Mortgage broker serving Lafayette, 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 Lafayette buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Lafayette's luxury market requires specialized jumbo financing expertise for properties well above the $1.25M conforming limit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Lafayette 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 Lafayette home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Lafayette starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Lafayette prices often exceed $1.25M. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.
Properties under $1.25M get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in Lafayette.
Self-employed? Lafayette bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Lafayette properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Lafayette buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Lafayette buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Lafayette moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Lafayette investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Lafayette loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Lafayette home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Lafayette homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Lafayette veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Lafayette home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Lafayette homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Lafayette can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Lafayette rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Lafayette apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Lafayette commercial. Fast approval when banks are too slow.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Lafayette buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Lafayette first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Lafayette family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Lafayette. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Lafayette city programs for additional DPA. May stack with CalHFA for more help.
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
Lafayette sits in central Contra Costa County, about 20 miles east of San Francisco through the Caldecott Tunnel. Population is 25,371, median household income $222,393. The homeownership rate here is 77.3%, and at $1.915M median home price, you're looking at one of the Bay Area's established wealthy suburbs. This isn't a first-time buyer market. You need serious income or equity to qualify here, but what you're buying is top-tier schools, easy BART access, and a community where property values have historically held strong even when the broader market dips.
Here's the thing about Lafayette: the schools are the main reason families stretch their budgets to buy here. Lafayette Elementary, Stanley Middle, and Acalanes High all pull 9 ratings. That's not just good, that's elite for public schools in California. When you're putting down $400K-$500K as a down payment on a $2M home, you want to know your kids are getting their money's worth and your resale value is protected. That 77.3% homeownership rate tells you families buy here and stay here, which creates neighborhood stability. The school quality is baked into every home price in Lafayette, so you're paying for it whether you have kids or not, but it absolutely supports long-term appreciation.
Where you buy in Lafayette determines whether you're using a jumbo loan or an all-cash offer with heavy competition. Springhill runs $1.5M-$2.5M, tree-lined streets with mid-century homes, walkable to downtown, popular with families who want that classic suburban feel. Burton Valley sits at $1.6M-$2.8M, ranch-style and contemporary homes on generous lots, known for being family-friendly with excellent school access. Happy Valley is where you hit $2.2M-$4.5M, custom homes on large lots with views and privacy, serious luxury amenities. Lafayette Highlands tops out at $2.5M-$5M+, hillside properties with panoramic valley views, executive homes where jumbo loans are standard and buyers often bring significant equity from previous Bay Area sales. All of these neighborhoods require jumbo financing unless you're paying cash, and you'll need to show strong income documentation and reserves.
Lafayette Station puts you on BART, which is huge for your financing decision if you commute to San Francisco or Oakland for work. San Francisco is 32 minutes, Oakland 19 minutes, which means you can actually live here and work in the city without a soul-crushing car commute. CA-24 runs right through town, connecting you to the Caldecott Tunnel and the rest of the Bay Area. That BART access is one reason Lafayette commands premium prices compared to other East Bay suburbs farther out. If you're financing a $2M home, lenders want to see that your job is stable and your commute is sustainable. The transit options here support that story.
Most Lafayette buyers don't work in Lafayette. They work in San Francisco, Oakland, San Ramon, or Walnut Creek and live here for the schools and quality of life. Lafayette School District is a major local employer, along with the City of Lafayette itself. But the real job base is nearby: Chevron in San Ramon, John Muir Health, AT&T and Wells Fargo with regional offices in Walnut Creek. The economic stability here comes from high-income professionals who can afford the mortgage payments. Real talk, you need household income well into six figures to qualify for financing here. Lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio carefully when you're carrying a $10K-$15K monthly mortgage payment on a jumbo loan.
Common questions from Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Lafayette buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Lafayette properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Lafayette'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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Lafayette. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Lafayette 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 Lafayette: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Lafayette buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Lafayette. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Lafayette properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Lafayette. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Lafayette. 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 Lafayette'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 Lafayette (Contra Costa County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a undefined 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. Lafayette's median home price is $1.92M, 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 Contra Costa 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 Lafayette with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Contra Costa 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 Lafayette's median price of $1.92M, 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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