Mortgage broker serving Cloverdale, 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 Cloverdale buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Cloverdale offers solid value, but buyers still need strategic financing to compete effectively.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Cloverdale starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale buyers. Most homes under $897K with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Cloverdale. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Cloverdale veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Cloverdale business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Cloverdale. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Cloverdale homes over $897K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Cloverdale sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Cloverdale investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Cloverdale homeowners. Best rates for loans under $897K.
FHA streamline refinance for Cloverdale. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Cloverdale veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Cloverdale home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Cloverdale homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Cloverdale owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Cloverdale investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Cloverdale projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Cloverdale investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Cloverdale. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Cloverdale has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Cloverdale buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Cloverdale family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Cloverdale 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
Cloverdale sits at the northern edge of Sonoma County, about 90 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 8,964, median household income $96,894. The homeownership rate here is 69.3%, which tells you people who buy here tend to stay. At $622,500 median home price, you're paying a Sonoma County premium, but you're getting into wine country for roughly half what you'd spend in Healdsburg or Sebastopol. For a household pulling down that $97K median income, you'll need a solid down payment and debt-to-income ratio to make the numbers work, but it's doable with conventional financing.
The school options here are straightforward. You've got Jefferson Elementary and Cloverdale High School serving the district. These aren't the highest-rated schools in Sonoma County, but the community is small and stable, which matters when you're thinking about your kids' experience and your property's resale potential. The 69.3% homeownership rate means most families around you are invested long-term, not transient renters. When you're stretching to afford a $622K home, you want to know the neighborhood demographics support stable property values. The school district itself is one of the major employers here, so there's a built-in connection between the local economy and the education system.
Your main choice is between Downtown Cloverdale and South Cloverdale, and honestly the price difference is minimal. Both areas run around $623K median. Downtown puts you in the historic core with walkable access to local businesses, older homes with character, and proximity to the Russian River. South Cloverdale is more purely residential, quieter, still close to everything in a town this size. Conventional loans dominate here since you're above the FHA loan limits for most properties, and you'll need at least 10% down to make the math work at these price points. The good news is the market is stable, not wildly volatile like some Bay Area suburbs. The bad news is you won't find much inventory under $500K, so first-time buyers without significant savings will struggle.
Here's the thing about Cloverdale. You're 96 minutes from San Francisco, 89 from Oakland, 133 from San Jose on a good day. That commute is why you can still buy here for $622K instead of $1.2M closer to the job centers. If you're working remotely or have a flexible schedule, this trade makes sense. If you're commuting to the South Bay five days a week, you'll burn out fast. Local transit exists but this is really a car-dependent town. Most buyers here either work locally in the wine industry, agriculture, schools, or city government, or they've structured their lives to minimize those brutal drives to the Bay Area core.
The Cloverdale Unified School District and City of Cloverdale provide the public sector base, but the real economic driver here is wine country. Local wineries and vineyards employ a significant chunk of the population, along with agriculture and farming operations throughout the area. The job market isn't as diverse as you'd find in Santa Rosa or further south, which means your income stability matters more when you're applying for a mortgage. Lenders look at employment trends, and a town this size dependent on agriculture and tourism can see fluctuations. If you're in a stable job within these sectors or work remotely for a Bay Area employer, you're in good shape. The median income of $96,894 reflects a mix of wine industry professionals, remote workers, and public sector employees who've figured out how to make it work here.
Common questions from Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Cloverdale buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Cloverdale properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Cloverdale'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 Cloverdale. 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 Cloverdale. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sonoma County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Cloverdale. 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 Sonoma County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Cloverdale buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Cloverdale. 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 Sonoma County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale 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 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Cloverdale properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale 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 Cloverdale families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Cloverdale. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sonoma County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Cloverdale. 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 Cloverdale'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 Cloverdale is $897,000 for 2025, which covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $623,000. This higher limit reflects Sonoma County's designation as a high. cost area. You'll be able to purchase well above the median home price with just 3.5% down using an FHA loan.
Most buyers in Cloverdale won't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $897,000 and the median home price is $623,000. You'd only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $897,000, which represents the higher end of the local market. The majority of homes in the $600K. $900K range qualify for conventional financing with better rates and terms.
For 2025, Sonoma County's loan limits are $897,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet but are typically released in November 2025. These limits usually adjust based on home price trends, so they may increase if the market continues to appreciate.
Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Cloverdale with a loan limit of $897,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. With the median home price at $623,000, most properties are well within VA loan limits. VA loans also don't require mortgage insurance, which can save you hundreds per month compared to other low. down. payment options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Cloverdale. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance with options like the MyHome Assistance Program offering deferred. payment junior loans. Sonoma County also offers local DPA programs for first. time buyers and moderate. income households, which work well in this middle. tier market.
Down payments in Cloverdale vary by loan type: conventional loans typically require 3. 5% ($18,700. $31,150 on a $623,000 home), FHA loans need 3.5% ($21,800), and VA loans require $0 for eligible veterans. With the median home around $623,000, many buyers use down payment assistance or low. down conventional options to keep upfront costs manageable.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Cloverdale, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). For the best rates on homes in the $600K. $900K range, you'll want a score of 680 or higher. VA loans are also flexible with credit, often approving scores in the 580. 620 range for qualified veterans.
Look for a lender experienced with Cloverdale's middle. tier market who can explain all your options including conventional, FHA, VA, and down payment assistance programs. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from at least three lenders, and read reviews from local buyers. The right lender should understand Sonoma County's loan limits and be responsive throughout your home purchase, especially in a balanced market where timing matters.
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