Mortgage broker serving Laguna Niguel, 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 Niguel buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Laguna Niguel buyers face financing complexity with many properties exceeding 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 Laguna Niguel 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 Niguel home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Laguna Niguel starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Laguna Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel.
Self-employed? Laguna Niguel bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Laguna Niguel properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Laguna Niguel buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Laguna Niguel buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Laguna Niguel moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Laguna Niguel investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Laguna Niguel loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Laguna Niguel home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Laguna Niguel homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Laguna Niguel veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Laguna Niguel home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Laguna Niguel homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Laguna Niguel can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Laguna Niguel rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Laguna Niguel apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Laguna Niguel first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Laguna Niguel family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Laguna Niguel. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Laguna Niguel 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
Laguna Niguel sits in south Orange County between the I-5 corridor and the coast, about 8 miles inland from the beach. Population is 64,259, median household income $135,822. The homeownership rate here is 66%, right in line with California's wealthier coastal suburbs. At $1.255M median home price, you're looking at a market that requires serious income to qualify. Most buyers here are putting down 20% or more on conventional loans, which means you need roughly $250K cash and an income around $300K to comfortably afford the typical home.
The schools are a big part of what you're paying for at this price point. Laguna Niguel Elementary, Niguel Hills Middle, and Aliso Niguel High all pull strong ratings and feed into either Capistrano Unified or Saddleback Valley Unified, two of Orange County's more established districts. Families stay here long-term once they buy, which keeps turnover low and property values stable. When you're financing over a million dollars, school quality isn't just about your kids. It's about protecting your investment and making sure the home sells easily when you need it to. The buyer pool at this price level cares deeply about school boundaries, so being in the right attendance zone can add $100K or more to your property value compared to a similar home just outside it.
Where you buy in Laguna Niguel doesn't vary wildly in price since it's all pretty established and upscale, but the feel differs. Niguel Summit runs around $1.3M for hillside homes with views toward the coast or the Saddleback Valley. These are mostly conventional jumbo loans since you're over the conforming limit of $766,550 in Orange County. Bear Brand Ranch hits that same $1.3M range, planned community with HOAs that keep everything looking sharp but add $200-400 monthly to your housing costs on top of the mortgage. Sea Country also hovers around $1.3M, a bit closer to the freeway access but still quiet and family-oriented. At these price points, you're looking at 20% down conventional jumbos for most buyers, though some will go 10% down if they've got strong income and credit. Cash buyers aren't uncommon either, especially for move-up buyers selling from other parts of Orange County.
You're 25 minutes to Irvine, which is the big draw for a lot of buyers working in tech, finance, or healthcare at the Irvine Spectrum or UCI Medical Center. LA is about 65 minutes north on the I-5 when traffic cooperates, Long Beach 51 minutes. The commute to Santa Monica runs 69 minutes, doable but not ideal for daily driving. Most people buying here either work in Irvine, work remotely, or have flexible schedules that let them avoid peak traffic. The location gives you that Orange County coastal vibe without actually paying Dana Point or Laguna Beach prices, though you're still close enough to hit Salt Creek Beach in 10 minutes. If your job ties you to Irvine or south Orange County, the commute math works and justifies the mortgage payment.
The two big school districts, Capistrano Unified and Saddleback Valley Unified, are major employers and provide stable public sector jobs with decent benefits. City of Laguna Niguel itself employs a fair number of people in municipal roles. Costco Wholesale has a presence here adding retail and logistics jobs. But real talk, most homeowners at the $1.3M price point aren't working locally in these roles. They're commuting to higher-paying jobs in Irvine, Newport Beach, or working remotely in professional fields. The local economy supports the community, but it's the regional job market in tech, healthcare, finance, and business services that makes these mortgage payments possible. You need that $135K household income or higher to make the numbers work, and that usually means tapping into Orange County's broader employment base.
Common questions from Laguna Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Niguel: 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 Niguel buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Laguna Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Niguel properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Laguna Niguel'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 Niguel. 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 Niguel. 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 Niguel. 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 Niguel 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 Niguel: 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 Niguel buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Laguna Niguel. 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 Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Niguel properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Laguna Niguel 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 Niguel 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 Niguel families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Laguna Niguel. 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 Niguel. 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 Niguel'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 Niguel is $1,250,000 for 2025, which covers Orange County as a high. cost area. This limit works well for some properties in Laguna Niguel, though many homes here exceed this amount given the median price of $1.3M. If you're looking at homes above $1.25M, you'll need to consider a jumbo loan or make a larger down payment.
It depends on your purchase price and down payment. With homes typically ranging from $1.25M to $2M in Laguna Niguel, you'll need a jumbo loan if your loan amount exceeds the $1,250,000 conforming limit. For example, if you're buying a $1.5M home with 10% down, your loan amount of $1.35M would require jumbo financing.
The 2026 loan limits haven't been announced yet, but the current 2025 limits for Orange County are $1,250,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. These limits typically adjust annually based on home price trends, and given Orange County's premium market status, they often remain at or near the high. cost area maximum. Check back in late 2025 for the official 2026 announcement.
Yes, eligible veterans and service members can use VA loans in Laguna Niguel with a loan limit of $1,250,000 with no down payment required. For homes priced above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but you'll need to make a down payment on the amount exceeding $1.25M. Many dual. income professional families in Laguna Niguel successfully use VA financing when eligible.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, which can be particularly helpful in this premium market. CalHFA programs and Orange County housing assistance may also be available for lower. priced properties in the area, though income limits often apply. Given Laguna Niguel's median home price of $1.3M, most buyers here use conventional financing with their own funds, but it's worth exploring all options.
For homes at Laguna Niguel's median price of $1.3M, most buyers put down 10. 20%, which equals $130,000 to $260,000. Conventional loans require just 3. 5% down if you stay within the $1.25M conforming limit, while jumbo loans typically require 10. 20% down depending on the lender. Your specific down payment will depend on your loan type, credit profile, and whether you're buying at or above the conforming limit.
For conventional loans in this price range, you'll typically need a minimum credit score of 620, though 680. 700+ will get you better rates. Jumbo loans, which many Laguna Niguel buyers need, usually require scores of 700 or higher. Given that typical buyers here are dual. income professionals upgrading from starter homes, most have credit scores well above these minimums.
Look for a lender experienced with Orange County's premium market and comfortable handling both high. balance conforming and jumbo loans common in Laguna Niguel. You'll want someone who can clearly explain your options when you're near the $1.25M loan limit threshold and offer competitive rates for larger loan amounts. Compare at least three lenders on rates, fees, and their ability to close on time in this competitive market.
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