Mortgage broker serving Madera, 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 Madera buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Madera's market offers opportunity for buyers who understand their financing options.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Madera 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 Madera home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Madera starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera 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 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time buyers needing down payment help |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
FHA dominates Madera purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.
CalHFA is a strong option for Madera. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Veterans buy Madera homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.
Many Madera properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
All Madera properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.
Madera local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Bridge financing for Madera homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.
LLC financing available in Madera. Investors can purchase in entity names.
FHA streamline dominates Madera refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.
VA IRRRL is the best refi for Madera veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.
Many Madera homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.
Every Madera refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.
Madera owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.
Fixed home equity loan option in Madera. Predictable payments for major expenses.
DSCR financing for Madera investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.
Fix-and-flip financing for Madera investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.
Commercial hard money in Madera. Quick funding when timing is critical.
Multifamily loans available for Madera apartment investors. Commercial financing options.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Madera buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA is a strong option for Madera. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Madera local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Elite grants provide Madera down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.
Many Madera properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
Family property transfers in Madera benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.
Madera first-time buyers often use co-borrowers. Family help for 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
Madera sits in the heart of the Central Valley, about 25 miles north of [Fresno](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-fresno-ca). Population is 66,784, median household income $61,626. The homeownership rate here is 50.6%, which is actually below the California average but tells you something important - this is a working-class town where renting is still common and first-time buyers make up a big chunk of the market. At $392K median home price, you're looking at one of the more accessible Central Valley markets where a household in the $60K range can still get into a home with the right loan program.
If you're buying with school-age kids, you'll be dealing with Madera Unified School District. The district runs both Madera High and Madera South High, plus Thomas Jefferson Middle and the elementary feeders. Ratings aren't going to blow you away compared to coastal California, but here's what matters for your mortgage decision - the district is stable and serves a community where families buy starter homes and stay put. That 50.6% ownership rate means plenty of your neighbors will be renters, which can affect neighborhood stability and resale values. But it also means less competition from all-cash buyers when you're making offers. The school quality won't command premium prices, which is exactly why your dollar stretches further here than in Clovis or other Central Valley towns with higher-rated districts.
Downtown Madera centers around the county courthouse and older commercial buildings, with homes in the $392K range that tend to be older stock. You'll find government offices and local businesses here, which means walkability to services but also means you're buying near commercial activity. FHA and conventional loans both work fine in this area, and the older homes sometimes need updating, which is where FHA 203k renovation loans can make sense if you find a property priced below median that needs work. Madera Acres runs around the same $392K median and offers more of a residential feel, though the data isn't crystal clear whether it's technically within city limits or just outside. Either way, this is where you'll find more traditional suburban layouts. The lack of major price variation between neighborhoods tells you this is a pretty uniform market - you're not paying big premiums for specific streets or subdivisions like you would in more segmented cities.
The commute to Fresno is only 26 minutes, which is huge for your mortgage math. You can work in Fresno's bigger job market and live here for $100K-$150K less than buying in Clovis or North Fresno. That's the whole value proposition of Madera for a lot of buyers. Stockton is 98 minutes north if you've got Bay Area connections, and Bakersfield is over two hours south, so this isn't a commuter town for those markets. Local transit exists but like most Central Valley cities, you'll need a car. The Fresno proximity is what keeps Madera viable - close enough to access better-paying jobs, far enough that housing costs stay reasonable.
Madera Unified School District is the biggest employer, followed by Madera Community Hospital, County of Madera offices, and Valley Children's Healthcare facilities. That's a pretty solid base of public sector and healthcare jobs that don't disappear overnight. And then there's agriculture, which is the backbone of the whole Central Valley economy. Farming operations employ a huge chunk of the workforce here, though those jobs are often seasonal and that affects mortgage qualifying - if you're in ag work, expect lenders to average your income over two years and require extra documentation. The job mix means you'll see a lot of FHA and USDA loan usage here, especially among first-time buyers and families coming out of the rental market. It's not a high-income town, but the employment is steady enough that lenders are comfortable writing mortgages here.
Common questions from Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Madera buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Madera County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Madera properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Madera'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 Madera. 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 Madera. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Madera County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Madera. 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 Madera County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Madera 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 Madera: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Madera buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Madera. 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 Madera County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Madera properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Madera 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 Madera 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 Madera families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Madera. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Madera County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Madera. 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 Madera'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 Madera is $541,000 for 2025. This covers most homes in Madera since the median price is around $392K, making FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers who need lower down payments and more flexible credit requirements.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Madera for most purchases. With conforming and FHA limits at $833K and $541K respectively, and typical home prices between $300K and $450K, conventional and FHA loans will cover nearly all properties in the area.
For 2025, Madera County's loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional conforming and VA loans. These limits are set annually and typically adjust based on home price trends, so check back in late 2025 for official 2026 limits.
Yes, VA loans are available in Madera with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all homes in the local market. If you're a qualified veteran or active military, VA loans offer 0% down with no mortgage insurance, making them one of the best financing options available.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible. CalHFA programs are extremely popular in Madera, offering down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time buyers, and some areas may qualify for USDA loans with zero down as well.
You can buy a Madera home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan, which means around $13,700 to $15,750 on typical homes here. However, down payment assistance programs can reduce or eliminate this requirement entirely, and VA or USDA loans offer $0 down for those who qualify.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Madera with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with a larger down payment. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum, while VA loans are more flexible and focus on overall credit history rather than just the score.
Choose a lender experienced with Madera's entry. level market who understands FHA loans and down payment assistance programs that are critical here. Look for someone who can explain CalHFA and local DPA options clearly, offers competitive rates, and has strong reviews from other first. time buyers in the Central Valley.
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