Mortgage broker serving Corte Madera, 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 Corte Madera buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Financing in Corte Madera's premium market demands lenders experienced with jumbo loans above $1.25M.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Corte Madera starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Homes above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125 |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Investment properties, no income verification |
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | First-time buyers - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Seniors 62+ accessing Corte Madera home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Corte Madera prices often exceed $1.25M. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.
Properties under $1.25M get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in Corte Madera.
Self-employed? Corte Madera bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Corte Madera properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Corte Madera buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Corte Madera buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Corte Madera moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Corte Madera investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Corte Madera loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Corte Madera home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Corte Madera homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Corte Madera veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Corte Madera home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Corte Madera homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Corte Madera can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Corte Madera rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Corte Madera apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Corte Madera commercial. Fast approval when banks are too slow.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Corte Madera buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Corte Madera first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Corte Madera family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Corte Madera. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Corte Madera city programs for additional DPA. May stack with CalHFA for more help.
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
Corte Madera sits in central Marin County, just across the Golden Gate from San Francisco. Population is around 10,000, median household income $78,538. The homeownership rate is 65%, and the median home price is $1.6M. Real talk: this is not an affordable market for most buyers, but if you can swing the financing, you're getting one of the best locations in the Bay Area with a 32-minute commute to SF and access to top-rated schools. Most buyers here need jumbo loans since you're well above conventional conforming limits, and you'll want at least 20% down to avoid the extra costs on a property this expensive.
The schools here are a major reason families stretch their budgets to buy in Corte Madera. Neil Cummins Elementary pulls a 9 rating, Redwood High School also a 9, and The Cove School an 8. These aren't just good scores, they're among the best in Marin County, which means strong resale value when you eventually sell. Families who buy here tend to stay through the school years, which creates stability in the neighborhoods. When you're putting down $320K on a 20% down payment, knowing the schools will hold their reputation matters for protecting that investment. The high ownership rate of 65% means most of your neighbors are invested long-term, not just renting short-term.
Where you buy in Corte Madera determines whether you need a standard jumbo or a super jumbo loan product. Christmas Tree Hill runs $2.5M to over $5M with custom estates and Bay views, so you're looking at super jumbo financing and likely need significant assets beyond the down payment. The Preserve ranges $1.8M to $3.2M, newer construction that appeals to families who want modern finishes and can qualify for upper-tier jumbo products. Tamalpais Drive sits at $1.4M to $2.8M with mid-century and updated homes, mountain views, and trail access. This is where you'll find the most variety in both housing stock and financing options. Chapman Drive is the entry point at $1.2M to $2.1M, family-friendly with tree-lined streets, and it's where first-time Marin buyers often land if they've got dual tech incomes and solid credit. Even at the low end, you're financing over a million, so your debt-to-income ratio and credit score matter more here than almost anywhere else in the state.
The commute situation is what makes Corte Madera worth the price for a lot of buyers. You're 32 minutes to San Francisco via US-101, 30 minutes to Oakland, which means you can work in the city without the city price tag or the city chaos. San Jose is 81 minutes, Palo Alto 64 minutes, so South Bay commutes are doable but less common. Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit give you bus options, and Larkspur Landing Ferry Terminal is close by if you want to skip bridge traffic and take the ferry into SF. The access is the reason Corte Madera holds value even when other markets soften. You're paying for location and time saved, and lenders know properties here stay liquid even in down markets.
Corte Madera's economy is heavily retail and service-based, anchored by The Village at Corte Madera and Town Center Corte Madera shopping centers. Marin General Hospital provides healthcare jobs with solid benefits. Whole Foods, REI, and Nordstrom employ locally, but let's be honest, most people buying $1.6M homes here aren't working retail. The buyers are typically tech workers commuting to SF or the Peninsula, healthcare professionals, finance folks, or business owners. The local employers matter more for the service economy that supports the town, which keeps it functional and livable. The job stability in Marin County overall is strong, and that supports property values when you're carrying a $1.2M mortgage.
Common questions from Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Corte Madera buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Corte Madera properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Corte Madera'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 Corte Madera. 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 Corte Madera. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Corte Madera. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Corte Madera buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Corte Madera. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera 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 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Corte Madera properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera 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 Corte Madera families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Corte Madera. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Corte Madera. 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 Corte Madera'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 Corte Madera (Marin County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
It depends on the property. Corte Madera's median home price is $1.6M, while the conforming loan limit is $1.25M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 Marin 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 Corte Madera with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Marin 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: 5-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Corte Madera's median price of $1.6M, most buyers put down 15-20%.
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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