Mortgage broker serving Dana Point, 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 Dana Point buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Dana Point buyers in the luxury segment face unique challenges with high-value properties exceeding $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 Dana Point 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 Dana Point home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Dana Point starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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 Dana Point homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Luxury properties above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| 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 Dana Point home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
With Dana Point's $2.1M median, most buyers need jumbo loans above $1.25M. Rates now competitive with conforming.
Business owners in Dana Point qualify on bank deposits. Write-offs hurt tax returns but deposits tell the real story.
Wealthy Dana Point buyers use portfolio value instead of employment. Asset depletion works for retirees and investors.
Some Dana Point condos and smaller homes under $1.25M get conforming rates. Most properties need jumbo.
Dana Point veterans get zero down with no loan limit. Best benefit for luxury purchases.
Dana Point buyers use bridge loans to avoid contingent offers. Buy first, sell later.
LLC purchases for Dana Point investment properties. Buy in entity name for liability protection.
Pull equity from your Dana Point home. Cash-out refinance for investments, renovations, or debt payoff.
Conforming refi for Dana Point properties under the limit. Most will need jumbo refinancing.
Dana Point owners tap equity with HELOC. Draw funds as needed, pay interest only on balance.
Fixed home equity loans in Dana Point. Lump sum with predictable payments.
Dana Point veterans use VA IRRRL to lower rates. Streamlined process with minimal documentation.
No seasoning cash-out for Dana Point properties. Access equity right after closing.
DSCR loans for Dana Point investors. Qualify based on property cash flow, not personal income.
Fix-and-flip loans for Dana Point investors. Finance purchase plus renovation costs.
Dana Point apartment investors use multifamily loans. Commercial financing for 5+ units.
Dana Point commercial investors use hard money. Quick closing for time-sensitive deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Dana Point buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA down payment help available for Dana Point first-time buyers. Income limits may restrict use.
Gift of equity for Dana Point family sales. Equity counts as down payment in related transactions.
Dana Point buyers can add parent as co-borrower. Combined income qualifies for higher amount.
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
Dana Point sits on the Orange County coast about 67 miles south of LA. Population is 33,025, median household income $119,632. The homeownership rate here is 63%, which is solid for a coastal market where second homes and rentals compete with primary residences. At $2.1M median home price, this isn't entry-level California real estate. You're looking at jumbo loan territory across the board, and most buyers here are either move-up purchasers with substantial equity from previous sales or high-income professionals who can handle the payment on a $1.6M+ mortgage.
If you're buying here with kids, the schools are part of Capistrano Unified, which is one of the stronger districts in Orange County. Palisades Elementary and Richard Henry Dana Elementary both serve the area, and Dana Hills High School is the main secondary option. Parents talk about the small school feel at Palisades, which matters when you're paying this much for a house. The school quality helps protect your investment when it's time to sell. Families who buy in Dana Point tend to stay put, which keeps the ownership rate stable even with all the coastal vacation home competition.
Here's the thing about Dana Point neighborhoods - they all cluster around that $2.1M median, but the lifestyle differences matter for your long-term satisfaction with the purchase. Dana Point Harbor puts you near the marinas, restaurants, and Ocean Institute, great if you own a boat or want that active waterfront scene. Monarch Beach in the southern section is the luxury end, homes near the resort, you'll need a jumbo loan with strong financials to qualify here. Lantern District is the historic downtown core with streets named after colored lanterns, walkable to shops and harbor, popular with buyers who want that village vibe. Dana Point Headlands sits on coastal bluffs with trails and ocean views, some of the last undeveloped coastal land in the county, which means those views won't get blocked. All these areas require jumbo financing, so your credit score and debt-to-income ratio need to be dialed in.
The commute to LA runs about 67 minutes, Santa Monica 72 minutes, but most Dana Point buyers aren't making that drive daily. Irvine is 28 minutes north on I-5, which is where a lot of the high-paying jobs are that support these home prices. Long Beach sits 54 minutes up the coast. The reality is you're paying for location here, not commute convenience to LA. If your job is in Irvine or you work remotely, the coastal premium makes sense. If you're driving to LA every day, you're trading two hours of your life daily for the privilege of living at the beach.
Capistrano Unified School District is the largest employer, followed by Dana Point Harbor's collection of marina businesses, Monarch Beach Resort, and the City of Dana Point itself. But real talk, most people buying $2M+ homes here aren't working locally at these employers. They're commuting to higher-paying jobs in Irvine's tech and business sector, or they're established professionals, business owners, or retirees with significant assets. The local job market supports service and hospitality workers, but it doesn't generate the income needed to qualify for the median home price. Your mortgage approval here depends on bringing substantial income from elsewhere or significant equity from a previous sale.
Common questions from Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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 Dana Point: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Dana Point buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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 Dana Point families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Dana Point properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Dana Point'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 Dana Point. 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 Dana Point. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Dana Point. 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 Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Dana Point 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 Dana Point: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Dana Point buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Dana Point. 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 Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Dana Point properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Dana Point 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 Dana Point 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 Dana Point families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Dana Point. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Dana Point. 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 Dana Point'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 Dana Point is $1.25M for 2025. However, with median home prices around $2.1M in this luxury coastal market, most buyers will need jumbo financing since FHA loans won't cover typical purchase prices. FHA loans are rarely used here given the high. end nature of Dana Point real estate.
Yes, you'll almost certainly need a jumbo loan in Dana Point since the median home price is $2.1M and most properties range from $2M to $3M. The conforming loan limit is only $1.25M, so any amount above that requires jumbo financing. Many oceanfront and luxury properties may even require super. jumbo loans exceeding $3M.
For 2025, Orange County's loan limits are $1.25M for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and may increase based on home price trends. Given Dana Point's luxury market with homes averaging $2M+, most buyers here need jumbo loans regardless of the conforming limit.
Yes, VA loans are available in Dana Point with a limit of $1.25M with no down payment required. However, since most Dana Point homes are priced at $2M to $3M, you'd need to cover the difference above $1.25M as a down payment. Many veterans in this market opt for jumbo loans instead to access the full range of available properties.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, which can be particularly valuable in this luxury market. However, given Dana Point's median home price of $2.1M and typical buyer profile of affluent professionals and executives, most purchasers don't require assistance programs. Traditional down payment assistance like CalHFA has income limits that most buyers in this high. end coastal community exceed.
For Dana Point's luxury market with homes typically priced at $2M to $3M, most jumbo lenders require 10% to 20% down, meaning $200K to $600K for a median. priced home. Some portfolio jumbo programs may accept as low as 10% down with strong credit and income documentation. Buyers with significant assets or stock compensation often put down 20% or more to secure better rates and avoid higher loan amounts.
For jumbo loans in Dana Point's luxury market, you'll typically need a minimum credit score of 680 to 700, though most lenders prefer 720+ for the best rates and terms. Given that homes here average $2M+, lenders have stricter requirements and look for strong overall financial profiles including substantial assets and income. Scores above 740 will give you access to the most competitive jumbo loan programs.
In Dana Point's luxury market, choose a lender with extensive jumbo loan experience who understands complex income scenarios like stock compensation, bonuses, and business income common among executives and tech professionals. Look for lenders who can handle loan amounts from $2M to $3M+ and offer portfolio products with flexible underwriting. You'll want someone who can close efficiently on high. value coastal properties and provide white. glove service matching the caliber of homes in this market.
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