Mortgage broker serving Clearlake, 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 Clearlake buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Buyers breaking into Clearlake's market need down payment assistance and flexible programs.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Clearlake 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 Clearlake home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Clearlake starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers, lower credit. Limit: $832,750 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military - best 0% down option |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time Clearlake buyers, income-qualified |
| Conventional | 3% | 620+ | Good credit, faster closing than FHA |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
USDA loans are ideal for Clearlake. Zero down payment for rural properties. Income limits apply.
Most Clearlake buyers use FHA. 3.5% down payment with 580+ credit. Easiest path to homeownership.
CalHFA plus local DPA can cover full down payment in Clearlake. Stack programs for maximum assistance.
VA loans are perfect for Clearlake. Zero down, no PMI, and every property qualifies.
Maximum local DPA available in Clearlake. Combine city, county, and state programs.
Every Clearlake home qualifies for conforming financing. Best rates with good credit.
Bridge loans help Clearlake owners transition between homes. Short-term gap financing.
Clearlake investors use LLC financing. Entity ownership for asset protection.
USDA streamline refinance for Clearlake. Lower your rate with minimal paperwork.
Most Clearlake refinances use FHA streamline. No appraisal, no income docs, fast closing.
Clearlake veterans should use VA IRRRL. Streamline your refinance with zero hassle.
Conforming refinance rates for all Clearlake properties. Straightforward rate-and-term refi.
Cash-out refinance available for Clearlake homeowners. Convert equity to cash for any need.
Home equity loans available in Clearlake. Fixed rate second mortgage against equity.
Investment properties in Clearlake use DSCR loans. Rental income drives qualification.
Rehab loans available in Clearlake. Fix-and-flip financing covers purchase plus renovation.
Hard money available for Clearlake deals. Fast closing for investment properties.
Clearlake apartment buildings use multifamily financing. Commercial loan programs available.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Clearlake buyers with qualifying income.
USDA loans are ideal for Clearlake. Zero down payment for rural properties. Income limits apply.
CalHFA plus local DPA can cover full down payment in Clearlake. Stack programs for maximum assistance.
Maximum local DPA available in Clearlake. Combine city, county, and state programs.
Maximum grant assistance for Clearlake. Elite and local programs reduce buyer costs.
Gift of equity works for Clearlake family sales. Seller discount becomes buyer's down payment.
Co-borrower option for Clearlake buyers. Family member can help you qualify.
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
Clearlake sits on the north shore of California's largest natural freshwater lake, about 120 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 16,612, median household income $41,047. The homeownership rate here is 59.4%, and at $260K median home price, this is one of the most affordable places to buy in Northern California. If you're priced out of the Bay Area or even Sacramento, this is where a household earning $40-50K can still qualify for a conventional or FHA loan on a waterfront-adjacent property.
The school ratings aren't going to blow you away. Clearlake High pulls a 6, Mountain Vista Middle a 6, Clearlake Elementary a 5. But here's the thing - if you're buying at this price point, you're making trade-offs, and most families here are focused on affordability over test scores. The district has been working on improvements, and the small-town environment means smaller class sizes than you'd find in urban areas. When you're comparing a $260K house here to a $700K house in Napa or Sonoma for similar school ratings, the math changes. Your mortgage payment matters more than a couple points on a rating scale when you're trying to build equity.
Where you buy in Clearlake directly affects your loan options and monthly payment. Austin Park Area runs $200K-$270K, close to parks and recreation, popular with families using FHA loans who want walkable neighborhoods. [Burbank](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-burbank-ca) Gardens sits at $220K-$280K with mature trees and bigger lots, good for conventional loans if you've got the down payment. Lomita Heights is the premium option at $240K-$320K with hillside views of the lake, attracts buyers willing to stretch for the scenery, works well with conventional financing. Dam Road Corridor is the entry point, $190K-$250K, mix of older homes and developing properties where FHA and even USDA loans can work if you're buying on the outskirts. The price spread isn't huge, but that $50-100K difference changes your monthly payment by $300-600.
Real talk - you're not commuting to San Francisco from here. That's a 147-minute drive on State Route 29 and 53, which is why Clearlake stays affordable while Napa and Sonoma have gone through the roof. Most people who buy here work locally or they're retirees who don't need to commute at all. There's local transit for getting around town, but you'll want a car. The isolation is exactly what keeps your mortgage payment low. If you can work remotely or you've got a job in Lake County, you're getting lakefront living at inland prices.
The employment base here is pretty straightforward. Konocti Unified School District is the largest employer, followed by Lake County government offices and the City of Clearlake itself. Adventist Health Clear Lake provides healthcare jobs, Walmart Supercenter covers retail, and Cache Creek Casino Resort brings in hospitality and gaming employment. The job market isn't tech or finance, it's education, government, healthcare, and service industry. Most buyers here are working locally or they're buying as a retirement move or vacation property. If you need big-city job opportunities, you'll struggle. But if you've got steady local work or remote income, your housing costs will be half what they'd be closer to the Bay Area.
Common questions from Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Clearlake buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Lake County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Clearlake properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Clearlake'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 Clearlake. 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 Clearlake. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Lake County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Clearlake. 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 Lake County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Clearlake 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 Clearlake: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Clearlake buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Clearlake. 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 Lake County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 Lake County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Clearlake properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Clearlake 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 Clearlake 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 Clearlake families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Clearlake. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Lake County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Clearlake. 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 Clearlake'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 Clearlake is $541,000 for 2025. This is well above the median home price of $260,000, so FHA loans work great for nearly all homes in the area. You can buy with as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Clearlake since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and most homes are priced around $260,000. Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans will all cover typical home prices here. Jumbo loans are only necessary for properties exceeding $833,000, which are rare in Lake County.
For 2025, Lake County's loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional and VA loans. These limits typically adjust annually based on home price trends. With Clearlake's median home price at $260,000, these limits provide plenty of financing options for local buyers.
Yes, VA loans are available in Clearlake with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all typical homes in the area. Veterans and active military can buy with $0 down, no mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. This is an excellent option if you qualify, especially given the area's affordable home prices.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Clearlake. USDA loans are also excellent here since Clearlake is in an eligible rural area, offering zero down for income. qualified buyers. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance, and Lake County may offer additional local programs for first. time buyers.
You can buy a Clearlake home with $0 down using USDA or VA loans if you qualify. FHA loans require just 3.5% down (about $9,100 on a $260,000 home), while conventional loans typically need 3. 5% down. Down payment assistance programs can help cover these costs if needed.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Clearlake with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with 10% down. USDA loans typically require a 640 minimum, while conventional loans prefer 620 or higher. Many Clearlake buyers successfully purchase homes in the 580. 640 range using FHA financing.
Look for a lender experienced with rural markets and down payment assistance programs common in Lake County. They should understand USDA loans, FHA financing, and local assistance options that help budget. conscious buyers. Compare rates, fees, and responsiveness, and choose someone who takes time to explain your options clearly given Clearlake's affordable market.
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