Mortgage Loans in
Del Mar, California
Del Mar Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Del Mar California photo D Ramey Logan

Mortgage broker serving Del Mar, 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 Del Mar Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Del Mar, 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 Del Mar buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Del Mar's luxury market requires specialized jumbo financing expertise for properties well above the $1.1M conforming limit.

  • Del Mar Heights and Torrey Highlands ($3.3M-$6.1M) require jumbo loans exceeding the $1.1M conforming limit, needing 20% down and stronger credit.
  • Hospitality and tourism workers with tip income need 12-24 months of documentation and higher reserves for jumbo loan qualification.
  • Coastal areas face higher insurance costs and stricter lender requirements due to erosion setbacks and environmental risk factors.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Del Mar

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 Del Mar 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 Del Mar home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Del Mar sits at a different altitude than most coastal towns. We're talking a $4.69M median. Zero price movement this year, but that's not weakness. It's stability at a level where panic selling doesn't exist. The conforming loan limit is $1.10M, so basically irrelevant here. You're in jumbo territory on every single deal. The financing game at this tier isn't about squeezing into loan boxes. It's about structure, tax efficiency, and keeping your liquidity where it works hardest. Most buyers here aren't stretching. They're optimizing.

Who's Buying in Del Mar

Tech exits and business owners dominate. Median household income is $185K, but that's misleading because it doesn't capture the real wealth here. We're talking about people with $10M+ portfolios, stock comp packages that dwarf their salaries, and multiple properties already. A lot of international money flows through too. San Diego's military presence means you get some senior officers and defense contractors, but honestly, most uniformed service members can't touch this market. The 55% homeownership rate reflects the vacation home factor. Plenty of these are second or third properties.

Your Loan Fit

Jumbo loans are the baseline, but cash deals happen constantly. Private banks offer better terms than retail lenders at this level. Your loan structure matters more than your rate.
  • Asset-based lending beats traditional income verification when your wealth is in portfolios, not paychecks
  • Interest-only options preserve capital for other investments. Why lock up $3M in real estate when you can leverage it?
  • Portfolio loans handle complex income situations. Multiple LLCs, foreign income, trust structures. Standard underwriting breaks down here.
  • Relationship banking gets you terms that aren't published anywhere. This is a phone call market, not an online rate shopping market.
Most buyers put down 25-35% because it optimizes their cost of capital, not because they have to.

Down Payment & Refinance in Del Mar

Refinancing at this level is about opportunity cost, not just rate drops. A quarter point on a $3M+ balance is real money. $7,500 annually, every year. But the bigger play is cash-out refinancing when you see better returns elsewhere. Real estate investors pull equity at 4-5% to deploy at 10-15% returns. Makes perfect sense. Reverse mortgages are underused here too. If you're 62+ sitting on $3M+ in equity, you can access serious tax-free cash without selling. Most financial advisors miss this because they don't understand the product.

Get Started

You need $940K minimum for 20% down. Most buyers bring $1.2M-$1.5M. That money usually comes from selling another property, liquidity events, or investment accounts. Some buyers tap securities-based lines of credit rather than liquidating positions. Keeps their portfolio intact and avoids triggering capital gains. Gift funds from family trusts happen regularly at this tier. Look, if you're active military or a veteran with serious assets, VA loans technically go to $1.10M with zero down. Beyond that, you're funding the difference. We also offer our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement, but honestly, most Del Mar buyers aren't optimizing for minimum down payment. They're optimizing for maximum financial flexibility.

Local Del Mar Expertise

Start with a conversation about your complete financial picture. Not just income. Your assets, your liquidity, your tax situation, other properties, business structures. All of it matters at this level. We work with private banks and portfolio lenders who actually understand complex wealth. Schedule a free call and we'll map out what makes sense for your situation. Our team has structured loans for everyone from tech executives with pre-IPO equity to international buyers with foreign income to retirees sitting on massive portfolios. Del Mar financing isn't complicated. It's just different.

Popular Del Mar Neighborhoods

Del Mar Village • Del Mar Heights • Carmel Valley (Del Mar portion)

Zip Codes We Serve

92014

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

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

Del Mar Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Del Mar Mortgage Options

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
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Seniors 62+ accessing Del Mar home equity

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in Del Mar

Jumbo Loans

Most Del Mar homes exceed the $1.1M limit. Jumbo financing is required for virtually all purchases here.

Asset Depletion Loans

Del Mar buyers can qualify using investment portfolios. Asset depletion converts holdings to qualifying income.

Bank Statement Loans

Self-employed Del Mar buyers use bank deposits instead of tax returns. 12-24 months statements qualify.

Bridge Loans

Buy your next Del Mar home before selling. Bridge loans cover the gap between properties.

Foreign National Loan Programs

International buyers purchase Del Mar properties with foreign national loans. No US credit required.

Stock Award Loans

Del Mar tech buyers use RSUs and stock options to qualify. Equity compensation counts as income.

LLC Funding Programs

Del Mar investors buy in LLC names. Asset protection with entity financing.

Best Refinance Options in Del Mar

Cash Out Refinance

Del Mar homeowners can access equity for investments. Cash-out refi up to 80% LTV on jumbo.

Conforming Refinance

Refinance Del Mar properties under $1.1M at conforming rates. Entry-level homes only.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC access for Del Mar homeowners. Flexible credit line against substantial equity.

Home Equity Refinance

Home equity loans for Del Mar owners. Fixed-rate second mortgage against your equity.

VA Loans Refinance

VA IRRRL for Del Mar veterans. Refinance existing VA loan with no appraisal needed.

No Seasoning Cash Out Refinance

Del Mar investors can cash-out immediately after purchase. No seasoning required.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Del Mar

DSCR Loans

Del Mar investment properties qualify on rental income alone. DSCR loans skip employment verification.

Fix And Flip Loans

Del Mar renovation projects get fix-and-flip financing. Short-term funding for major rehabs.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily financing for Del Mar apartment buildings. 5+ unit commercial loans available.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Hard money for Del Mar commercial deals. Fast funding when speed matters.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Del Mar

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 Del Mar buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA assistance technically available but rarely used in Del Mar's luxury market.

Gift of Equity

Family property transfers in Del Mar use gift of equity. Seller gifts equity as down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Parents can co-sign for Del Mar purchases. Non-occupant co-borrower boosts qualifying income.

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 Del Mar is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Del Mar sits right on the San Diego coast with just under 4,000 residents and a median household income of $185,335. The homeownership rate is 55.3%, which is actually lower than you'd expect for such an expensive area - that's because plenty of wealthy buyers keep second homes here or rent high-end properties seasonally. At $4.69M median home price, this isn't where first-time buyers are shopping. You're looking at jumbo loans, substantial down payments, and the kind of income documentation that shows you can handle a $20K+ monthly mortgage payment. This is one of the priciest zip codes in San Diego County, and it prices accordingly.

Schools & Family Appeal

The schools here are about as good as it gets in California. Del Mar Heights Elementary scores a perfect 10, Del Mar Hills Elementary pulls a 9, and kids feed into Torrey Pines High which sits at a 9 as well. When you're paying $4M+ for a home, you expect top-tier schools, and Del Mar delivers. These ratings matter for resale value because families with the means to buy here absolutely prioritize education, and they'll pay a premium to stay in this district. The school quality is baked into every property price, which means you're not just buying a house - you're buying into one of the most competitive school systems in the region.

  • Del Mar Heights Elementary School
  • Del Mar Hills Elementary School
  • Carmel Valley Middle School
  • Torrey Pines High School

The Neighborhood Feel

Del Mar Village runs $3.5M to $8M and gives you that classic beach town vibe with cottages and estates you can walk to the ocean from. You're looking at jumbo loans here, and most buyers put down 30-40% to keep payments manageable on properties this expensive. Del Mar Heights sits on the bluffs at $4M to $12M with modern luxury builds and ocean views - this is where tech executives and medical professionals land when they want new construction with a view. Carmel Valley on the Del Mar side runs $2.8M to $6M with newer planned communities and townhomes, which is the relative bargain in this area. Even at $2.8M you need serious income to qualify, but it's the entry point if you want Del Mar schools without paying Village or Heights prices.

  • Del Mar Village
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Carmel Valley (Del Mar portion)

Getting Around

You're 25 minutes to downtown San Diego and 28 minutes to La Jolla, which makes Del Mar incredibly convenient for high-earning professionals who work in biotech, finance, or healthcare in those job centers. The commute is short and scenic along the coast, and that proximity is a big part of why prices stay so high here. There's local transit available, but let's be honest - at this price point, most residents are driving their own cars. The location between San Diego and North County means you get easy access to everything without the density of living right in the city.

Jobs & Economy

Del Mar itself is tiny, so the major employers are niche. The Del Mar Fairgrounds and Thoroughbred Club bring seasonal work and tourism dollars, especially during racing season. The Del Mar Union School District employs teachers and staff, and the City of Del Mar has a small municipal workforce. But here's the thing - most Del Mar residents don't work in Del Mar. They commute to Qualcomm in nearby Sorrento Valley, UC San Diego, or high-level positions throughout San Diego proper. The real economic driver here is that Del Mar attracts people who've already made their money elsewhere and want to live at the beach with great schools. When you're underwriting loans here, you're looking at executives, doctors, successful business owners, and equity-rich buyers who can document substantial assets beyond just W-2 income.

  • Del Mar Fairgrounds/Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
  • Del Mar Union School District
  • City of Del Mar
  • Qualcomm (nearby Sorrento Valley)
  • UC San Diego (nearby)

Del Mar Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Del Mar 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 Del Mar?

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 Del Mar?

Typical Del Mar 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 Del Mar?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Del Mar?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Del Mar 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 Del Mar with no money down?

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

What are the loan limits in Del Mar?

2026 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Del Mar properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Del Mar?

For Del Mar'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 Del Mar. 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 Del Mar?

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 Del Mar?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Del Mar. 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 San Diego 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 Del Mar?

Closing costs in Del Mar 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 Del Mar?

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 Del Mar?

You have several low down payment options in Del Mar: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Del Mar 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 Del Mar. 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 San Diego 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 Del Mar?

Closing costs in Del Mar 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 Del Mar?

Typical Del Mar 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 Del Mar?

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 Del Mar?

2026 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Del Mar properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Del Mar?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Del Mar 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 Del Mar with no money down?

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Del Mar?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Del Mar. 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 Del Mar?

For Del Mar'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 Del Mar?

The FHA loan limit in Del Mar is $1,010,000 for 2025. However, with a median home price of $4.7M, FHA loans aren't practical for most Del Mar purchases since they only cover about 21% of the typical home price here.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Del Mar?

Yes, you'll almost certainly need a jumbo loan in Del Mar since the median home price is $4.7M and the conforming loan limit is only $1.1M. Jumbo loans are the standard financing option in this ultra. luxury coastal market, and most lenders here specialize in structuring them for high. net. worth buyers.

What are the 2026 loan limits for San Diego County?

For 2025, San Diego County's conforming loan limit is $1,149,825, the FHA limit is $1,010,000, and the VA limit is $1,149,825. These limits are adjusted annually based on home price trends, so 2026 limits will be announced in late 2025.

Can I get a VA loan in Del Mar?

Yes, eligible veterans can use VA loans in Del Mar with a limit of $1,149,825 for zero down purchases. However, since Del Mar's median price is $4.7M, you'd need to cover the difference with a substantial down payment or consider a VA jumbo loan if you want to leverage your benefits here.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Del Mar?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers. However, given Del Mar's $4.7M median price and the typical high. net. worth buyer profile, most purchasers here don't qualify for traditional DPA programs like CalHFA due to income limits. Most Del Mar buyers use conventional jumbo financing with significant down payments rather than assistance programs.

What down payment do I need for a Del Mar home?

For jumbo loans in Del Mar's ultra. luxury market, you'll typically need 20% to 30% down, which means $940,000 to $1.4M on the median $4.7M home. Some lenders offer jumbo loans with 10% down for exceptionally qualified borrowers, though larger down payments often secure better rates and terms.

What credit score do I need to buy in Del Mar?

For jumbo loans in Del Mar, you'll generally need a credit score of at least 700, with most lenders preferring 720 or higher for the best rates. Given the ultra. luxury price point and complex financial profiles common here, lenders focus heavily on overall financial strength including assets, reserves, and debt. to. income ratios alongside your credit score.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

In Del Mar's ultra. luxury market, choose a lender experienced with jumbo loans and complex income situations like stock options, business ownership, or trust structures. Look for someone who can close quickly with certainty, understands high. net. worth financial profiles, and has strong relationships with local agents since competitive all. cash offers are common here.

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