Mortgage Loans in
Brawley, California
Brawley Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Migratory labor workers. Brawley, Imperial Valley, California, 8b33265

Mortgage broker serving Brawley, 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.

Why Brawley Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Brawley, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

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 Brawley buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

First-time buyers in Brawley need the right loan programs to maximize their purchasing power.

  • Donovan Estates, Cibola Heights, and Hazelwood Estates ($291K-$540K) all qualify for conventional or FHA loans well below the $833K conforming limit.
  • Public sector and healthcare workers need lenders who can average overtime/shift differentials and annualize 9-month educator contracts for stable income qualification.
  • First-time buyers can use FHA's IBR student loan payment calculation instead of 1% balance rule to improve debt-to-income ratios significantly.

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Brawley purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Brawley

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a Brawley mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

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.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Brawley home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Brawley, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Brawley is where California homeownership actually makes sense for normal people. The median home price sits at $415K, and it's held steady over the past year. No wild swings, no bidding wars driving prices through the roof. You're well under the $833K conforming loan limit, so you've got access to every conventional loan program without getting pushed into jumbo territory. This is a small town market in Imperial County, and honestly, that works in your favor. Less competition, more realistic expectations from sellers, and financing options that actually fit regular budgets.

Who's Buying in Brawley

First-time buyers dominate here because the price point is actually achievable. Median household income is $56K, and people are making homeownership work with FHA loans and creative down payment strategies. You've got budget-conscious families leaving expensive coastal areas and finally being able to afford a house. Retirees downsizing from pricier parts of California and pocketing the difference. Investors looking at rental yields in a market where properties don't cost a fortune. Homeownership rate is 53.1%, so about half the town rents and half owns. That's your buyer pool right there.

Your Loan Fit

FHA is the MVP at this price point. 3.5% down gets you in the game, and the loan limit of $541K covers you twice over. But don't sleep on conventional if you can scrape together 5% down. Here's what actually works:
  • FHA with 3.5% down if you're stretching to afford it and need that low barrier to entry
  • Conventional at 5% down if you've got decent credit, saves you money on mortgage insurance long-term
  • VA loans are unbeatable if you're eligible, zero down and no PMI ever
  • USDA loans might be in play depending on which part of the area you're buying in, worth checking eligibility
Don't overthink it. Most buyers here are using FHA or conventional with minimal down payments. The math is straightforward when you're not dealing with jumbo loans.

Down Payment & Refinance in Brawley

Already own here? Refinancing is pretty simple right now. If you bought with FHA and have 20% equity, dropping PMI through a conventional refi saves you real money every month. Rate-term refinances make sense if rates drop meaningfully from where you locked in. Cash-out refis are popular for home improvements since property values have stayed flat. And if you're an investor with rentals, DSCR loans let you refi based on the property's cash flow instead of your W-2 income. Just run the numbers before you commit to make sure closing costs don't eat your savings.

Get Started

Let's talk real dollars. FHA at 3.5% down means you need about $14,500 to get into a median-priced home. That's achievable. Conventional at 5% is around $20,750. A lot of buyers here are using gift funds from family, especially first-timers who've been saving but need a boost. Some are tapping equity from a property they sold somewhere pricier. And look, if coming up with $15K-$20K feels impossible, our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement exists for exactly this situation. You'll pay it back over time as a second lien, but it gets you into a house now instead of renting for another three years trying to save.

Local Brawley Expertise

Stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect savings account balance. Homeownership in Brawley is doable right now with the income and savings most people actually have. Schedule a free call and we'll figure out exactly what you qualify for and which loan program saves you the most money. We know this market, we know the programs, and we'll tell you straight what makes sense for your situation. Our team works with buyers at every income level in Imperial County. Let's get you into a house.

Popular Brawley Neighborhoods

Donovan Estates • Cibola Heights • Hazelwood Estates

Zip Codes We Serve

92227

What Types of Mortgages Are Available in Brawley, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in Brawley starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Brawley 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 Brawley property.

Purchase Loans

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.

Refinance

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.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

Loan Programs

Brawley Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Brawley homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Brawley Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Brawley

FHA Loans

FHA dominates Brawley purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA is a strong option for Brawley. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

VA Loans

Veterans buy Brawley homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.

Usda Loans

Many Brawley properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.

Conforming Loans

All Brawley properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.

Local Dpa Programs

Brawley local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.

Bridge Loans

Bridge financing for Brawley homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing available in Brawley. Investors can purchase in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Brawley

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline dominates Brawley refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.

VA Loans Refinance

VA IRRRL is the best refi for Brawley veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.

Usda Loans Refinance

Many Brawley homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.

Conforming Refinance

Every Brawley refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.

Cash Out Refinance

Brawley owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.

Home Equity Refinance

Fixed home equity loan option in Brawley. Predictable payments for major expenses.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Brawley

DSCR Loans

DSCR financing for Brawley investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip financing for Brawley investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Commercial hard money in Brawley. Quick funding when timing is critical.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily loans available for Brawley apartment investors. Commercial financing options.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Brawley

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Brawley buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA is a strong option for Brawley. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Local Down Payment Programs

Brawley local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grants provide Brawley down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.

USDA Zero Down Loans

Many Brawley properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.

Gift of Equity

Family property transfers in Brawley benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Brawley 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

Why Brawley is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Brawley sits in the [Imperial](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-imperial-ca) Valley about 120 miles east of [San Diego](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-diego-ca), right in the heart of California's agricultural heartland. Population is 26,509, median household income $56,229. The homeownership rate here is 53.1%, which tells you something important: this is a real working community where people are buying homes, not just renting or passing through. At $415K median home price, you're looking at one of the most affordable paths to homeownership in Southern California, especially if you're willing to be two hours from the coast.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you've got kids, the school ratings are middle of the road but stable. Brawley Union High pulls a 6, Magnolia Elementary scores a 7, and Phil D. Swing Elementary sits at a 6. These aren't the scores you'd see in coastal suburbs, but they reflect a district that's serving a working-class community consistently. The thing is, when you're buying at $415K instead of $800K in San Diego County, you've got money left over for tutoring, sports, or college savings. That homeownership rate above 50% means you're buying into a community where neighbors are invested long-term, which matters for property values and neighborhood stability.

  • Brawley Union High School
  • Magnolia Elementary School
  • Phil D. Swing Elementary School

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in Brawley affects your loan options and monthly payment more than you'd think. Donovan Estates runs $380K-$450K with established single-family homes on mature lots, perfect for conventional loans if you've got decent credit and 5-10% down. Cibola Heights is the newer build option at $400K-$480K, attracting families who want modern floor plans and don't mind paying a bit more for updated everything. Hazelwood Estates is your entry point at $350K-$420K with spacious lots and mixed architecture, and this is where FHA loans make the most sense for first-time buyers working with 3.5% down. The price spread isn't huge across neighborhoods, which means you're really choosing based on lot size and home age, not getting priced out of entire areas.

  • Donovan Estates
  • Cibola Heights
  • Hazelwood Estates

Getting Around

Real talk: Brawley isn't a commuter town to San Diego or LA. You're looking at over three hours to LA and even longer to San Francisco, so this only works if you're employed locally or work remotely. Local transit exists but you'll want a car for daily life. The upside is you're not paying coastal prices for the privilege of sitting in traffic two hours each way. If your job is in the Imperial Valley or you can work from home, you get to own a house for what people in San Diego pay just for a down payment. That isolation is exactly why the median home price stays under $450K while the rest of Southern California has lost its mind.

Jobs & Economy

The employment base here is anchored by public sector and healthcare, which means steady if not spectacular. Brawley Union High School District and Imperial County provide consistent government jobs with benefits. Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District and Desert Valley Hospital offer healthcare employment that doesn't disappear in a recession. Imperial Valley College rounds out the education sector. The economy runs on agriculture, government, and healthcare, so you're not going to see tech salaries, but you're also not going to see tech-level housing costs. Most buyers here work locally or in nearby El Centro, and the mortgage math actually works on a $56K household income if you're disciplined about debt and down payment.

  • Brawley Union High School District
  • Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District
  • City of Brawley
  • Imperial County
  • Imperial Valley College
  • Desert Valley Hospital

Brawley Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Brawley homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Brawley?

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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Brawley?

Typical Brawley 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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Brawley?

You have several low down payment options in Brawley: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Brawley buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Brawley?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Brawley 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.

Can I buy a home in Brawley with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Brawley 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 Brawley families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Brawley?

2026 Imperial County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Brawley properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Brawley?

For Brawley'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.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Brawley. 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Brawley?

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Brawley?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Brawley. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Imperial County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Brawley. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Imperial County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Brawley?

Closing costs in Brawley 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.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Brawley?

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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Brawley?

You have several low down payment options in Brawley: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Brawley buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Brawley. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Imperial County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Brawley?

Closing costs in Brawley 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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Brawley?

Typical Brawley 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Brawley?

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.

What are the loan limits in Brawley?

2026 Imperial County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Brawley properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Brawley?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Brawley 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.

Can I buy a home in Brawley with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Brawley 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 Brawley families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Brawley?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Brawley. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Imperial County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Brawley. 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.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Brawley?

For Brawley'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.

What is the FHA loan limit in Brawley?

The FHA loan limit in Brawley is $541,000 for 2026, which is well above the typical home prices in the area. Since most homes in Brawley range from $300K to $450K, you'll have plenty of room to use an FHA loan with just 3.5% down. This makes FHA financing an excellent option for first. time buyers in Imperial County.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Brawley?

No, you won't need a jumbo loan in Brawley since the median home price is around $415K and most homes sell between $300K and $450K. With conforming loan limits at $833,000 and FHA limits at $541,000, virtually all Brawley properties qualify for standard financing. Jumbo loans are rarely needed in this entry. level market.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Imperial County?

For 2026, Imperial County loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans, $833,000 for VA loans, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits easily cover Brawley's housing market where most homes are priced well below these thresholds. The higher limits give buyers plenty of financing options without needing specialty jumbo products.

Can I get a VA loan in Brawley?

Yes, VA loans are available in Brawley with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all homes in the local market. If you're a qualified veteran or active military, VA loans offer 0% down with no mortgage insurance, making them one of the best options available. This can be a significant advantage in Brawley's entry. level market where saving for a down payment is often challenging.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Brawley?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible in Brawley. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time buyers, and some areas of Imperial County may qualify for USDA loans with zero down. With the median income at $56,229, most Brawley buyers qualify for maximum DPA benefits that can cover your entire down payment and reduce out. of. pocket costs significantly.

What down payment do I need for a Brawley home?

You can buy a Brawley home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan, which means around $14,500 on a $415K home. However, many first. time buyers in Brawley use down payment assistance programs or our No Money Down program to reduce or eliminate this requirement entirely. VA. eligible buyers and those qualifying for USDA loans in certain areas can purchase with $0 down.

What credit score do I need to buy in Brawley?

You can qualify for an FHA loan in Brawley with a credit score as low as 580 for 3.5% down, or even 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum score, while VA loans are often approved with scores around 580 to 620. Given Brawley's entry. level market and focus on first. time buyers, lenders here regularly work with buyers in the 580 to 680 range.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Choose a lender experienced with Brawley's entry. level market who understands FHA loans and down payment assistance programs that are crucial in Imperial County. Look for someone who can explain CalHFA, USDA, and local DPA options since these programs are game. changers for first. time buyers here. The right lender will help you navigate the specific challenges of buying in Brawley where maximizing assistance programs can make the difference between renting and owning.

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