Mortgage broker serving Claremont, 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 Claremont buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Claremont's competitive market demands strong pre-approval and flexible loan options.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Claremont 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 Claremont home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Claremont starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Claremont 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 Claremont 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 Claremont 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
Most Claremont homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.25M. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Claremont with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Claremont first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Claremont properties may exceed $1.25M. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Claremont's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Claremont buyers.
Bridge loans help Claremont buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Claremont investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Claremont mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Claremont homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Claremont refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Claremont HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Claremont FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Claremont. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Claremont rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Claremont use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Claremont apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Claremont. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Claremont buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Claremont buyers.
Local Claremont DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Claremont buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Claremont family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Claremont buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
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
Claremont sits at the eastern edge of LA County, right where the San Gabriel Valley meets the foothills. Population is 36,891, median household income $115,091. The homeownership rate here is 65.1%, and the median home price is $995,000. This is a college town with serious money, and that shows in the housing market. You're looking at one of the pricier markets in the Inland Empire, but what you get is walkability, top-rated schools, and a community that's held its value through every market cycle.
The schools here are the main reason families stretch their budgets to buy in Claremont. Claremont High pulls a 9 rating, Sycamore Elementary an 8, El Roble Intermediate an 8. These aren't just good scores for the area, they're good scores period. When you're financing close to $1M, you want to know your property value has legs, and strong schools give you that. The Claremont Colleges dominate the town's identity, which means you get a well-educated population and parents who care deeply about academics. That college-town vibe keeps demand steady even when other markets cool off.
Your neighborhood choice in Claremont directly impacts your financing options and monthly payment. Claremont Village runs $800K-$1.2M, historic Craftsman and Spanish Revival homes within walking distance of downtown, conventional loans work fine if you've got 10-20% down. Johnson's Pasture is $900K-$1.3M, ranch-style homes on bigger lots, popular with families who need the space and can handle the slightly higher price point. Claremont Hills is where you hit $1.2M-$2.5M for custom builds with views, you're looking at jumbo loans here and you'll need strong income documentation. Padua Hills is the relative bargain at $750K-$1.1M, vintage homes near the colleges, this is where first-time buyers with dual incomes can still get in using conventional financing if they've saved aggressively.
Claremont's location is part of what you're paying for. LA is 39 minutes, Irvine 43 minutes, Santa Monica 56 minutes, Long Beach 52 minutes. You're not in the thick of LA traffic but you can reach major job centers without a soul-crushing commute. The Metrolink Gold Line extension discussions have been ongoing for years, but for now you're driving. Here's the thing though: that $995K median is still cheaper than comparable neighborhoods in Pasadena or South Pasadena, and your commute times are similar. If you work in tech, healthcare, or education in the broader LA basin, Claremont gives you breathing room without total isolation.
The Claremont Colleges are the economic engine here, employing thousands between Pomona, CMC, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, and Scripps. Claremont Graduate University and the individual college administrations provide stable white-collar jobs with benefits. Claremont Unified School District and the City of Claremont add public sector employment. Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center brings healthcare jobs to the mix. The truth is most buyers here don't work locally, they commute to higher-paying jobs in LA, Orange County, or the broader Inland Empire. That $115K median household income tells you this is a professional class community, and lenders look favorably on borrowers with that income profile when you're financing near $1M.
Common questions from Claremont 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 Claremont 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 Claremont: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Claremont buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Claremont 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 Claremont 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 Claremont 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 Claremont properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Claremont'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 Claremont. 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 Claremont. 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 Claremont. 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 Claremont 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 Claremont: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Claremont buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Claremont. 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 Claremont 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 Claremont 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 Claremont properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Claremont 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 Claremont 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 Claremont families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Claremont. 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 Claremont. 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 Claremont'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 Claremont is $1,250,000 for 2025, which covers most homes in this market. With median home prices around $995K, FHA loans are a viable option for many buyers here. You'll need a minimum 3.5% down payment with a credit score of at least 580 to qualify.
Most homes in Claremont don't require a jumbo loan since the conforming limit is $1,250,000 and the median price is $995K. However, if you're looking at higher. end properties above $1.25M, you'll need jumbo financing. About 15. 20% of Claremont homes fall into the jumbo range, particularly in the north Claremont neighborhoods.
For 2025, Los Angeles County loan limits are $1,250,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. These limits apply to Claremont and cover the majority of single. family homes in the area. The 2026 limits will be announced in November 2025 and typically adjust based on home price trends.
Yes, VA loans are available in Claremont with a loan limit of $1,250,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. This covers most homes in Claremont's $900K. $1.25M market. VA loans offer competitive rates and don't require mortgage insurance, making them an excellent option for qualified military buyers.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Claremont. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance with various income limits that work well for this market's $115K median income. Los Angeles County also offers programs for first. time buyers and educators that can help bridge the gap on Claremont's median $995K home price.
Down payments in Claremont typically range from 3% ($30K on a $995K home) for conventional loans to 3.5% for FHA. Many established professionals in this market put down 10. 20% to avoid PMI or secure better rates. VA. eligible buyers and those using our No Money Down program can purchase with $0 down.
You'll typically need a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Claremont, though 680+ gets you better rates on homes in this price range. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down. Most successful buyers in Claremont's upper. middle market have scores above 700.
Look for a lender experienced with Claremont's upper. middle market and comfortable handling loans near or above $1M. You'll want someone who can explain both conforming and jumbo options since you might encounter properties on either side of the $1.25M limit. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from at least three lenders, and ask for references from recent Claremont buyers.
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