Mortgage broker serving Fairfax, 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 Fairfax buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Fairfax buyers navigate properties near the $1.25M conforming limit, where loan structure impacts rates significantly.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Fairfax 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 Fairfax home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Fairfax starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Homes above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125 |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Investment properties, no income verification |
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | First-time buyers - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Seniors 62+ accessing Fairfax home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Fairfax homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.25M. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Fairfax with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Fairfax first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Fairfax properties may exceed $1.25M. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Fairfax's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Fairfax buyers.
Bridge loans help Fairfax buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Fairfax investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Fairfax mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Fairfax homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Fairfax refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Fairfax HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Fairfax FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Fairfax. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Fairfax rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Fairfax use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Fairfax apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Fairfax. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Fairfax buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Fairfax buyers.
Local Fairfax DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Fairfax buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Fairfax family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Fairfax buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
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
Fairfax sits in central Marin County about 20 miles north of San Francisco. Population is around 7,600, median household income $78,538. The homeownership rate here is 65%, right in line with California's average, but here's the thing: at $1.2M median home price, you're looking at one of the pricier small towns in the Bay Area. This isn't a starter home market. Most buyers here are either moving up from other Bay Area cities with substantial equity or high earners who can qualify for jumbo loans in the $800K-plus range.
If you're buying with kids in mind, the school ratings actually justify some of that price premium. Drake High pulls a 9 rating, Fairfax Elementary an 8, White Hill Middle a 7. These are strong numbers that directly impact resale value when you eventually sell. Families who buy here tend to stay through the school years, which creates neighborhood stability that lenders like to see when underwriting loans. The Ross Valley School District employment base also means you've got a chunk of residents with steady public sector jobs and solid debt-to-income ratios. When you're financing a $1.2M purchase, the school quality isn't just about your kids. It's about protecting your investment.
Where you buy in Fairfax determines whether you need a standard jumbo or a super jumbo loan product. Manor runs $1.1M-$1.8M with hillside lots and mature landscaping, and you'll need jumbo financing with at least 20% down to get competitive rates at that level. Dominga offers the relative entry point at $950K-$1.5M, family-friendly and quiet, where some buyers can still use conforming loans on the lower end if they're under the Bay Area conforming limit. Cascade Canyon hits $1.2M-$2.1M for nature lovers who want privacy near the open space preserve, and at that price you're talking jumbo loans with strong income documentation. Downtown Core runs $900K-$1.4M for walkability to shops and restaurants, the most urban feel you'll get here, and it's where you'll find the occasional condo or townhome that might squeeze under conforming limits. The lot sizes and views drive the premiums, but every neighborhood here requires serious income to qualify.
The commute to San Francisco runs about 47 minutes via Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Highway 101, Oakland's 39 minutes, San Jose is 83 minutes. That's the trade you're making: Marin County quality of life with a manageable but real commute if you work in the city. Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit give you public options, but most buyers here drive because the town itself doesn't have the density for walkable commuting. If you're working hybrid or full remote, that $1.2M gets you a lifestyle that'd cost $2M+ in San Francisco proper. If you're commuting five days a week, factor that time into whether the premium makes sense for your situation.
Real talk: most people who buy in Fairfax don't work in Fairfax. The local employment base is small and service-oriented. Ross Valley School District is the biggest employer, followed by Marin County Parks, and then you've got local businesses like Good Earth Natural Foods, Woodlands Market, and Iron Springs Pub & Brewery. These provide stable local jobs but not the six-figure incomes you need to qualify for a $1.2M mortgage. The typical buyer here works in San Francisco's tech or finance sectors, or they're professionals in Oakland or elsewhere in the Bay with substantial household income. When you apply for financing, lenders want to see that your job is stable enough to handle a jumbo loan payment long-term, and the commute is part of that sustainability calculation.
Common questions from Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Fairfax buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Fairfax properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Fairfax'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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Fairfax. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Fairfax 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 Fairfax: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Fairfax buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Fairfax. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Fairfax properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Fairfax. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Fairfax. 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 Fairfax'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 2026 FHA loan limit for Fairfax (Marin County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
It depends on the property. Fairfax's median home price is $1.2M, while the conforming loan limit is $1.25M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 Marin County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Fairfax with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Marin County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.
We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 5-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Fairfax's median price of $1.2M, most buyers put down 15-20%.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.
Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.
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