Mortgage broker serving Larkspur, 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 Larkspur buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Larkspur'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 Larkspur 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 Larkspur home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Larkspur starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Larkspur 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 Larkspur 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 Larkspur 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 Larkspur home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Larkspur 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 Larkspur.
Self-employed? Larkspur bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Larkspur properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Larkspur buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Larkspur buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Larkspur moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Larkspur investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Larkspur loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Larkspur home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Larkspur homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Larkspur veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Larkspur home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Larkspur homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Larkspur can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Larkspur rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Larkspur apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Larkspur 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 Larkspur buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Larkspur first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Larkspur family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Larkspur. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Larkspur 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
Larkspur sits in central Marin County, about 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Population is 12,807, median household income $134,744. The homeownership rate here is 48.2%, which is low even for the Bay Area, and there's a reason for that. At $1.7M median home price, you're looking at a market where you need substantial income or equity to qualify. This isn't a starter home town. Most buyers here are either moving up from less expensive Bay Area markets or relocating with significant assets already in hand.
If you're buying with kids, Larkspur's schools are a major part of what you're paying for. Neil Cummins Elementary scores a 9, Hall Middle an 8, and Redwood High a 9. These ratings justify premium prices because strong schools protect your investment long-term. Families will compete hard for homes in this district, which means better resale liquidity when you eventually sell. The school quality is also why Bon Air runs $1.4M-$2.6M despite being the most affordable neighborhood. You're still paying seven figures, but you're locking in access to top-rated public schools without private school tuition on top of your mortgage.
Where you buy in Larkspur determines whether you need a jumbo loan or a super jumbo, because everything here is over the conforming limit. Downtown Larkspur runs $1.2M-$2.8M with a mix of condos and single-family homes near the ferry and SMART train. Conventional jumbos work for condos on the lower end, but most single-family purchases require jumbo financing with 20% down minimums. Bon Air is the family zone at $1.4M-$2.6M, tree-lined streets near schools, and it's where you'll find the most competition from families stretching their budget. Baltimore Canyon goes $1.8M-$3.2M, homes backing to open space preserve, and buyers here typically want privacy plus outdoor access. Madrone Canyon is the top tier at $2.2M-$4.5M, custom hillside homes with bay views, and you're looking at super jumbo territory where lenders get pickier about reserves and debt-to-income ratios.
The commute to San Francisco is 35 minutes, Oakland 34 minutes, which is manageable by Bay Area standards. That ferry access from Larkspur Landing is a huge selling point because you can skip bridge traffic entirely and work on the boat. US-101 runs right through town, and Sir Francis Drake connects you to the rest of Marin. The SMART train gives you another transit option to the North Bay. Here's the thing: the transportation infrastructure is why Larkspur commands these prices while still being competitive with San Francisco proper. You get suburban space and top schools with a commute that won't destroy your quality of life.
Most Larkspur residents commute out for work, but local employers include Marin General Hospital, SMART, Golden Gate Ferry, and the Marin County Office of Education. The job base here is more about services and public sector stability than major corporate headquarters. Real talk, you're probably not buying in Larkspur based on a local job unless you're in healthcare or education. The typical buyer works in San Francisco, Oakland, or the Peninsula and chose Larkspur for the schools, the ferry commute, and the Marin lifestyle. That $134K median household income reflects dual-income professional families, and even at that level, you'll need significant down payment help or equity from a previous home to make the numbers work on a $1.7M purchase.
Common questions from Larkspur 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 Larkspur 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 Larkspur: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Larkspur buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Larkspur 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 Larkspur 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 Larkspur families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Larkspur properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Larkspur'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 Larkspur. 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 Larkspur. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Larkspur. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Larkspur 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 Larkspur: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Larkspur buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Larkspur. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Larkspur 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 Larkspur 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 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Larkspur properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Larkspur 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 Larkspur 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 Larkspur families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Larkspur. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Larkspur. 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 Larkspur'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 Larkspur (Marin County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost 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. Larkspur's median home price is $1.7M, 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 Marin 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 Larkspur with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Marin 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 Larkspur's median price of $1.7M, 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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