Mortgage broker serving Fort Bragg, 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 Fort Bragg buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Fort Bragg buyers compete in a market where strong financing and quick pre-approval win offers.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Fort Bragg starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg buyers with limited savings. 3.5% down, flexible credit.
Military families get zero down in Fort Bragg. VA loans are the best deal for eligible veterans.
Nearly all Fort Bragg homes qualify for conforming loans. Best rates available for qualified buyers.
Fort Bragg buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Self-employed Fort Bragg buyers can use bank statements. Deposits count when tax returns don't show full income.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Fort Bragg areas. Check rural designation by address.
Bridge loans available for Fort Bragg transitions. Finance new purchase before selling.
Entity purchase programs for Fort Bragg. LLC financing for investment properties.
Fort Bragg FHA homeowners use streamline refi. Fastest path to lower monthly payments.
Nearly all Fort Bragg refinances qualify as conforming. Competitive rates with quick approval.
Fort Bragg veteran homeowners use IRRRL. Easiest refinance option with no appraisal.
Cash-out refinance for Fort Bragg homeowners with equity. Access funds for any purpose.
Fort Bragg owners can add HELOC for equity access. Credit line for improvements or reserves.
Home equity loans for Fort Bragg homeowners. Lump sum with fixed monthly payments.
Fort Bragg rental properties qualify with DSCR. No personal income verification needed.
Fort Bragg renovation deals use fix-and-flip loans. Quick funding for rehab opportunities.
Hard money options for Fort Bragg commercial. Fast financing for competitive markets.
Apartment financing in Fort Bragg. 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 Fort Bragg buyers with qualifying income.
Fort Bragg buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Local DPA strong in Fort Bragg. City programs plus CalHFA can cover most down payment.
Grant programs for Fort Bragg first-time buyers. Elite grants don't require repayment.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Fort Bragg areas. Check rural designation by address.
Gift of equity for Fort Bragg family transactions. Reduced price creates instant equity.
Non-occupant co-borrower helps Fort Bragg 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
Fort Bragg sits on the Mendocino Coast about three hours north of [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca). Population is 7,007, median household income $47,662. The homeownership rate here is 37.4%, which is low even for California, and here's why that matters: at $589K median home price, you're looking at a coastal premium that prices out most local workers. This is a place where tourism and natural beauty drive property values, not commute access or job centers. If you're buying here, you're either bringing equity from somewhere else, working remotely with outside income, or you've been saving for years.
The school situation is straightforward but limited given the small town size. Fort Bragg High serves the whole community, while Dana Gray Elementary and Redwood Elementary handle the younger grades. The district is stable, which matters in a small coastal town where school quality directly affects your resale pool. But real talk, most buyers here aren't primarily focused on school ratings. The homeownership rate of 37.4% tells you this is more of a rental and vacation property market than a family-focused one. If you're buying to raise kids here long-term, you'll want to factor in the limited options and understand that your eventual buyer might be a retiree or second-home owner, not another young family.
The market here doesn't break down into distinct price tiers the way inland cities do. Noyo Harbor runs around $589K for properties near the historic fishing operations and waterfront, and you're paying for that ocean access and maritime character. Downtown Fort Bragg also sits at $589K median, where you get walkability to Main Street shops and restaurants in exchange for smaller lots. Both areas see a mix of conventional loans for well-qualified buyers and cash offers from people selling Bay Area properties. FHA loans can work if you find the right property and have strong income documentation, but that $589K price point on a $47K median income means most local buyers need dual incomes, significant down payments, or both. The lack of price variation across neighborhoods tells you this is a constrained market where location doesn't discount much.
Here's the thing about Fort Bragg: you're not commuting anywhere. San Francisco is 199 minutes away, LA over eight hours. Highway 1 is your main route, and it's scenic but slow. This isolation is exactly why the town exists as it does and why property values stay where they are despite limited local jobs. If you need regular access to a major job market, this isn't your spot. But if you work remotely, run a local business, or you're retiring, that distance becomes an asset. You get California coastline without the crowds, and your mortgage payment buys you quality of life instead of commute convenience.
The local economy runs on tourism, fishing, and service industries. The largest employers tend to be healthcare, schools, and hospitality rather than major corporations or tech companies. This matters for your mortgage application because lenders look at job stability and income documentation. If you're working locally in tourism or retail, you'll need solid credit and a substantial down payment to qualify at these prices. The math is tough: $47K median income against $589K median home price means you're looking at about 12 times annual income, well above the traditional 3-4 times guideline. Most successful buyers here either have remote jobs paying Bay Area wages, retirement income streams, or they're using proceeds from selling property elsewhere. The job market won't support your mortgage, the lifestyle will.
Common questions from Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Fort Bragg buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Mendocino County limits: FHA $546,250, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Fort Bragg properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Fort Bragg'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 Fort Bragg. 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 Fort Bragg. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Mendocino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Fort Bragg. 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 Mendocino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Fort Bragg buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Fort Bragg. 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 Mendocino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg 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 Mendocino County limits: FHA $546,250, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Fort Bragg properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Fort Bragg. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Mendocino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Fort Bragg. 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 Fort Bragg'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 Fort Bragg is $546,000 for 2026. This covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $589,000, though you'll need a larger down payment for homes above this limit. FHA loans are extremely popular here with first. time buyers due to their low 3.5% down payment requirement.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Fort Bragg homes since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $589,000. Only properties priced above $833,000 would require a jumbo loan, which represents a small portion of the local market. Most buyers here use FHA, conventional, or VA loans instead.
For 2026, Mendocino County loan limits are $546,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional conforming and VA loans. These limits work well for Fort Bragg's affordable market where most homes fall in the $450,000 to $600,000 range. The higher conforming limit gives buyers plenty of financing flexibility without needing jumbo loans.
Yes, VA loans are an excellent option in Fort Bragg with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers virtually all homes in the area. Veterans and active military can buy with $0 down and no mortgage insurance, making homeownership much more affordable. With the median income at $47,662, VA loans provide significant payment savings compared to other loan types.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Fort Bragg. You can also access CalHFA programs that provide up to 3.5% assistance, and Mendocino County often has local DPA programs that can be stacked together. With the area's median income at $47,662, these programs make homeownership achievable for first. time buyers and working families.
You can buy a Fort Bragg home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan (about $20,600 on a $589,000 home) or 3% down with conventional 97 financing. VA buyers and those using our No Money Down program can purchase with $0 down. Down payment assistance programs are widely available here and can cover most or all of your down payment needs.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Fort Bragg with a credit score as low as 580, which is perfect for first. time buyers and credit rebuilders common in this market. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum, while VA loans are often approved with scores around 580. 600. Many local buyers successfully purchase with scores in the 600s using FHA financing.
Choose a lender experienced with Fort Bragg's affordable market who understands FHA loans, down payment assistance, and working with median incomes around $47,662. You'll want someone who can stack DPA programs and explain all your low down payment options clearly. Look for lenders with strong local knowledge of Mendocino County programs and quick communication throughout the process.
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