Mortgage broker serving Clayton, 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 Clayton buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
In Clayton'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 Clayton 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 Clayton home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Clayton starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton buyers. Most homes under $1.25M with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Clayton. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Clayton veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Clayton business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Clayton. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Clayton homes over $1.25M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Clayton sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Clayton investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Clayton homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.25M.
FHA streamline refinance for Clayton. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Clayton veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Clayton home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Clayton homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Clayton owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Clayton investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Clayton projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Clayton investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Clayton 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 Clayton buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Clayton. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Clayton has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Clayton buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Clayton family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Clayton 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
Clayton sits at the base of Mount Diablo in eastern Contra Costa County, population 10,933, with a median household income of $172,226. The homeownership rate here is 90.3%, one of the highest in the Bay Area, and the median home price of $750K tells you exactly what kind of market this is. This isn't where first-time buyers with FHA loans typically land. You're looking at conventional financing with 20% down or jumbo loans depending on the neighborhood, and buyers here usually have significant equity from a previous sale or dual incomes well into six figures.
The schools are a major reason people stretch their budgets to buy here. Clayton Valley Charter High scores an 8, Mt. Diablo Elementary an 8, Diablo View Middle a 7. These ratings matter when you're paying three-quarters of a million or more, because strong schools protect your resale value and keep the buyer pool deep when it's time to sell. Families move here and stay, which is why that 90.3% ownership rate is so high. When you're underwriting a $600K loan on a $750K house, you want to know your investment is in a stable community where property values hold.
Where you buy in Clayton determines whether you're using conventional or jumbo financing. Downtown Clayton runs $700K-$900K, tree-lined streets with updated mid-century homes and newer builds, walkable to shops and restaurants. Most buyers here use conventional loans with strong down payments. Clayton Hills is the premium tier at $850K-$1.2M, custom homes on hillside lots with valley views, and you're often looking at jumbo territory above $766,550. Oakhurst sits $650K-$800K near the country club, established 70s and 80s homes that families love for the schools and quiet streets. Marsh Creek Springs runs $750K-$950K, newer construction with modern layouts and trail access to Mount Diablo, popular with buyers who want move-in ready and don't mind paying for it.
The commute to [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca) takes about 53 minutes via Highway 24 and the Caldecott Tunnel, [Oakland](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-oakland-ca)'s 39 minutes, San Jose runs 70 minutes. That's the trade you're making here. You get a real yard, good schools, and a small-town feel, but you're driving if you work in the city or South Bay. County Connection buses serve the area, but real talk, most people here are driving their own cars. The commute is why Clayton stays slightly more affordable than Danville or Walnut Creek, but you're still paying Bay Area prices for the school district and the Mount Diablo location.
Clayton Valley Charter High is a major employer, along with John Muir Health, Chevron, and PG&E in the broader region. But here's the thing about Clayton: most residents commute out for work or run professional services from home offices. The median household income of $172K tells you these are tech workers, executives, medical professionals, and dual-income families who can handle the mortgage payments here. Small retail and local businesses serve the community, but the tax base comes from high earners who chose Clayton for the lifestyle and schools, not the local job market. When you're qualifying for a loan here, lenders expect strong W-2s or documented business income that can support a $4,000+ monthly payment.
Common questions from Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Clayton buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Clayton properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Clayton'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 Clayton. 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 Clayton. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Clayton. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Clayton 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 Clayton: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Clayton buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Clayton. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Clayton properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Clayton 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 Clayton 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 Clayton families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Clayton. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Clayton. 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 Clayton'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 2026 FHA loan limit for Clayton (Contra Costa County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a moderate-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
With Clayton's median home price at $750K, many properties are near or above the $1.25M conforming limit. Higher-priced homes will require jumbo financing.
The 2026 Contra Costa County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Clayton with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Contra Costa County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.
We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 3-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Clayton's median price of $750K, typical down payments range from 5-10%.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.
Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.
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