Mortgage broker serving El Centro, 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 Centro buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
In El Centro's market, the right loan program can save thousands over the life of your mortgage.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your El Centro 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 Centro home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in El Centro starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for El Centro 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 Centro 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 Centro 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 |
| 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
FHA is the go-to for El Centro buyers with limited savings. 3.5% down, flexible credit.
Military families get zero down in El Centro. VA loans are the best deal for eligible veterans.
Nearly all El Centro homes qualify for conforming loans. Best rates available for qualified buyers.
El Centro buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Self-employed El Centro buyers can use bank statements. Deposits count when tax returns don't show full income.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible El Centro areas. Check rural designation by address.
Bridge loans available for El Centro transitions. Finance new purchase before selling.
Entity purchase programs for El Centro. LLC financing for investment properties.
El Centro FHA homeowners use streamline refi. Fastest path to lower monthly payments.
Nearly all El Centro refinances qualify as conforming. Competitive rates with quick approval.
El Centro veteran homeowners use IRRRL. Easiest refinance option with no appraisal.
Cash-out refinance for El Centro homeowners with equity. Access funds for any purpose.
El Centro owners can add HELOC for equity access. Credit line for improvements or reserves.
Home equity loans for El Centro homeowners. Lump sum with fixed monthly payments.
El Centro rental properties qualify with DSCR. No personal income verification needed.
El Centro renovation deals use fix-and-flip loans. Quick funding for rehab opportunities.
Hard money options for El Centro commercial. Fast financing for competitive markets.
Apartment financing in El Centro. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit investment properties.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for El Centro buyers with qualifying income.
El Centro buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Local DPA strong in El Centro. City programs plus CalHFA can cover most down payment.
Grant programs for El Centro first-time buyers. Elite grants don't require repayment.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible El Centro areas. Check rural designation by address.
Gift of equity for El Centro family transactions. Reduced price creates instant equity.
Non-occupant co-borrower helps El Centro buyers qualify. Add parent income to yours.
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 Centro sits in [Imperial](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-imperial-ca) Valley right at the California-Mexico border, about 120 miles east of [San Diego](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-diego-ca). Population is 44,184, median household income $54,922. The homeownership rate here is 50.7%, which is actually below the state average, and here's why that matters: at $505K median home price, you're looking at costs that have climbed faster than local incomes can support. This is one of California's agricultural heartlands, which means steady work but not tech salaries. If you're earning around $55K, you'll need to get creative with down payment assistance or consider FHA options to make the numbers work.
The school ratings tell you what you need to know about property values and resale potential. Central Union High and Harding Elementary both pull 7 ratings, which is solid for Imperial County. McCabe Elementary and Southwest High sit at 6, which isn't bad but won't drive premium prices. If you're buying with kids, these scores matter because families shopping five years from now will look at the same numbers. The district serves a largely working-class population, so don't expect the amenities you'd see in coastal districts. But stability matters more than fancy programs when you're thinking about whether your home will hold value.
Where you buy in El Centro determines whether you'll qualify with conventional financing or need government-backed loans. Northside runs $380K-$520K with a mix of older homes and newer builds, perfect for FHA loans if you're a first-timer with limited down payment. Villa del Sol hits $420K-$580K with those mid-century homes families love, and conventional loans work fine here if you've got decent credit and 5-10% down. Donovan Estates is newer construction at $480K-$650K, attracts buyers who want move-in ready and can handle the higher price point with conventional financing. Barbara Worth Country Club is the premium play at $650K-$900K, gated and golf-focused, where you're looking at jumbo territory depending on your down payment. The price gaps between these neighborhoods are real, and they'll shape what loan products you can actually use.
Real talk: El Centro is isolated. You're 120 miles from San Diego with no quick freeway option, about 210 minutes to LA if you're crazy enough to commute. This isn't a bedroom community for coastal jobs. The isolation is exactly why prices haven't hit $800K like they have in places with better access to job centers. Local transit exists but it's basic, so you'll need a car. If you work locally in agriculture, education, healthcare, or government, the commute situation doesn't hurt you. But if you're planning to drive to San Diego regularly for work, you'll burn through that mortgage savings in gas and time pretty quick.
The employment base here is anchored by education and healthcare, which means steady but not high-paying work. Imperial Valley College and Imperial County Office of Education provide public sector stability. El Centro Regional Medical Center is the major healthcare employer. Walmart's distribution center adds logistics jobs, and the City of El Centro itself employs a decent number. Imperial Irrigation District rounds out the mix with infrastructure work. The economy runs on agriculture even if you're not farming yourself, so it's stable but seasonal in ways that affect the broader market. Most buyers here work locally because there's no realistic commute option to higher-paying markets. That income-to-price gap at $55K median income versus $505K median home price means a lot of buyers need dual incomes or creative financing to close the deal.
Common questions from El Centro 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 Centro 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 Centro: 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 Centro buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified El Centro 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 Centro 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 Centro families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Imperial County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most El Centro properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For El Centro'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 Centro. 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 Centro. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Imperial County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in El Centro. 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 Imperial County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in El Centro 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 Centro: 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 Centro buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in El Centro. 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 Imperial County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in El Centro 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 Centro 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 Imperial County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most El Centro properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified El Centro 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 Centro 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 Centro families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in El Centro. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Imperial County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in El Centro. 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 Centro'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 Centro is $541,000 for 2026, which covers the vast majority of homes in the area since the median price is around $505,000. This makes FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers and those with smaller down payments in Imperial County.
You won't need a jumbo loan in El Centro for most home purchases. With conforming and VA loan limits at $833,000 and FHA at $541,000, nearly all homes in the $450K. $600K range qualify for standard financing with better rates and terms than jumbo products.
Imperial County's 2026 loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional conforming and VA loans. These limits provide plenty of financing flexibility for El Centro's affordable housing market where most homes fall well below these thresholds.
Yes, VA loans are an excellent option in El Centro with a generous $833,000 loan limit that covers all local homes. Veterans and active military can benefit from $0 down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates on homes in the $450K. $600K range.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible in El Centro's affordable market. You can also explore CalHFA programs and Imperial County housing assistance, which often can be stacked together to cover down payment and closing costs for first. time buyers.
You can buy a home in El Centro with as little as 3% down on a conventional loan (around $15,000 on a $505,000 home) or 3.5% down with FHA (about $17,675). VA loans and our No Money Down program offer $0 down options for those who qualify, making homeownership very accessible.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in El Centro with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum for the 3% down program, while VA loans are often approved with scores around 580. 600, making El Centro accessible even if you're rebuilding credit.
Look for a lender experienced with El Centro's affordable market who can navigate FHA loans and down payment assistance programs that are popular here. The best lender will compare multiple loan options for your situation, explain how to stack DPA programs, and have a track record of closing on time for first. time buyers in Imperial County.
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