Mortgage broker serving Carson, 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 Carson buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
In Carson's market, the right loan program can save thousands over the life of your mortgage.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Carson 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 Carson home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Carson starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Carson 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 Carson 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 Carson 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 Carson buyers. Most homes under $1.25M with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Carson. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Carson veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Carson business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Carson. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Carson homes over $1.25M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Carson sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Carson investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Carson homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.25M.
FHA streamline refinance for Carson. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Carson veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Carson home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Carson homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Carson owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Carson investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Carson projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Carson investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Carson 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 Carson buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Carson. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Carson has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Carson buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Carson family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Carson 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
Carson sits in the South Bay about 13 miles south of downtown LA. Population is 94,475, median household income $103,045. The homeownership rate here is 74.7%, one of the highest in LA County, and there's a reason for that. At $765K median home price, you're getting into LA proper without paying Santa Monica or Torrance money. For a household pulling in six figures, this is where the mortgage math actually works in Southern California.
If you've got kids, the school ratings here are solid middle ground for LA County. Carson Street Elementary pulls an 8, while Annalee Avenue and Dominguez Elementary both hit 7s. Carson High comes in at a 7 as well. These aren't the 9s and 10s you'll find in Manhattan Beach or Palos Verdes, but you're also not paying $1.5M for a starter home either. The stability matters when you're thinking about your property holding value over a 15 or 30-year mortgage. Families buy here and stay, which is why that ownership rate sits near 75%.
Where you buy in Carson determines your loan structure and what you can actually qualify for. California Heights runs $720K-$820K, mostly single-family homes on tree-lined streets with that classic Southern California suburban vibe. Conventional loans with 10-20% down work well here if your income supports the payment. Rolling Hills Estates is the premium option at $850K-$1.2M, larger homes on bigger lots with views, attracting families who want space and can handle jumbo territory. Alondra Park is your entry point at $680K-$780K, family-friendly with the park as the centerpiece. FHA loans can work in Alondra Park if you're a first-timer, though you'll need strong income to cover that payment even with 3.5% down.
Here's the thing about Carson. You're 27 minutes to downtown LA, 29 to Santa Monica, 15 to Long Beach, 36 to Irvine. That's real commute flexibility without the soul-crushing drive you get from the Inland Empire or High Desert. The 405 and 110 freeways are close, and local transit options exist if you need them. This proximity is exactly why Carson holds its value compared to cheaper markets farther out. You're paying for location, but you're getting actual access to job centers across the LA basin without destroying your quality of life.
Cal State Dominguez Hills anchors the local economy with stable education sector jobs. The StubHub Center brings in the LA Galaxy and AEG's sports and entertainment operations, which means year-round employment beyond just game days. City of Carson and LA County Office of Education South Bay office add public sector stability. Carson Reclamation Authority rounds out the mix. The job diversity here matters because it means your property value isn't tied to one industry tanking. Buyers work locally, commute to LA or Long Beach, or head down to the South Bay tech corridor. That income diversity at a $103K median is what supports these home prices.
Common questions from Carson 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 Carson 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 Carson: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Carson buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Carson 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 Carson 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 Carson families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Los Angeles County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Carson properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Carson'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 Carson. 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 Carson. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Los Angeles County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Carson. 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 Los Angeles County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Carson 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 Carson: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Carson buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Carson. 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 Los Angeles County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Carson 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 Carson 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 Los Angeles County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Carson properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Carson 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 Carson 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 Carson families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Carson. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Los Angeles County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Carson. 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 Carson'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 Carson is $1,250,000 for 2025, which covers the vast majority of homes in the area. With most Carson homes priced between $600K and $900K, FHA loans are an excellent option for buyers who want to put down as little as 3.5%. This higher limit makes FHA financing very competitive in Los Angeles County's middle market neighborhoods.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Carson homes since the conforming loan limit is $1,250,000 and the median home price is around $765K. Properties in the typical $600K to $900K range are well within conforming limits, which means you'll get better rates and more flexible terms. Only if you're looking at luxury properties above $1.25M would you need to consider jumbo financing.
For 2025, Los Angeles County loan limits are $1,250,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. These limits apply to Carson and reflect the county's high. cost area designation. The 2026 limits typically get announced in November 2025, and they may increase based on home price trends throughout the year.
Yes, VA loans are highly competitive in Carson with a loan limit of $1,250,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. Since most Carson homes fall between $600K and $900K, you can purchase with $0 down, no PMI, and typically lower interest rates than conventional loans. VA loans are an excellent choice for the many military families in the Los Angeles area.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible in Carson's $600K to $900K market. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance with various income limits, as well as Los Angeles County programs designed for first. time and moderate. income buyers. With Carson's median income at $103K, many local families qualify for multiple assistance options.
Down payments in Carson vary by loan type, but you have flexible options in this price range. Conventional loans require as little as 3% down ($18K to $27K on typical homes), FHA loans need 3.5% down, and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. With the median home around $765K, you could be looking at roughly $23K to $27K down for most conventional purchases, though assistance programs can reduce or eliminate this requirement.
Most lenders in Carson require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, though you'll get better rates with scores above 680. FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down), making them popular for first. time buyers in this market. Given Carson's balanced buyer pool and $765K median price, aiming for a 640+ score will give you access to competitive rates and multiple loan options.
Look for a lender experienced with Carson's middle market and the $600K to $900K price range who can explain all your options including conventional, FHA, and VA loans. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from at least three lenders, and ask specifically about down payment assistance programs you might qualify for. The right lender will understand Los Angeles County's high loan limits and help you navigate the competitive Carson market with confidence.
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