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

Mero chino (Cirrhitus rivulatus), Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, México,, DD

Mortgage broker serving Chino, 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 Chino Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Chino, 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 Chino buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Chino buyers navigate properties near the $833K conforming limit, where loan structure impacts rates significantly.

  • Legacy Park and Wilton Heights Historic District ($539K-$1M) fit conforming loans, while higher-end Chino Hills properties require jumbo financing above $833K.
  • Public sector workers and educators need lenders who annualize 9-month teaching contracts and count CalPERS pension income for qualification.
  • Historic district properties face renovation restrictions and exterior change approvals that can delay closings and require specialized lender experience.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Chino

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 Chino 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 Chino home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Chino sits in an interesting spot right now. Prices are holding steady at $770K, no movement up or down over the last year. That's a breather after years of chaos. The conforming loan limit is $832K, so almost everyone here stays comfortably under it and gets the best conventional rates available. You're not dealing with jumbo territory, which keeps things simpler and cheaper. FHA limits hit $690K, so you've got room there too if you need it. Honestly, this price range opens up solid financing options without forcing you into exotic loan products.

Who's Buying in Chino

Two types of buyers dominate here. First-timers with strong dual incomes who've been saving hard and are ready to jump. Median household income is just under $100K, so you need both people working to make the numbers comfortable. And move-up buyers selling starter homes in the Inland Empire, bringing $150K-$200K in equity to roll forward. Homeownership sits at 63.7%, so this is a buy-and-hold community, not a transient rental market. Families want space, yards, and affordability compared to LA County or Orange County. You're getting legitimate Southern California living without the million-dollar price tag.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans win at this price point. You're well under conforming limits, so rates are competitive and terms are clean. FHA works if you're bringing less than 10% down, but once you hit that threshold, conventional usually beats it on monthly costs and long-term value. Veterans should absolutely use VA loans here. Perfect price range for zero down with no PMI.
  • Conventional with 10-15% down gets you strong rates without burning all your cash
  • FHA at 3.5% down if you're stretching on income but have solid credit
  • VA with zero down is a no-brainer if you're eligible
  • USDA might work in certain pockets of Chino if you qualify income-wise, worth asking about
Don't overthink it. Most people here end up conventional because the math just works better.

Down Payment & Refinance in Chino

Refinancing in Chino right now depends on when you bought. Prices are flat year-over-year, so if you bought recently you're not sitting on a windfall of equity yet. But if you've been here three or four years, you've got options. Cash-out refis make sense if you bought before the big run-up and need to consolidate debt or fund renovations. PMI removal is huge once you hit 20% equity. That's real money every month. Rate-and-term refis depend entirely on what rate you locked in originally. If you're above 6.5%, we should talk. If you're in the 4s or 5s from a few years back, don't touch it.

Get Started

You're looking at $38K-$77K down for most buyers here. That's 5-10% on a $770K house. First-timers usually scrape together $50K-$60K between savings, gift funds from parents, and maybe selling a car or cashing out investments. Move-up buyers are bringing $120K-$180K from their last sale and putting 15-20% down to keep payments manageable. Real talk, a lot of people use family help at this price point. There's no shame in it. And if coming up with the down payment is the only thing stopping you, ask us about our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not right for everyone, but it gets people into homes who otherwise wait years.

Local Chino Expertise

Start with preapproval. Not pre-qualification, actual preapproval with docs reviewed and credit pulled. Sellers in Chino aren't messing around with maybe-buyers when someone else has financing locked down. We'll run your numbers, show you exactly what you can borrow, and map out two or three loan scenarios so you know your options before you start shopping. Schedule a free call and we'll get it done fast. Or reach out to our team directly if you've got specific questions about your situation. Chino's not out of reach, you just need the right financing structure.

Popular Chino Neighborhoods

Chino Hills • Legacy Park • Wilton Heights Historic District • Central Chino

Zip Codes We Serve

91708, 91710

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

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

Chino Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Chino Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750
FHA 3.5% minimum 580+ First-time buyers with limited savings
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military, surviving spouses
Jumbo 15-20% 680+ Properties exceeding $832,750
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Rental income properties, real estate investors
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Homeowners 62+ tapping equity without payments

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in Chino

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Chino buyers. Most homes under $833K with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

Strong FHA option in Chino. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.

VA Loans

$0 down for Chino veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.

Bank Statement Loans

Chino business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA programs popular in Chino. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Jumbo Loans

Premium Chino homes over $833K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

Chino sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing options for Chino investors. Buy rentals in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Chino

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Chino homeowners. Best rates for loans under $833K.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline refinance for Chino. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.

VA Loans Refinance

VA streamline refi for Chino veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.

Cash Out Refinance

Turn Chino home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC available for Chino homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.

Home Equity Refinance

Chino owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Chino

DSCR Loans

DSCR loans work for Chino investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip available for Chino projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily options for Chino investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Chino investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Chino

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 Chino buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs popular in Chino. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Local Down Payment Programs

Chino has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grant available for Chino buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.

Gift of Equity

Chino family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Chino 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

Why Chino is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Chino sits in the western corner of San Bernardino County, about 35 miles east of downtown LA. Population is 91,008, median household income $99,385. The homeownership rate here is 63.7%, and at $770K median home price, you're looking at one of the last somewhat affordable entry points to the Inland Empire that still gets you decent schools and reasonable commute times. A household pulling in that $99K income can qualify for a conventional loan here with 10-15% down, which is why families keep moving in.

Schools & Family Appeal

The school ratings here are a big part of why Chino holds value. Cal Aero Preserve Academy pulls a 9, Edwin Rhodes Elementary an 8, Don Lugo High a 7, and Chino High a 6. Those elementary and middle school scores matter when you're thinking about resale - buyers with kids will pay more to get into those attendance zones. The district has been investing in facilities, which keeps families locked in once they buy. When you're comparing mortgage payments to rent, knowing your kids can stay in the same solid school system for years makes that 30-year commitment easier to swallow.

  • Cal Aero Preserve Academy
  • Edwin Rhodes Elementary School
  • Don Lugo High School
  • Chino High School

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in Chino determines what loan product you'll need and who your neighbors are. Chino Hills runs $850K-$1.2M with newer construction, bigger lots, and mountain views - you're looking at conventional or jumbo territory here depending on your down payment. Legacy Park sits at $700K-$950K, master-planned with parks and trails, popular with families who can swing a conventional loan with solid income documentation. Wilton Heights Historic District offers $650K-$800K, tree-lined streets with older homes that have character - first-time buyers and investors like the walkability and lower entry point. Central Chino is the sweet spot at $600K-$850K, mixed housing styles close to everything, where FHA and conventional loans both work depending on the specific property and your situation.

  • Chino Hills
  • Legacy Park
  • Wilton Heights Historic District
  • Central Chino

Getting Around

The commute to LA runs about 44 minutes in decent traffic via the 60 or 71 freeways, which is why Chino costs $770K instead of $1.2M like similar neighborhoods closer in. You're in that Goldilocks zone where you can actually work in LA or Orange County without destroying your life, but you pay half what you'd pay in Pasadena or Irvine. Ontario Airport is 15 minutes away, which matters if you travel for work. The 60 freeway gives you straight shots east to Riverside or west to LA, and that access is baked into property values here.

Jobs & Economy

Chino Valley Unified School District is the biggest employer, which means steady public sector jobs with benefits that help people qualify for mortgages. The California Institution for Men adds more state employment. Amazon's fulfillment center brought hundreds of warehouse and logistics jobs that pay enough to qualify for FHA loans on the lower end of the market. Chino Valley Medical Center provides healthcare jobs across the pay scale. The mix here is solid - you've got public sector stability, private sector growth from logistics, and enough local employment that not everyone has to commute. That job diversity keeps the housing market stable even when one sector slows down.

  • Chino Valley Unified School District
  • California Institution for Men
  • City of Chino
  • Chino Valley Medical Center
  • Amazon Fulfillment Center
  • Boys Republic

Chino Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Chino 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 Chino?

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 Chino?

Typical Chino 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 Chino?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Chino?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Chino 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 Chino with no money down?

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

What are the loan limits in Chino?

2026 San Bernardino County limits: FHA $690,000, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Chino properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Chino?

For Chino'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 Chino. 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 Chino?

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 Chino?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Chino. 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 San Bernardino 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 Chino?

Closing costs in Chino 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 Chino?

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 Chino?

You have several low down payment options in Chino: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Chino 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 Chino. 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 San Bernardino 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 Chino?

Closing costs in Chino 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 Chino?

Typical Chino 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 Chino?

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 Chino?

2026 San Bernardino County limits: FHA $690,000, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Chino properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Chino?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Chino 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 Chino with no money down?

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Chino?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Chino. 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 Chino?

For Chino'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 Chino?

The FHA loan limit in Chino is $690,000 for 2026. This covers most homes in Chino's market, where the median price is around $770,000. If you're looking at homes above this limit, you'll need to consider conventional financing or make a larger down payment.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Chino?

Most Chino buyers don't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $770,000. You'd only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $833,000. The majority of homes in Chino fall comfortably within conventional loan limits.

What are the 2026 loan limits for San Bernardino County?

For 2026, San Bernardino County loan limits are $690,000 for FHA loans, $833,000 for VA loans, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits apply to single. family homes in Chino and throughout the county. Higher limits are available for multi. unit properties.

Can I get a VA loan in Chino?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Chino with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers the vast majority of homes in the area. Eligible veterans and service members can purchase most Chino properties with $0 down and no PMI. VA loans are an excellent option for qualified buyers in this market.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Chino?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible. Additionally, CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with grants and deferred. payment junior loans, and San Bernardino County provides local assistance programs for first. time and moderate. income buyers. These programs can be combined with FHA, VA, or conventional loans depending on your situation.

What down payment do I need for a Chino home?

Down payment requirements in Chino vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3% to 5% down ($23,000 to $38,500 on a $770,000 home), FHA loans need 3.5% ($27,000), and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. With down payment assistance programs, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your upfront costs.

What credit score do I need to buy in Chino?

Most Chino buyers can qualify with a credit score of 620 for conventional loans, while FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). VA loans typically require around 620, though some lenders may be flexible. Higher scores will get you better interest rates and more loan options in Chino's competitive market.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with Chino's balanced market who offers multiple loan options including FHA, VA, and conventional programs. Compare rates and fees from at least three lenders, and choose one who understands local programs and can close on time in competitive situations. A lender familiar with San Bernardino County's down payment assistance programs can save you thousands.

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