Mortgage broker serving Eureka, 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 Eureka buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Eureka provides attainable homeownership, but buyers face specific financing challenges.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Eureka 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 Eureka home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Eureka starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Eureka 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 Eureka 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 Eureka 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 dominates Eureka purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.
CalHFA is a strong option for Eureka. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Veterans buy Eureka homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.
Many Eureka properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
All Eureka properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.
Eureka local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Bridge financing for Eureka homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.
LLC financing available in Eureka. Investors can purchase in entity names.
FHA streamline dominates Eureka refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.
VA IRRRL is the best refi for Eureka veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.
Many Eureka homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.
Every Eureka refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.
Eureka owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.
Fixed home equity loan option in Eureka. Predictable payments for major expenses.
DSCR financing for Eureka investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.
Fix-and-flip financing for Eureka investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.
Commercial hard money in Eureka. Quick funding when timing is critical.
Multifamily loans available for Eureka apartment investors. Commercial financing options.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Eureka buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA is a strong option for Eureka. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Eureka local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Elite grants provide Eureka down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.
Many Eureka properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
Family property transfers in Eureka benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.
Eureka 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
Eureka sits on California's North Coast, the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland. Population is 26,519, median household income $51,971. The homeownership rate here is 48.5%, below the state average, which tells you something about the local economy and renter culture. At $420K median home price, you're paying Bay Area prices without Bay Area wages, and that's the challenge most buyers face here. If you can make the numbers work, you're getting a real coastal community with Victorian architecture and access to the Redwoods.
The elementary school situation is what you'd expect from a small coastal city. Garfield, Cutten, Lafayette, Freshwater, and Alice Birney serve different parts of town, but you'll want to dig into test scores and enrollment trends before you buy. School ratings here tend to run middle-of-the-road compared to the state, which matters when you're thinking about resale. The truth is, families who buy in Eureka often do it for lifestyle reasons, not school rankings. That lower homeownership rate means you'll have more renters as neighbors, which can affect neighborhood stability and your property appreciation over time.
Here's the thing about Eureka neighborhoods: the price data is pretty flat across the board at that $420K median, so you're choosing more on character than cost. Old Town is the historic downtown district with Victorian-era buildings, waterfront access, shops and galleries. It's walkable and touristy, which some buyers love and others can't stand. The Westside is your standard residential area on the western edge, quieter and more family-oriented. Myrtletown is another residential pocket, though it's less defined than Old Town. With prices this consistent, conventional loans with 5-10% down are standard if your income supports it. FHA loans work if you're stretching to qualify, but at $420K with a $52K household income, you're looking at tight debt-to-income ratios unless you've got a bigger down payment saved.
Look, the commute situation is what keeps Eureka isolated and affordable. [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca) is 285 minutes away, basically five hours. LA is over ten hours. You're not commuting anywhere outside Humboldt County for work. Local transit exists but this is a car-dependent town for most people. The isolation is exactly why homes here cost what they do. You can't arbitrage a cheaper mortgage by commuting to a bigger job market. If you don't have work lined up locally or remotely, buying here is risky. The geography limits your options if the local economy shifts.
The job market here is narrow, and that affects your ability to carry a mortgage long-term. St. Joseph Hospital is the big employer, along with Humboldt County government, Eureka City Schools, and College of the Redwoods. It's heavy on public sector and healthcare, light on private sector growth. That $51,971 median income is low for a $420K median home price, which is why the homeownership rate sits under 50%. Most buyers here either have remote jobs, work in healthcare or education, or they're retirees downsizing from pricier markets. If you lose your job, your options for finding comparable work without leaving town are limited, and selling in a small market takes longer than in metro areas.
Common questions from Eureka 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 Eureka 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 Eureka: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Eureka buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Eureka 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 Eureka 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 Eureka families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Humboldt County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Eureka properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Eureka'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 Eureka. 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 Eureka. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Humboldt County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Eureka. 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 Humboldt County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Eureka 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 Eureka: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Eureka buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Eureka. 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 Humboldt County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Eureka 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 Eureka 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 Humboldt County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Eureka properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Eureka 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 Eureka 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 Eureka families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Eureka. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Humboldt County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Eureka. 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 Eureka'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 Eureka is $541,000 for 2025, which covers nearly all homes in the area since the median price is around $420,000. This makes FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers in Humboldt County who can qualify with as little as 3.5% down. You won't hit the limit unless you're looking at higher. end properties well above the local median.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Eureka for typical home purchases. With conforming and FHA limits at $833,000 and $541,000 respectively, and most homes priced between $300,000 and $450,000, standard loan programs will cover your purchase. Jumbo loans only come into play for luxury properties significantly above the median price.
For 2025, Humboldt County's loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conforming and VA loans. These limits are set annually and typically adjust in late fall for the following year. The current limits provide plenty of borrowing power for Eureka's median home price of $420,000.
Yes, VA loans are available in Eureka with a loan limit of $833,000, which is more than enough for the local market. If you're a qualified veteran or active military, VA loans offer excellent benefits including $0 down payment and no PMI requirement. This can be a huge advantage in an entry. level market where saving for a down payment is often the biggest challenge.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible. CalHFA programs are also game. changers here, offering down payment and closing cost assistance grants that don't need to be repaid. Additionally, some areas around Eureka may qualify for USDA loans with zero down, and Humboldt County may offer local first. time buyer programs worth exploring.
You can buy a home in Eureka with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan, which means around $14,700 on a $420,000 home. However, with down payment assistance programs widely available in this market, many first. time buyers put down even less or nothing at all. Given that the median income is about $52,000, DPA programs are often essential for making homeownership achievable.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Eureka with a credit score as low as 580 for 3.5% down, or even 500 with 10% down. Most lenders prefer to see scores of 620 or higher for the best rates and program options. If your score needs work, many local buyers benefit from credit counseling before applying, especially since FHA loans dominate this market.
Choose a lender experienced with Eureka's entry. level market who understands FHA loans and down payment assistance programs inside and out. You'll want someone who can navigate CalHFA and local DPA options, since these programs can make or break your ability to buy with limited savings. Compare rates and fees from multiple lenders, but prioritize expertise in first. time buyer programs over just the lowest rate.
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