Mortgage broker serving Calipatria, 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 Calipatria buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Calipatria provides affordable options for buyers who leverage the right loan programs.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Calipatria 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 Calipatria home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Calipatria starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Calipatria 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 Calipatria 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 Calipatria 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 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers, lower credit. Limit: $832,750 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military - best 0% down option |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time Calipatria buyers, income-qualified |
| Conventional | 3% | 620+ | Good credit, faster closing than FHA |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
USDA loans are ideal for Calipatria. Zero down payment for rural properties. Income limits apply.
Most Calipatria buyers use FHA. 3.5% down payment with 580+ credit. Easiest path to homeownership.
CalHFA plus local DPA can cover full down payment in Calipatria. Stack programs for maximum assistance.
VA loans are perfect for Calipatria. Zero down, no PMI, and every property qualifies.
Maximum local DPA available in Calipatria. Combine city, county, and state programs.
Every Calipatria home qualifies for conforming financing. Best rates with good credit.
Bridge loans help Calipatria owners transition between homes. Short-term gap financing.
Calipatria investors use LLC financing. Entity ownership for asset protection.
USDA streamline refinance for Calipatria. Lower your rate with minimal paperwork.
Most Calipatria refinances use FHA streamline. No appraisal, no income docs, fast closing.
Calipatria veterans should use VA IRRRL. Streamline your refinance with zero hassle.
Conforming refinance rates for all Calipatria properties. Straightforward rate-and-term refi.
Cash-out refinance available for Calipatria homeowners. Convert equity to cash for any need.
Home equity loans available in Calipatria. Fixed rate second mortgage against equity.
Investment properties in Calipatria use DSCR loans. Rental income drives qualification.
Rehab loans available in Calipatria. Fix-and-flip financing covers purchase plus renovation.
Hard money available for Calipatria deals. Fast closing for investment properties.
Calipatria apartment buildings use multifamily financing. Commercial loan programs available.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Calipatria buyers with qualifying income.
USDA loans are ideal for Calipatria. Zero down payment for rural properties. Income limits apply.
CalHFA plus local DPA can cover full down payment in Calipatria. Stack programs for maximum assistance.
Maximum local DPA available in Calipatria. Combine city, county, and state programs.
Maximum grant assistance for Calipatria. Elite and local programs reduce buyer costs.
Gift of equity works for Calipatria family sales. Seller discount becomes buyer's down payment.
Co-borrower option for Calipatria buyers. Family member can help you qualify.
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
Calipatria sits in [Imperial](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-imperial-ca) County about 125 miles east of [San Diego](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-diego-ca), right in the heart of California's agricultural desert. Population is 6,579, median household income $43,095. The homeownership rate is 63.9%, and the median home price of $295K makes this one of the most affordable places to buy in Southern California. For a household pulling in $40-50K, you can actually qualify for a mortgage here with FHA or USDA financing, which is nearly impossible in most of California.
The school situation here is straightforward. Bill E. Young Jr. Middle School serves the community, and Calipatria Unified School District handles K-12 education across town. Ratings aren't published for many of the smaller schools here, which is typical for rural districts. The district is small and tight-knit, which means teachers know your kids by name. If you're buying with children, understand that this is a small-town school experience. The affordability trade-off means you're getting into homeownership at a price point that lets you build equity instead of throwing money at rent in a bigger city.
Downtown Calipatria is pretty much where everything happens, with homes running around $295K. You're looking at the historic core with municipal buildings and local businesses within walking distance. The housing stock is older, mostly single-family homes on standard lots. FHA loans work well here since the price point fits within standard loan limits and many buyers are first-timers or families looking to get out of the rental cycle. USDA loans can also be an option given the rural designation, which means zero down payment if you qualify. The whole town has that small desert community feel where everyone knows their neighbors.
Real talk, Calipatria is remote. You're looking at 186 minutes to LA and 530 minutes to San Francisco, which means this isn't a commuter town. Local transit exists but this is a place where you need a car. The isolation is exactly why homes stay affordable while the rest of Southern California has gone crazy. If you work locally or don't mind the rural lifestyle, you're getting a mortgage payment that's probably half what you'd pay in Imperial Beach or El Centro. The trade-off is distance from major metros, but that's the deal that makes homeownership possible at this income level.
Calipatria State Prison is the major employer here, providing steady government jobs with benefits. Calipatria Unified School District and Imperial County government add more public sector stability. Agricultural operations round out the employment base since you're in prime Imperial Valley farmland. The job market is what it is in a town of 6,500 people, focused on corrections, education, local government, and farming. Most buyers here work locally or in nearby agricultural communities. The income levels are modest, but so are the home prices, which means you can actually get approved for a loan that fits your budget.
Common questions from Calipatria 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 Calipatria 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 Calipatria: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Calipatria buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Calipatria 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 Calipatria 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 Calipatria families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Imperial County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Calipatria properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Calipatria'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 Calipatria. 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 Calipatria. 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.
You still have options in Calipatria. 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 Imperial County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Calipatria 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 Calipatria: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Calipatria buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Calipatria. 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 Imperial County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Calipatria 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 Calipatria 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 Imperial County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Calipatria properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Calipatria 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 Calipatria 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 Calipatria families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Calipatria. 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.
You still have options in Calipatria. 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 Calipatria'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 Calipatria is $541,000 for 2025. This is well above the median home price of $295,000, so FHA loans will cover virtually any home you're considering in the area. FHA loans are popular here because they allow down payments as low as 3.5% with credit scores starting at 580.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Calipatria. With a median home price of $295,000 and conforming loan limits at $833,000, nearly all properties fall well within conventional loan limits. This keeps your financing options flexible and typically more affordable than jumbo products.
For 2025, Imperial County loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans, $833,000 for VA loans, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits are set annually and may adjust for 2026 based on home price trends, though they're already generous for Calipatria's affordable market.
Yes, VA loans are available in Calipatria with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all local homes. Veterans and active military can buy with $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. This is an excellent option if you qualify, especially given the area's affordable prices.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, which is ideal for Calipatria's budget. friendly market. You can also explore USDA loans (offering zero down for rural properties), CalHFA programs, and Imperial County housing assistance. USDA is particularly strong here since Calipatria qualifies as a rural area.
You can buy a Calipatria home with as little as $0 down through USDA or VA loans if you qualify. FHA loans require just 3.5% down (about $10,325 on a $295,000 home), while conventional loans typically need 3. 5%. With median prices around $295,000, down payments remain manageable even for first. time buyers.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Calipatria with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with 10% down. USDA loans typically require a 640 minimum, while conventional loans prefer 620 or higher. Given the area's affordable prices and first. time buyer focus, many lenders work with scores in the 580. 640 range.
Look for a lender experienced with USDA and FHA loans, since these are ideal for Calipatria's rural, budget. friendly market. Compare rates, but also ask about down payment assistance programs and their experience with first. time buyers in Imperial County. A lender familiar with rural properties and local programs will save you time and money.
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