'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 FHA loan limit in Benicia is $725,000 for 2025. This covers most homes in Benicia's market, where the median price is around $799,000. If you're looking at homes above this limit, you'll need to consider conventional financing or make a larger down payment.
Most buyers in Benicia don't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $799,000. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $833,000. Many homes in the $600K. $900K range qualify for conventional, FHA, or VA financing.
For 2025, Solano County's conforming loan limit is $833,000, the FHA limit is $725,000, and the VA limit is $833,000. These limits are typically announced in late fall for the following year, so 2026 limits aren't yet available. Check back in November 2025 for updated 2026 limits.
Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Benicia with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers the vast majority of homes in the area. With no down payment required and no PMI, VA loans are an excellent option for eligible veterans and service members buying in Benicia's $600K. $900K market.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Benicia. Additionally, CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with grants and deferred. payment junior loans, and Solano County may have local programs for first. time buyers. These programs can be especially helpful in Benicia's middle. tier market where homes typically range from $600K. $900K.
Down payment requirements in Benicia vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3. 5% down ($24K. $40K on a $800K home), FHA loans need 3.5% ($28K), and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. With the median home at $799,000, most buyers should plan for $20K. $40K unless using VA or down payment assistance programs.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans and 580 for FHA loans in Benicia. However, you'll get better interest rates with scores above 680, which can save you significantly on a $799,000 median. priced home. VA loans are often more flexible with credit requirements for eligible borrowers.
Look for a lender experienced with Benicia's $600K. $900K market who can offer competitive rates on conforming, FHA, and VA loans. Compare loan estimates from multiple lenders, check their reviews, and choose someone responsive who explains your options clearly. A local lender familiar with Solano County can often close faster and navigate any property. specific issues more smoothly.
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