Mortgage broker serving Gonzales, 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 Gonzales buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Gonzales offers solid value, but buyers still need strategic financing to compete effectively.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Gonzales 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 Gonzales home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Gonzales starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 |
| 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
Standard option for Gonzales buyers. Most homes under $995K with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Gonzales. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Gonzales veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Gonzales business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Gonzales. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Gonzales homes over $995K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Gonzales sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Gonzales investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Gonzales homeowners. Best rates for loans under $995K.
FHA streamline refinance for Gonzales. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Gonzales veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Gonzales home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Gonzales homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Gonzales owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Gonzales investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Gonzales projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Gonzales investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Gonzales investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Gonzales buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Gonzales. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Gonzales has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Gonzales buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Gonzales family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Gonzales 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
Gonzales sits in the Salinas Valley about 40 miles south of San Jose, right in the heart of Monterey County's agricultural belt. Population is 8,581, median household income $75,638. The homeownership rate here is 58.2%, which tells you something important: at $680K median home price, you're looking at Central Coast pricing without the Carmel or Monterey premium. A household pulling in $75K needs to get creative with their financing, but it's doable if you're willing to buy into a working agricultural community.
The school district serves the whole community, which means what you see is what you get. Gonzales High School anchors the system, with Fairview Middle School and Zachary Taylor Elementary feeding into it. These aren't the highest-rated schools on the Central Coast, but the district is stable and the community is tight-knit. When you're thinking about resale value, remember that families who buy here tend to have connections to the ag industry or are looking for that small-town feel without moving to the middle of nowhere. The 58.2% homeownership rate means plenty of renters, but also a solid base of owners who've committed to staying.
Here's the thing about Gonzales: it's small enough that neighborhood distinctions don't create huge price swings like they would in a bigger city. Downtown Gonzales runs around $680K for homes near the historic center, where you'll find local businesses and civic buildings within walking distance. The Gloria Road area also sits at that $680K median, offering residential streets with a quieter feel. Both areas work fine for conventional loans if you've got 20% down, but a lot of buyers here use FHA or USDA loans since the surrounding agricultural character qualifies many properties. If you're in the ag business yourself, USDA financing can be a game-changer with zero down.
Real talk: the commute situation is what keeps Gonzales affordable compared to the rest of the Central Coast. San Francisco is 124 minutes on a good day, LA is over four hours. You're not buying here to commute to either place daily. Most people who buy in Gonzales work locally in ag, food processing, or the school district, or they've got remote work situations. The Salinas Valley location puts you close to Highway 101, so getting to Salinas or King City for shopping and services is easy. But if your job is in Silicon Valley or the Bay Area, you're looking at a brutal drive that'll make you question that lower mortgage payment pretty quick.
The economy here runs on agriculture, plain and simple. The farms and agricultural companies that surround Gonzales are the backbone, with food processing facilities turning local crops into products that ship nationwide. Gonzales Unified School District provides steady public sector employment, and retail and service businesses support the local population. The job market isn't diverse like you'd find in a tech hub, but it's stable. If you're buying here, you probably already know the ag industry or you're okay with the limited local job options. The median household income of $75,638 reflects a working-class community where people earn decent money but aren't swimming in cash for big down payments.
Common questions from Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 Gonzales: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Gonzales buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 Gonzales families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Gonzales properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Gonzales'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 Gonzales. 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 Gonzales. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Monterey County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Gonzales. 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 Monterey County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Gonzales 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 Gonzales: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Gonzales buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Gonzales. 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 Monterey County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Gonzales properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 Gonzales families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Gonzales. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Monterey County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Gonzales. 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 Gonzales'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 Gonzales is $995,000 for 2025. This limit covers most homes in the area, as the median home price is around $680,000. FHA loans are popular here because they allow down payments as low as 3.5% with credit scores starting at 580.
Most buyers in Gonzales won't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $995,000 and the median home price is $680,000. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $995,000. The majority of homes here fall comfortably within conventional, FHA, and VA loan limits.
For 2025, Monterey County's loan limits are $995,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November or December of the prior year. These limits usually adjust based on home price trends in the county.
Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Gonzales with a loan limit of $995,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. With the median home price at $680,000, most properties qualify for full VA financing. VA loans also don't require mortgage insurance, which can save you hundreds monthly.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Gonzales. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as Monterey County housing programs designed for first. time and moderate. income buyers. These programs can be combined with FHA, VA, or conventional loans depending on your situation.
Down payments in Gonzales vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3% to 5% down ($20,400 to $34,000 on a $680,000 home), FHA loans need 3.5% ($23,800), and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. With down payment assistance programs, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your upfront costs entirely.
Most lenders in Gonzales require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, though you can qualify for FHA loans with scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). VA loans typically require around 620 as well. If your score is below 620, working with a local lender who understands Gonzales's market can help you explore all available options.
Choose a lender who knows Gonzales's balanced market and can explain your options across conventional, FHA, and VA loans. Look for someone who responds quickly, offers competitive rates, and has experience with local down payment assistance programs. A lender familiar with Monterey County's $680,000 median price point will better understand what works for both first. time and move. up buyers here.
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