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

Downtown Delano, California (2012-01-29)

Mortgage broker serving Delano, 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 Delano Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Delano's market offers opportunity for buyers who understand their financing options.

  • Downtown Delano homes at $350K fit comfortably under the $833K conforming limit, allowing conventional loans with 3-5% down or FHA at 3.5%.
  • Agriculture and education workers with seasonal income or 9-month contracts need lenders who annualize salaries or accept bank statement qualification programs.
  • Self-employed farmworkers with tax write-offs should use bank statement loans that qualify on gross deposits rather than adjusted tax returns.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Delano

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Delano sits in that sweet spot where homeownership is still possible without selling a kidney. The median home price is $350K, and it's held steady over the past year. No wild appreciation, no crash. Just stable. The conforming loan limit here is $833K, which honestly doesn't matter much because almost nobody is pushing that ceiling in this market. FHA limits sit at $541K, way above what most buyers need. This is budget-friendly Central Valley territory, and that's exactly why people are moving here from the Bay Area and coast. They're tired of being priced out and they want actual equity instead of throwing money at rent forever.

Who's Buying in Delano

First-time buyers dominate this market, mostly families on modest incomes who've been saving and grinding. Median household income is $53,639, so we're not talking about tech money or dual six-figure earners. These are teachers, warehouse workers, ag industry folks, public sector employees. You've also got investors sniffing around because $350K properties can actually cash flow here if you buy smart. And retirees on fixed income who sold something expensive elsewhere and want to own outright or have a tiny mortgage. The homeownership rate is 61.6%, so people are buying and staying. This isn't a transient rental town.

Your Loan Fit

FHA is your best friend at this price point. Period. With 3.5% down and flexible credit requirements, it's built for exactly this market. VA is even better if you're a veteran because zero down and no PMI is unbeatable. USDA might be in play depending on exactly where in Delano you're buying since some areas qualify as rural-eligible. Conventional works fine if you've got decent credit and can swing 5% down, but don't stress about putting 20% down just to avoid PMI.
  • FHA with 3.5% down gets you in the game fastest
  • VA loans are pure gold for veterans, zero down and competitive rates
  • USDA for eligible properties means zero down for non-veterans
  • Conventional at 5% down if your credit is solid and you want to avoid FHA's upfront mortgage insurance
Run the numbers on all of them. Sometimes the loan with the smallest down payment isn't actually the cheapest monthly.

Down Payment & Refinance in Delano

Already own here? Refinancing can actually save you real money. If you bought with FHA and you've got 20% equity now, refinancing to conventional kills that monthly PMI. That's $150-250 back in your pocket every month. Rate-and-term refis make sense if rates dropped since you bought or if your credit improved enough to get better pricing. Cash-out refinancing is popular for repairs and improvements because these homes aren't brand new and kitchens need updating, roofs need replacing. Pull equity at a low rate instead of putting repairs on a credit card at 22%. Just make sure the math actually works before you extend your loan term back to 30 years.

Get Started

Let's talk real numbers. 3.5% down on $350K is about $12,250. That's achievable if you've been saving, but it's still a chunk of money for most people earning $53K a year. A lot of buyers piece it together: some savings, a gift from family, maybe a down payment assistance program through the county or state. If you sold a home somewhere else, even a condo, you probably have plenty. But if you're coming from renting? Our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement is a game-changer. You still need money for closing costs and reserves, but not having to scrape together five figures for the down payment opens doors. Gift funds from family are super common here and perfectly acceptable on almost every loan type.

Local Delano Expertise

Stop guessing what you can afford and get actual numbers. Preapproval tells you exactly what you qualify for and makes your offer stronger when you find the right place. Sellers in Delano aren't entertaining offers from buyers who haven't talked to a lender yet. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through your situation, run different loan scenarios, and figure out what actually makes sense. We know this market and we know how to structure deals that work at this price point. Our team has helped hundreds of buyers in the Central Valley, and we'll shoot straight with you about what's realistic. Let's get you moving.

Popular Delano Neighborhoods

Downtown Delano

Zip Codes We Serve

93215, 93216

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

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

Delano Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Delano Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military, surviving spouses
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750
FHA 3.5% minimum 580+ First-time buyers with limited savings
Down Payment Assistance $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) 640+ First-time buyers needing down payment help
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Rental income properties, real estate investors

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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Delano

FHA Loans

FHA dominates Delano purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA is a strong option for Delano. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

VA Loans

Veterans buy Delano homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.

Usda Loans

Many Delano properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.

Conforming Loans

All Delano properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.

Local Dpa Programs

Delano local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.

Bridge Loans

Bridge financing for Delano homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing available in Delano. Investors can purchase in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Delano

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline dominates Delano refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.

VA Loans Refinance

VA IRRRL is the best refi for Delano veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.

Usda Loans Refinance

Many Delano homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.

Conforming Refinance

Every Delano refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.

Cash Out Refinance

Delano owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.

Home Equity Refinance

Fixed home equity loan option in Delano. Predictable payments for major expenses.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Delano

DSCR Loans

DSCR financing for Delano investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip financing for Delano investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Commercial hard money in Delano. Quick funding when timing is critical.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily loans available for Delano apartment investors. Commercial financing options.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Delano

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 Delano buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA is a strong option for Delano. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Local Down Payment Programs

Delano local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grants provide Delano down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.

USDA Zero Down Loans

Many Delano properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.

Gift of Equity

Family property transfers in Delano benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Delano first-time buyers often use co-borrowers. Family help for 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 Delano is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Delano sits in the heart of Kern County's agricultural zone, about 35 minutes north of Bakersfield in the Central Valley. Population is 50,498, median household income $53,639. The homeownership rate here is 61.6%, which tells you this is a community where people put down roots. At $350K median home price, you're looking at one of the most affordable entry points in California where a family earning $50-60K can actually qualify for a conventional or FHA loan without getting priced out.

Schools & Family Appeal

The school district here is the economic backbone and the reason a lot of families buy instead of rent. Columbine Elementary, Harvest Elementary, and Nueva Vista Language Academy serve the younger grades, while Del Vista Math And Science Academy and Paramount Academy offer specialized programs. The district isn't pulling top state rankings, but here's the thing: stable enrollment and consistent funding matter more than test scores when you're thinking about property values over a 15 or 30 year mortgage. Families who work in agriculture or the school districts themselves tend to stay put, which keeps neighborhoods stable and your investment protected. That 61.6% homeownership rate means most of your neighbors aren't transient renters, they're invested in the community long term.

  • Columbine Elementary
  • Harvest Elementary
  • Nueva Vista Language Academy
  • Paramount Academy
  • Del Vista Math And Science Academy

The Neighborhood Feel

Downtown Delano runs around $350K and represents the historic core of the city where you'll find the civic center and original business district. Most buyers here are using FHA loans with 3.5% down or conventional loans if they've got the 5-10% saved up. The housing stock is older, which means you might find homes that need some work but qualify for FHA 203k renovation loans if you want to buy and improve at the same time. Real talk: this isn't a place with luxury subdivisions or gated communities. You're buying into a working class agricultural town where the value proposition is affordability and stability, not granite countertops and HOA amenities. If you need space and a yard without breaking $400K, Delano delivers what most of California can't anymore.

  • Downtown Delano

Getting Around

Bakersfield is 35 minutes south, which makes Delano viable if you work in Kern County's oil or government sectors but want cheaper housing. Fresno sits 73 minutes north if you've got Central Valley connections up that way. Stockton at 186 minutes isn't a realistic commute unless you're doing it once a week. The truth is, most people who buy here work locally in agriculture, the school districts, or healthcare. If you're commuting daily to Bakersfield, you're trading half an hour each way for a mortgage payment that's $100-150K less than comparable homes closer in. That's the Central Valley affordability equation, and it works if your job allows it.

Jobs & Economy

Delano Joint Union High School District and Delano Union Elementary School District are the largest employers, which gives the area that public sector job stability that lenders like to see on mortgage applications. Agricultural companies and farms dominate the local economy since this is prime Central Valley farmland, and Delano Regional Medical Center provides healthcare jobs. Look, this is an ag town first and foremost. If you work in farming, packing, distribution, or the support industries around agriculture, you're in the right place. The job mix won't give you tech salaries, but it matches the cost of housing. A household pulling $50-60K can actually afford to buy here, which is the whole point if you want to build equity instead of paying rent forever.

  • Delano Joint Union High School District
  • Delano Union Elementary School District
  • Agricultural companies and farms
  • Delano Regional Medical Center

Delano Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Delano 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 Delano?

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 Delano?

Typical Delano 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 Delano?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Delano?

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

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

What are the loan limits in Delano?

2026 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Delano properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Delano?

For Delano'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 Delano. 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 Delano?

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 Delano?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Delano. 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 Kern 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 Delano?

Closing costs in Delano 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 Delano?

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 Delano?

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

Closing costs in Delano 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 Delano?

Typical Delano 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 Delano?

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 Delano?

2026 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Delano properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Delano?

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

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Delano?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Delano. 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 Delano?

For Delano'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 Delano?

The FHA loan limit in Delano is $541,000 for 2025. This is well above the typical home prices in Delano, where most homes sell between $300K and $450K, making FHA loans an excellent option for local buyers.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Delano?

You won't need a jumbo loan in Delano. With a median home price around $350,000 and the conforming loan limit at $833,000, virtually all homes here qualify for conventional, FHA, or VA financing with better rates than jumbo loans.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Kern County?

For 2025, Kern County's loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional and VA loans. The 2026 limits typically get announced in November 2025, though they often remain similar in stable markets like Delano.

Can I get a VA loan in Delano?

Yes, VA loans work great in Delano with a loan limit of $833,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. Since most Delano homes are priced well under this limit, you can buy with $0 down if you qualify for VA benefits.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Delano?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Delano. You can also access CalHFA programs that provide up to 3.5% assistance, Kern County housing programs, and USDA loans in eligible areas that offer zero down payment options for moderate. income buyers.

What down payment do I need for a Delano home?

You can buy a Delano home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan, which means about $12,250 on a $350,000 home. With down payment assistance programs or VA/USDA loans, many first. time buyers in Delano can purchase with $0 down.

What credit score do I need to buy in Delano?

You can qualify for an FHA loan in Delano with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with 10% down. Most first. time buyers here successfully purchase with scores in the 620. 680 range, and conventional loans typically require at least 620.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with Delano's market who specializes in FHA loans and down payment assistance programs that first. time buyers here rely on. The right lender will help you navigate CalHFA, local DPA options, and find the best program for your situation, not just offer the lowest rate.

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