Mortgage broker serving Calistoga, 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 Calistoga buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Calistoga buyers benefit from comparing multiple loan options to find the best fit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Calistoga 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 Calistoga home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Calistoga starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Calistoga 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 Calistoga 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 Calistoga 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: $1,249,125 |
| 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 $1,249,125 |
| 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 Calistoga buyers. Most homes under $1.02M with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Calistoga. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Calistoga veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Calistoga business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Calistoga. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Calistoga homes over $1.02M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Calistoga sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Calistoga investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Calistoga homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.02M.
FHA streamline refinance for Calistoga. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Calistoga veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Calistoga home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Calistoga homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Calistoga owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Calistoga investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Calistoga projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Calistoga investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Calistoga 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 Calistoga buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Calistoga. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Calistoga has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Calistoga buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Calistoga family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Calistoga 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
Calistoga sits at the northern tip of Napa Valley, about 75 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 5,191, median household income $96,667. The homeownership rate here is 63.3%, which is respectable given the $647,500 median home price. This is wine country living, plain and simple. You're paying for the location, the lifestyle, and the fact that you're surrounded by some of the most valuable vineyard land in America. Most buyers here need conventional loans with solid down payments, and cash offers aren't uncommon in this market.
The school situation is straightforward because Calistoga is small. You've got Calistoga Elementary and Senior High School serving the whole town through the Calistoga Joint Unified School District. The district is tiny compared to most Bay Area systems, which means smaller class sizes but fewer program options. If schools are your top priority, you'll want to dig into the specific programs and test scores before committing to a $650K mortgage. That said, families do buy here and stay. The 63.3% homeownership rate tells you people aren't just renting vacation properties. They're putting down roots, which matters for neighborhood stability and resale value when you're ready to move.
Here's the thing about Calistoga real estate. The whole town clusters around a $648K median, whether you're looking at Downtown Calistoga along Lincoln Avenue or the Silverado Trail area to the east. Downtown puts you in the historic core with walkable access to shops, restaurants, and the famous hot springs spas that draw tourists year-round. Silverado Trail gives you more space, vineyard views, and that quintessential wine country aesthetic. Both areas run conventional loans for qualified buyers, and you'll need at least 10-20% down to be competitive in this market. The lack of cheaper entry points means first-time buyers often get priced out unless they've got significant savings or family help. But if you can swing the numbers, you're buying into one of California's most desirable small-town markets.
The commute reality is rough if you work in the Bay Area. San Francisco is 98 minutes on a good day, Oakland 88 minutes, San Jose over two hours. There's no freeway running through Calistoga. You're taking Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail down valley, then connecting to bigger routes. Most people who buy here either work locally in the wine industry, run their own businesses, work remotely, or they've retired. If you're planning to commute daily to San Francisco for work, that's four hours round trip eating into your life. The mortgage payment might pencil out, but the drive won't. This is a buy-where-you-work kind of town, or a buy-where-you-want-to-retire situation.
The economy runs on wine, tourism, and hospitality. Solage Resort and Indian Springs Resort are major employers, along with Castello di Amorosa and dozens of wineries and vineyards scattered around town. The Calistoga Joint Unified School District employs a chunk of residents too. Real talk, you're not moving here for tech salaries or corporate ladder climbing. The job market is narrow but stable. Wine country has been drawing visitors and dollars for decades, and that's not changing. If your income comes from the local hospitality industry, lenders will want to see steady employment history. Seasonal work can complicate mortgage approval, so having two years of tax returns showing consistent income helps your loan application.
Common questions from Calistoga 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 Calistoga 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 Calistoga: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Calistoga buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Calistoga 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 Calistoga 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 Calistoga families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Napa County limits: FHA $1,017,750, Conventional $1,017,750. Any loan above $1,017,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Calistoga properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Calistoga'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 Calistoga. 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 Calistoga. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Napa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Calistoga. 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 Napa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Calistoga 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 Calistoga: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Calistoga buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Calistoga. 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 Napa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Calistoga 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 Calistoga 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 Napa County limits: FHA $1,017,750, Conventional $1,017,750. Any loan above $1,017,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Calistoga properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Calistoga 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 Calistoga 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 Calistoga families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Calistoga. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Napa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Calistoga. 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 Calistoga'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 Calistoga is $1,020,000 for 2025. This higher limit reflects Napa County's designation as a high. cost area, making FHA loans a competitive option for most homes in Calistoga's $600K. $900K market. You'll only need 3.5% down with a credit score as low as 580.
Most buyers in Calistoga won't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $1,020,000 and the median home price is around $648,000. You'd only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $1.02 million. The majority of Calistoga homes fall well within conventional and FHA loan limits.
For 2025, Napa County's loan limits are $1,020,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and often increase slightly based on home price trends. These current limits cover most home purchases in Calistoga's balanced market.
Yes, VA loans are an excellent option in Calistoga with a loan limit of $1,020,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. VA loans are highly competitive in this market since most homes fall well below the limit, and you won't pay mortgage insurance. If you've served, this is often your best financing option.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Calistoga. Additionally, CalHFA offers down payment assistance grants and deferred. payment junior loans, while Napa County may have local programs for first. time and moderate. income buyers. These programs can be especially helpful in Calistoga's market where the median home price is around $648,000.
Down payments in Calistoga vary by loan type: FHA requires just 3.5%, conventional loans need 3. 5% for first. time buyers, and VA loans offer $0 down for veterans. On a $648,000 home, that's roughly $22,680 to $32,400 for conventional or FHA, though down payment assistance programs can help reduce or eliminate this requirement.
Most lenders in Calistoga require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, while FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). With the median home price around $648,000, you'll get the best rates with a score of 700 or higher. VA loans are also flexible with credit requirements for eligible veterans.
Look for a lender experienced with Calistoga's market and Napa County's loan limits who can explain all your options including FHA, VA, conventional, and down payment assistance programs. Compare rates and fees from multiple lenders, but also consider responsiveness and local expertise since Calistoga's balanced market offers several competitive financing paths. A good lender will help you navigate which program works best for your situation.
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