Mortgage broker serving El Cajon, 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 El Cajon buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
El Cajon buyers benefit from comparing multiple loan options to find the best fit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your El Cajon 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 El Cajon home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in El Cajon starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | Any buyer - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment, forgiven after 6 payments |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $1,249,125 |
| 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 $1,249,125 |
| 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
Standard option for El Cajon buyers. Most homes under $1.1M with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in El Cajon. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for El Cajon veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
El Cajon business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in El Cajon. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium El Cajon homes over $1.1M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
El Cajon sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for El Cajon investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for El Cajon homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.1M.
FHA streamline refinance for El Cajon. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for El Cajon veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn El Cajon home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for El Cajon homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
El Cajon owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for El Cajon investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for El Cajon projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for El Cajon investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
El Cajon investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for El Cajon buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in El Cajon. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
El Cajon has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for El Cajon buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
El Cajon family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for El Cajon 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
El Cajon sits in a valley about 15 miles east of downtown San Diego. Population is 105,721, median household income $64,128. The homeownership rate here is 41.7%, lower than the state average, which tells you something important - this is a renter-heavy market transitioning as prices push buyers further inland. At $747,500 median home price, you're looking at San Diego County numbers without the coastal premium. For a household earning $60-70K, you'll need a strong down payment or creative financing, but it's still more accessible than La Jolla or Carlsbad.
If you've got kids, the school ratings matter for both your daily life and your resale value down the road. Fletcher Hills Elementary pulls an 8, Fuerte Elementary a 7, and Granite Hills High a 7. Valhalla High comes in at 6, which is decent but not top-tier. The thing is, families who buy in the Fletcher Hills and Granite Hills zones tend to stay put, which stabilizes those neighborhoods. When you're comparing loan options, remember that better school zones usually mean better appreciation over time. That extra $50K you spend to get into the right attendance area often pays for itself when you sell.
Where you buy in El Cajon changes everything about your mortgage strategy. Fletcher Hills runs $650K-$850K, mid-century homes on hillside lots with valley views - conventional loans with 10-20% down are standard here, and the established feel attracts families who plan to stay. Rancho San Diego is $700K-$950K, newer construction in a master-planned setup with golf courses and parks - you'll see conventional and jumbo loans depending on the property, popular with move-up buyers. Downtown El Cajon offers the entry point at $450K-$700K, mix of condos, townhomes, and older single-family homes - FHA loans work well here for first-timers who can handle 3.5% down. Granite Hills is the high end, $800K-$1.2M, custom homes on big lots with mountain views - jumbo territory, attracting buyers who want space and privacy without going full rural.
The commute to downtown San Diego is about 21 minutes, La Jolla around 33 minutes. That's the whole reason El Cajon exists as an affordable option in San Diego County. You're trading the beach lifestyle for a mortgage payment that won't eat your entire paycheck. Interstate 8 runs right through town, connecting you west to San Diego and east to the mountains. Local transit is available but most people drive. If you work in San Diego proper, you're looking at a manageable commute that lets you buy a real house instead of a condo in a pricier zip code.
Grossmont Healthcare District and Sharp Grossmont Hospital anchor the local economy with stable healthcare jobs. Cajon Valley Union School District provides public sector employment, and the City of El Cajon itself is a decent-sized employer. Walmart's distribution center and Taylor Guitars add private sector diversity. The job mix here is practical - healthcare, education, retail, logistics, some manufacturing. Most buyers either work locally in these sectors or commute west to San Diego for higher-paying jobs while living here for the housing value. That income-to-home-price ratio is tight at $64K median income to $747K median home price, so dual incomes or higher earnings are pretty much required unless you're putting down serious cash.
Common questions from El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many El Cajon buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most El Cajon properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For El Cajon'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 El Cajon. 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 El Cajon. 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.
You still have options in El Cajon. 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 San Diego County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in El Cajon 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 El Cajon: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many El Cajon buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in El Cajon. 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 San Diego County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most El Cajon properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified El Cajon 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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in El Cajon. 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.
You still have options in El Cajon. 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 El Cajon'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 El Cajon is $1,010,000 for 2025. This covers most homes in El Cajon, where the median price is around $748,000, making FHA loans a popular choice for first. time buyers who want the flexibility of a lower down payment.
Most buyers in El Cajon won't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $1,100,000 and the median home price is $748,000. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $1.1 million, which represents the higher end of El Cajon's market.
For 2025, San Diego County loan limits are $1,100,000 for conforming loans, $1,010,000 for FHA, and $1,100,000 for VA loans. These limits are typically announced in late fall for the following year, so 2026 limits haven't been released yet but may adjust based on home price trends.
Yes, VA loans are very competitive in El Cajon with a loan limit of $1,100,000, which covers the vast majority of homes in the area. If you're a qualified veteran or active. duty service member, you can purchase most El Cajon homes with $0 down and no mortgage insurance.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in El Cajon. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as San Diego County Housing Authority programs designed for first. time and moderate. income buyers.
Down payments in El Cajon vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3% to 5% down ($22,440 to $37,400 on a $748,000 home), FHA loans need 3.5% ($26,180), and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in El Cajon, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). With El Cajon's median home price around $748,000, having a score of 680 or higher will help you secure better interest rates and loan terms.
Look for a lender experienced with El Cajon's balanced market who can offer multiple loan options including FHA, VA, and conventional programs. Compare rates and fees from at least three lenders, and choose one who understands local programs and can close on time in a market where both first. time and move. up buyers compete.
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