Mortgage Loans in
Davis, California
Davis Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

City Hall Tavern Sidewalk Sign - Davis, California - Drake Lyrics

Mortgage broker serving Davis, 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.

Why Davis Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Davis, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

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 Davis buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Davis buyers navigate properties near the $833K conforming limit, where loan structure impacts rates significantly.

  • Downtown Davis, Old North Davis, South Davis, and West Davis all cluster around $775K—just below the $833K conforming limit, allowing conventional financing without jumbo rates.
  • University employees and educators with 9-month contracts need lenders who annualize salaries to show full qualifying income for year-round mortgage payments.
  • First-time buyers facing a 42% homeownership rate should use IBR student loan payments for DTI calculations rather than the 1% balance method.

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Davis purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Davis

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a Davis mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

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.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Davis home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Davis, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Davis sits in that sweet spot where you're solidly above starter homes but nowhere near jumbo territory. The median home price is $774,500, and it's been flat for a year. No wild appreciation, no crash, just stable. The conforming loan limit here is $832,750, so you've got plenty of room to work with conventional financing and get the best rates available. FHA's loan limit is $764,750, which technically works for most homes here, but honestly conventional makes more sense for most buyers. You're not stretching into expensive loan territory. You're right in the zone where lenders compete hard for your business.

Who's Buying in Davis

Only 42% of people own their homes here. The rest rent. You've got a college town dynamic with a huge renter population, but the people who do buy tend to be dual-income professionals or families ready to put down roots. Median household income is $83,592, so you need to be bringing in solid money or buying with a partner to make the math work. First-time buyers show up with help from family or they've been saving aggressively for years. Move-up buyers are coming from cheaper areas with equity to deploy. And yeah, there's investor opportunity here because of that low homeownership rate. Rental demand isn't going anywhere.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans win at this price point. You're well under conforming limits, so you get access to the sharpest rates and the most flexible terms. FHA works if your credit isn't perfect or you're stretching on down payment, but you'll pay mortgage insurance that sticks around longer. VA is unbeatable if you're a veteran or active duty. Seriously, zero down and no PMI at this price range is a massive advantage.
  • Conventional with 10-15% down gets you competitive rates without breaking the bank upfront
  • FHA if your credit is below 680 or you need maximum flexibility on down payment
  • VA if you qualify because you can't beat the terms
  • Skip USDA unless you're looking at the rural outskirts, and even then it's a stretch in Davis proper
Don't overcomplicate it. Most buyers here should go conventional and lock in today's rates.

Down Payment & Refinance in Davis

If you already own in Davis, you've probably got some equity built up even with flat prices this year. Cash-out refinancing makes sense if you need to tap that equity for renovations or consolidating higher-interest debt. Rate-and-term refinancing is about lowering your monthly payment or shortening your loan term if rates dropped since you bought. And if you put down less than 20% originally and you're paying PMI, get that appraised. Once you hit 20% equity you can ditch PMI and save real money every month. The math on refinancing changes fast depending on how long you plan to stay, so run the numbers with someone who knows what they're doing. Sometimes it's worth it. Sometimes you're better off staying put.

Get Started

Down payment reality: you're looking at $38,725 for 5% down or $77,450 for 10%. That's real money. First-time buyers scraping together 5-10% are either saving for years, getting gift funds from family, or combining both. Move-up buyers selling a starter home in Sacramento or somewhere cheaper can bring $100K+ in equity and put down 15-20% without blinking. If you've got strong credit and income but the down payment is your roadblock, look at our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not a magic trick, but it gets you in the door faster. Real talk: most people buying here either have family help or serious savings discipline. Plan accordingly.

Local Davis Expertise

Start with preapproval so you know exactly what you can afford and what your monthly payment looks like at different down payment levels. Sellers in Davis aren't messing around with unqualified buyers, especially with that low homeownership rate meaning inventory stays tight. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through your specific situation. What's your income, what've you saved, what loan type actually makes sense for you. Our team knows Davis and we're not going to waste your time with cookie-cutter advice. Let's figure out your best move.

Popular Davis Neighborhoods

Downtown Davis • Old North Davis • South Davis • West Davis

Zip Codes We Serve

95616, 95617

What Types of Mortgages Are Available in Davis, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in Davis starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Davis 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 Davis property.

Purchase Loans

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.

Refinance

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.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

Loan Programs

Davis Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Davis homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Davis Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750
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 $832,750
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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Davis

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Davis buyers. Most homes under $833K with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

Strong FHA option in Davis. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.

VA Loans

$0 down for Davis veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.

Bank Statement Loans

Davis business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA programs popular in Davis. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Jumbo Loans

Premium Davis homes over $833K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

Davis sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing options for Davis investors. Buy rentals in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Davis

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Davis homeowners. Best rates for loans under $833K.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline refinance for Davis. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.

VA Loans Refinance

VA streamline refi for Davis veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.

Cash Out Refinance

Turn Davis home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC available for Davis homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.

Home Equity Refinance

Davis owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Davis

DSCR Loans

DSCR loans work for Davis investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip available for Davis projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily options for Davis investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Davis investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Davis

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Davis buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs popular in Davis. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Local Down Payment Programs

Davis has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grant available for Davis buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.

Gift of Equity

Davis family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Davis 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

Why Davis is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Davis sits in Yolo County, about 15 miles west of [Sacramento](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-sacramento-ca) and home to 67,203 people. Median household income is $83,592, but here's the thing - the homeownership rate is just 42%, way below California's average. That's because this is a college town built around UC Davis, and the $774,500 median home price means you're competing with professors, researchers, and established families who've been here for decades. If you can qualify for a mortgage here, you're buying into one of the most educated, stable communities in the region.

Schools & Family Appeal

The Davis Joint Unified School District is one of the main reasons families stretch their budgets to buy here instead of renting. Schools like Cesar Chavez Elementary, Pioneer Elementary, and North Davis Elementary consistently pull strong ratings, and that directly affects your property value over time. When you're looking at a $775K mortgage, you want to know the schools will hold up your investment. The district draws families willing to pay a premium, which means when you go to sell in five or ten years, there's always a buyer pool of parents doing exactly what you did. Real talk, the school quality here is baked into every mortgage payment you'll make.

  • Cesar Chavez Elementary School
  • Pioneer Elementary School
  • Robert E. Willett Elementary School
  • North Davis Elementary School
  • Patwin Elementary School

The Neighborhood Feel

Here's what's unusual about Davis - the median price is $775K across pretty much every neighborhood, from Downtown Davis to Old North to South Davis and West Davis. You're not finding a budget entry point here like you would in most cities. Downtown Davis gets you walkable access to the Farmers Market and local businesses, but you'll need a conventional loan with at least 10-15% down to compete in this market. Old North Davis has the tree-lined streets and older homes that need less to qualify if they're fixers, sometimes opening the door to renovation loans. South Davis and West Davis offer newer construction, which means fewer repair issues but you're paying top dollar. The loan type that works best depends on your down payment - if you've got 20% saved up, conventional is your straightforward path, but if you're coming in with less, you'll struggle against cash-heavy buyers and university employees with solid financing.

  • Downtown Davis
  • Old North Davis
  • South Davis
  • West Davis

Getting Around

The commute to Sacramento is just 21 minutes, which is a huge part of why Davis commands these prices. You can work in the state capital and come home to a college town with bike paths and a completely different pace. [Roseville](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-roseville-ca) is 37 minutes if that's where your job is. But look, most people buying here either work at UC Davis or they've got Sacramento jobs and want their kids in Davis schools. The university dominates the employment landscape, and that stable academic job market keeps property values steady even when other markets dip. If you're financing a home here, you're betting on that university staying put, and that's about as safe a bet as you'll find.

Jobs & Economy

The University of California, Davis is the 800-pound gorilla in this economy, employing thousands between the campus and UC Davis Health System. Davis Joint Unified School District and the City of Davis add public sector stability. Nugget Markets, a regional grocery chain, has a presence here too. The truth is, if you don't work for the university or the schools, you're probably commuting to Sacramento or you're in a specialized field that lets you live anywhere. That university employment base means there's always a steady stream of buyers with secure jobs and decent incomes looking to put down roots. When you're getting pre-approved, your lender knows Davis buyers tend to be lower-risk because of that employment mix. It's part of why conventional loans dominate here and why you'll need strong credit and income documentation to compete.

  • University of California, Davis
  • UC Davis Health System
  • Davis Joint Unified School District
  • City of Davis
  • Nugget Markets

Davis Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Davis homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Davis?

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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Davis?

Typical Davis 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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Davis?

You have several low down payment options in Davis: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Davis buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Davis?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Davis 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.

Can I buy a home in Davis with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Davis 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 Davis families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Davis?

2026 Yolo County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Davis properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Davis?

For Davis'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.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Davis. 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Davis?

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Davis?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Davis. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Yolo County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Davis. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Yolo County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Davis?

Closing costs in Davis 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.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Davis?

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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Davis?

You have several low down payment options in Davis: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Davis buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Davis. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Yolo County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Davis?

Closing costs in Davis 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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Davis?

Typical Davis 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Davis?

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.

What are the loan limits in Davis?

2026 Yolo County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Davis properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Davis?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Davis 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.

Can I buy a home in Davis with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Davis 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 Davis families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Davis?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Davis. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Yolo County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Davis. 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.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Davis?

For Davis'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.

What is the FHA loan limit in Davis?

The FHA loan limit in Davis is $765,000 for 2026. This covers most homes in the Davis market where the median price is around $775,000, though you'll need to bring a larger down payment for homes at or above the limit. FHA loans are popular here with first. time buyers since they allow down payments as low as 3.5%.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Davis?

You won't need a jumbo loan for most Davis homes since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $775,000. Only homes priced above $833,000 require jumbo financing, which represents a smaller portion of the Davis market. Most buyers here can take advantage of conventional conforming loans with their better rates and terms.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Yolo County?

For 2026 in Yolo County, the conforming loan limit is $833,000, the FHA limit is $765,000, and the VA loan limit is $833,000. These limits cover the vast majority of homes in Davis and throughout the county. Both conforming conventional and VA loans offer the highest limits, making them excellent options for move. up buyers.

Can I get a VA loan in Davis?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Davis with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers nearly all homes in the market. Eligible veterans and service members can finance up to that amount with $0 down and no mortgage insurance. VA loans are an excellent option here since they offer better terms than FHA for qualified buyers.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Davis?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Davis. CalHFA programs are also popular here, offering down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time and repeat buyers. Yolo County may have additional local programs, and many buyers combine these with FHA or conventional loans to minimize upfront costs.

What down payment do I need for a Davis home?

Down payment requirements in Davis vary by loan type: conventional loans can go as low as 3% ($23,250 on a $775,000 home), FHA requires 3.5%, and VA or USDA loans offer $0 down for eligible buyers. With the median home at $775,000, many buyers use down payment assistance programs to reduce their upfront costs and preserve savings.

What credit score do I need to buy in Davis?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Davis, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). With the median home price at $775,000, you'll get the best rates and terms with a score of 680 or higher. VA loans are often more flexible with credit requirements for qualified veterans.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Choose a lender experienced with Davis's balanced market who can offer multiple loan options including conventional, FHA, and VA products. Look for competitive rates, clear communication, and expertise with down payment assistance programs that can help with the $775,000 median price point. A local lender who understands Yolo County's market and can close on time is essential in this competitive environment.

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