Mortgage Loans in
Elk Grove, California
Elk Grove Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Alice Chang Guo on July 8, 2018 in Elk Grove, California

Mortgage broker serving Elk Grove, 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 Elk Grove Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Elk Grove's competitive market demands strong pre-approval and flexible loan options.

  • Quail Ranch Estates, Laguna Estates, and Sheldon Road Estates ($436K-$810K) all fit comfortably within conforming loan limits, avoiding jumbo requirements.
  • Retail workers with variable schedules need lenders who average hourly wages and overtime over 12-24 months for stable income qualification.
  • First-time buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down and IBR student loan payments instead of 1% balance calculation.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Elk Grove

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Elk Grove sits in that sweet spot where you can still buy a real house without selling a kidney. The median price is $623K, flat from last year. No wild appreciation, no crash drama. Just steady. The conforming loan limit here is $833K, so you've got plenty of room to work with conventional financing without getting pushed into jumbo territory. FHA caps at $765K. Basically, almost everything on the market fits comfortably under both limits. That opens up your options in a way that expensive coastal markets just don't allow anymore.

Who's Buying in Elk Grove

First-time buyers absolutely dominate here. Young families fleeing the Bay Area or Orange County see these prices and feel like they're getting a deal. And honestly, compared to what they left behind, they are. Median household income is $116K, so dual-income couples can make the math work without stretching dangerously thin. The homeownership rate is 73.8%. People buy here and stay. This isn't some rental-heavy transient market. Sacramento County has a solid military presence too, so veterans using VA loans are a big part of the buyer pool. Relocators want space, decent schools, and a mortgage that doesn't require a trust fund.

Your Loan Fit

FHA and conventional both work great at this price point. Your strategy depends more on what you're bringing to the table than the market itself.
  • FHA at 3.5% down gets you in cheap, but you're stuck with mortgage insurance for life unless you refi later
  • Conventional at 5% down costs a bit more upfront but saves you monthly, and you can drop PMI once you hit 20% equity
  • VA loans are unbeatable if you're military or a veteran. zero down, no PMI, competitive rates
  • USDA loans might work if you're looking at the outer edges of Elk Grove where it gets more rural, though most of the city proper won't qualify
Don't overthink it. Run the numbers on FHA vs conventional with actual payments, not just the down payment difference.

Down Payment & Refinance in Elk Grove

Refinancing here makes sense in a few situations. If you bought with FHA and you've got some equity now, getting rid of that lifetime mortgage insurance by refining into conventional saves real money every month. Rate-and-term refis are obvious if rates drop, but we're not seeing a ton of that right now. Cash-out refis are popular for renovations since home values have been stable. If you're an investor with a rental property here, DSCR loans let you refi based on the property's income, not your personal tax returns. That's huge if you're self-employed or have multiple properties. PMI removal is the low-hanging fruit most people miss. once you hit 20% equity, get it appraised and drop that payment.

Get Started

You're looking at $19K to $55K down depending on your loan type. FHA at 3.5% is $21,800. Conventional at 5% is $31,150. That's the reality. Most first-timers scrape together savings, maybe get a gift from family, or they've sold a condo somewhere pricier and have equity to roll over. Some people qualify for down payment assistance programs through the county or state. worth checking if you're income-eligible. And look, if coming up with even $20K feels impossible, we have our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. You pay it back over time, but it gets you into a house now instead of renting for another two years trying to save.

Local Elk Grove Expertise

Start with preapproval. Not pre-qualification, actual preapproval with documentation. Sellers in Elk Grove aren't desperate, but they're not getting 15 offers over asking either. A solid preapproval makes you a serious buyer. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through what you actually qualify for, what your payments look like, and whether FHA or conventional makes more sense for your situation. Don't guess at this stuff. Our team knows Sacramento County inside and out, and we close loans here every week. Let's figure out your best move.

Popular Elk Grove Neighborhoods

Laguna West • Sheldon Estates • Emerald Lakes • Stonelake

Zip Codes We Serve

95624, 95758, 95759

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

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

Elk Grove Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Elk Grove Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750
FHA 3.5% minimum 580+ First-time buyers with limited savings
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military, surviving spouses
Jumbo 15-20% 680+ Properties exceeding $832,750
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Rental income properties, real estate investors
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Homeowners 62+ tapping equity without payments

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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Elk Grove

Conforming Loans

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

FHA Loans

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

VA Loans

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

Bank Statement Loans

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

Calhfa Programs

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

Jumbo Loans

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

Bridge Loans

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

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing options for Elk Grove investors. Buy rentals in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Elk Grove

Conforming Refinance

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

FHA Loans Refinance

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

VA Loans Refinance

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

Cash Out Refinance

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

HELOC Refinance

HELOC available for Elk Grove homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.

Home Equity Refinance

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

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Elk Grove

DSCR Loans

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

Fix And Flip Loans

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

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily options for Elk Grove investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

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

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Elk Grove

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 Elk Grove buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

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

Local Down Payment Programs

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

Elite Grant Program

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

Gift of Equity

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

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Elk Grove purchases. Family member income boosts qualification.

Every situation is unique. The right loan program depends on your unique situation. See what works best for you.

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

Why Elk Grove is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Elk Grove sits just south of Sacramento with 176,105 people and a median household income of $115,864. That income number matters because at a $623K median home price, you're looking at needing roughly $125K annual household income to comfortably qualify for a conventional loan here. The 73.8% homeownership rate tells you this is a buying market, not a renting market. Families put down roots here, which keeps neighborhoods stable and property values steady.

Schools & Family Appeal

The school ratings here are legitimately strong and that directly impacts what you'll pay for a house. Pleasant Grove Elementary pulls a 9, Franklin Elementary an 8, Cosumnes Oaks High an 8, Elk Grove High a 7. When you're comparing two similar homes and one feeds into Pleasant Grove versus a lower-rated school, expect to pay $30K-$50K more for that school boundary. Parents refinance to stay in these boundaries all the time rather than move. The Elk Grove Unified School District is also the city's largest employer, which means steady public sector jobs supporting the local housing market.

  • Pleasant Grove Elementary School
  • Franklin Elementary School
  • Cosumnes Oaks High School
  • Elk Grove High School

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in Elk Grove changes your loan strategy pretty significantly. Laguna West runs $580K-$750K with that master-planned lifestyle around lakes and golf, conventional loans with 10-15% down work well for move-up buyers here. Sheldon Estates is the value play at $550K-$680K, mature trees and bigger lots, often attracts first-time buyers stretching into conventional territory or using physician loans if they qualify. Emerald Lakes hits $650K-$850K, you're looking at jumbo loan territory on the higher end, and the HOA fees run higher but they actually maintain values when the market softens. Stonelake sits $590K-$720K, tree-lined and family-packed, conventional loans dominate here and appraisals come in clean because of consistent sales comps.

  • Laguna West
  • Sheldon Estates
  • Emerald Lakes
  • Stonelake

Getting Around

The 19-minute commute to Sacramento is the whole reason Elk Grove has exploded over the past two decades. You get suburban space and good schools without sacrificing your daily sanity on a commute. Roseville's about 33 minutes if you're working in tech up there. Local transit exists but real talk, most people drive because parking is easy and gas pencils out better than transit passes for families. That reasonable commute time means you're not just buying a house, you're buying back hours of your life compared to living farther out in Placer or San Joaquin counties.

Jobs & Economy

Apple's got a major presence here and that matters for your loan application because tech salaries qualify easily for these price points. Intel and Kaiser Permanente add more white-collar stability. The Elk Grove Unified School District employs thousands, giving the area that public sector backbone that keeps the market steady even when tech wobbles. Costco and Thunder Valley Casino round out the mix with retail and hospitality jobs. Here's the thing: the employer diversity means you're not in a one-industry town where a single company's layoffs tank property values across the board.

  • Apple Inc.
  • Elk Grove Unified School District
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Intel Corporation
  • Costco Wholesale
  • Thunder Valley Casino Resort

Elk Grove Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove?

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 Elk Grove?

Typical Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Elk Grove?

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

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

What are the loan limits in Elk Grove?

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

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Elk Grove?

For Elk Grove'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 Elk Grove. 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 Elk Grove?

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 Elk Grove?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Elk Grove. 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 Sacramento 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 Elk Grove?

Closing costs in Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove?

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 Elk Grove?

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

Closing costs in Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove?

Typical Elk Grove 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 Elk Grove?

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 Elk Grove?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Elk Grove?

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

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Elk Grove?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Elk Grove. 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 Elk Grove?

For Elk Grove'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 Elk Grove?

The FHA loan limit in Elk Grove is $765,000 for 2026. This covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $623,000, making FHA loans a popular choice for first. time buyers who want lower down payment options.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Elk Grove?

Most Elk Grove buyers don't need a jumbo loan since the conforming limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $623,000. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $833,000, which represents the higher end of the local market.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Sacramento County?

For 2026, Sacramento County loan limits are $765,000 for FHA loans, $833,000 for VA loans, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits apply to all cities in the county, including Elk Grove, and cover the vast majority of home purchases in the area.

Can I get a VA loan in Elk Grove?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Elk Grove with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers nearly all homes in the market. Veterans and active military can benefit from $0 down payment and no mortgage insurance, making VA loans one of the best options available for eligible buyers.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Elk Grove?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Elk Grove. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, plus Sacramento County housing programs designed for first. time and moderate. income buyers in the area.

What down payment do I need for a Elk Grove home?

Down payments in Elk Grove typically range from 0% to 5% for most buyers. VA loans and USDA loans offer $0 down, FHA requires 3.5% down (about $22,000 on a $623,000 home), and conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first. time buyers.

What credit score do I need to buy in Elk Grove?

Most Elk Grove buyers can qualify with a credit score of 620 or higher for conventional loans, while FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. If you have a score above 640, you'll have access to more loan options and better interest rates in this competitive market.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender with strong experience in the Elk Grove and Sacramento County market who can explain your options across FHA, VA, and conventional loans. Compare rates and fees from multiple lenders, but also consider responsiveness and their ability to close on time, which matters in this balanced market where you'll face some competition.

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