Mortgage broker serving Laguna Beach, 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 Laguna Beach buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Financing in Laguna Beach's premium market demands lenders experienced with jumbo loans above $1.25M.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Laguna Beach starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Luxury properties above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| 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 Laguna Beach home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
With Laguna Beach's $2.8M median, most buyers need jumbo loans above $1.25M. Rates now competitive with conforming.
Business owners in Laguna Beach qualify on bank deposits. Write-offs hurt tax returns but deposits tell the real story.
Wealthy Laguna Beach buyers use portfolio value instead of employment. Asset depletion works for retirees and investors.
Some Laguna Beach condos and smaller homes under $1.25M get conforming rates. Most properties need jumbo.
Laguna Beach veterans get zero down with no loan limit. Best benefit for luxury purchases.
Laguna Beach buyers use bridge loans to avoid contingent offers. Buy first, sell later.
LLC purchases for Laguna Beach investment properties. Buy in entity name for liability protection.
Pull equity from your Laguna Beach home. Cash-out refinance for investments, renovations, or debt payoff.
Conforming refi for Laguna Beach properties under the limit. Most will need jumbo refinancing.
Laguna Beach owners tap equity with HELOC. Draw funds as needed, pay interest only on balance.
Fixed home equity loans in Laguna Beach. Lump sum with predictable payments.
Laguna Beach veterans use VA IRRRL to lower rates. Streamlined process with minimal documentation.
No seasoning cash-out for Laguna Beach properties. Access equity right after closing.
DSCR loans for Laguna Beach investors. Qualify based on property cash flow, not personal income.
Fix-and-flip loans for Laguna Beach investors. Finance purchase plus renovation costs.
Laguna Beach apartment investors use multifamily loans. Commercial financing for 5+ units.
Laguna Beach commercial investors use hard money. Quick closing for time-sensitive deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Laguna Beach buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA down payment help available for Laguna Beach first-time buyers. Income limits may restrict use.
Gift of equity for Laguna Beach family sales. Equity counts as down payment in related transactions.
Laguna Beach buyers can add parent as co-borrower. Combined income qualifies for higher amount.
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
Laguna Beach sits on seven miles of Orange County coastline about 50 miles south of LA. Population is 22,943, median household income $141,875. The homeownership rate here is 67.3%, and at $2.8M median home price, you're looking at one of the most expensive coastal markets in California. This isn't a place where most people qualify on income alone. You'll need substantial equity from a previous sale, family money, or dual high earners to make the numbers work with conventional financing.
If you're buying at this price point with kids, the schools better deliver. Laguna Beach High serves the whole city and pulls solid ratings, same with Thurston Middle and the elementary schools like El Morro and Top of the World. The district is small and well-funded, which matters when you're paying $2.8M for a home. Families who buy here tend to stay through high school, and that stability shows in resale values. The school quality is part of what keeps prices elevated even when other coastal markets soften.
Here's the thing about Laguna Beach. The whole city trades around $2.8M median, so you're not finding a bargain pocket. The Village puts you in the downtown core with walking access to Main Beach, galleries, and restaurants, but you're paying for that walkability and tourist energy year-round. Top of the World delivers those panoramic ocean and canyon views from elevated hillside lots, and the views justify jumbo loans in the $2M-$4M range. South Laguna runs more relaxed near Table Rock and Aliso Beach, still $2.8M but you get a different vibe than downtown. North Laguna near Crystal Cove offers coastal bluffs and feels more residential. All of these areas require jumbo financing, and most lenders want 20% down minimum at this price level, so you're looking at $560K cash to close before costs.
The commute to LA runs about 62 minutes via Pacific Coast Highway or I-405, Santa Monica 65 minutes, but Irvine is only 22 minutes up the 133. That Irvine proximity matters because a lot of Laguna buyers work in the Irvine business corridor or South County and can afford the premium to live at the beach. Long Beach sits 47 minutes north. There's no freeway running through town, which keeps traffic slower and preserves the village feel, but it also means you're committed to surface streets. If you work remotely or in nearby Orange County, the location makes sense. If you're commuting daily to LA, you're paying a premium for a tough drive.
Real talk, most people who buy in Laguna Beach don't work in Laguna Beach. The largest employers are Laguna Beach Unified School District, City of Laguna Beach, Montage Laguna Beach Resort, and St. Regis Monarch Beach, but those jobs don't support $2.8M mortgages. Buyers here typically work in finance, tech, healthcare, or professional services in Irvine, Newport Beach, or LA. The local economy runs on tourism, hospitality, art galleries, and retail, which keeps the town vibrant but doesn't drive the housing market. When you're underwriting at this price point, lenders look hard at your income stability and reserves, because these homes don't move fast if you need to sell in a downturn.
Common questions from Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Laguna Beach buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Laguna Beach properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Laguna Beach'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 Laguna Beach. 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 Laguna Beach. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Laguna Beach. 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 Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Laguna Beach buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Laguna Beach. 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 Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach 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 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Laguna Beach properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Laguna Beach. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Laguna Beach. 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 Laguna Beach'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 Laguna Beach is $1.25M for 2025. However, with median home prices around $2.8M, most properties here exceed FHA limits and require jumbo financing. FHA loans are rarely used in this luxury coastal market.
Yes, you'll almost certainly need a jumbo loan in Laguna Beach. With typical home prices ranging from $2M to $3M and a median of $2.8M, properties here far exceed the conforming loan limit of $1.25M. Many buyers need super. jumbo loans for higher. priced oceanfront estates.
For 2026, Orange County's conforming loan limit is $1.25M, with FHA and VA limits also at $1.25M. These limits apply countywide, but in luxury markets like Laguna Beach where homes average $2.8M, jumbo financing remains the standard option for most buyers.
Yes, VA loans are available in Laguna Beach with a limit of $1.25M with no down payment. However, since most homes here cost $2M to $3M, you'd need a jumbo VA loan and a substantial down payment to cover the difference. Eligible veterans should explore VA jumbo options with experienced lenders.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers. However, given Laguna Beach's luxury market with $2.8M median prices, most buyers here don't qualify for traditional assistance programs like CalHFA, which have income and purchase price limits well below this area's typical home values.
For jumbo loans in Laguna Beach's $2M to $3M price range, you'll typically need 20% to 25% down, which means $400K to $750K. Some lenders offer jumbo loans with 10% to 15% down, but you'll face higher rates and stricter credit requirements. Larger down payments often secure better terms on these luxury properties.
Jumbo loans in Laguna Beach typically require a minimum credit score of 680 to 700, though 720+ is preferred for the best rates. Given the luxury price point and loan amounts exceeding $1.5M, many lenders look for scores of 740 or higher along with substantial assets and income documentation.
Choose a lender with extensive jumbo loan experience in Orange County's luxury markets, as Laguna Beach homes require specialized financing expertise. Look for competitive rates on loans above $1.25M, experience with high. net. worth clients who have complex income like stock compensation, and a track record of closing luxury coastal properties efficiently.
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