Mortgage broker serving Marina, 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 Marina buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
With prices approaching $995K, Marina buyers benefit from strategic conforming vs jumbo analysis.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Marina 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 Marina home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Marina starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Marina 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 Marina 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 Marina 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 |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Jumbo | 15-20% | 680+ | Properties exceeding $832,750 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Homeowners 62+ tapping equity without payments |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Marina homes qualify for conforming loans under $995K. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Marina with nothing down. VA loans up to $995K with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Marina first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Marina properties may exceed $995K. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Marina's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Marina buyers.
Bridge loans help Marina buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Marina investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Marina mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Marina homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Marina refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Marina HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Marina FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Marina. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Marina rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Marina use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Marina apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Marina. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Marina buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Marina buyers.
Local Marina DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Marina buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Marina family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Marina buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
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
Marina sits on the Monterey Bay about 10 miles north of Monterey proper. Population is 22,253, median household income $85,783. The homeownership rate here is 40.6%, way below the California average of 55%, and there's a reason for that. At $925K median home price, you're looking at Central Coast pricing without the tourist town premium of Carmel or Pacific Grove. Most buyers here need household income around $200K to qualify comfortably for a conventional loan, which explains why rentals dominate the market.
Marina High School serves the area under Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, which pulls decent ratings across the board. The school situation here is solid but not spectacular compared to some nearby districts. Here's the thing though: families who can afford the $925K entry point tend to stay put, and the proximity to CSUMB means you've got an educated community feel. When you're stretching to buy at this price point, knowing the schools won't force a move in five years matters for your long-term financial planning. The district has been stable, and that stability protects your investment when it comes time to sell.
East Garrison is where most new buyers end up, built on former Fort Ord military land with planned community amenities and newer construction hitting right at that $925K median. You're looking at conventional loans with 20% down, which means you need about $185K cash plus closing costs just to get in. Marina Heights runs similar pricing around $925K, more established residential feel with a mix of housing styles. Both neighborhoods attract a similar buyer: dual-income professionals, often with ties to CSUMB or Monterey Peninsula jobs, who want coastal living without Carmel price tags. The military land conversion means some buyers can access VA loans here, which helps with the down payment crunch if you qualify.
The commute to San Francisco runs about 113 minutes, which basically rules out daily commuting unless you're doing it twice a week max. LA is over five hours, so forget that. This is a place where you need to work locally or remotely to make the math work. Highway 1 connects you to Monterey and the rest of the coast, but you're not buying here for freeway access. The truth is, the distance from major job centers keeps Marina slightly more affordable than it would be otherwise. If you can earn Bay Area money while living here remotely, you're in good shape. If you need to commute regularly, that $925K price tag starts feeling a lot heavier.
California State University Monterey Bay is the anchor employer, bringing stable public sector jobs and keeping the rental market active with student and faculty housing needs. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and the City of Marina add more public sector stability. Fort Ord related businesses and services still employ a fair number of people, though the base closed decades ago. The job market here isn't huge, which is part of why that 40.6% ownership rate stays low. Most people who buy in Marina either work at CSUMB, commute to Monterey or Salinas, or work remotely. You'll need a solid income source locked in before a lender will approve you at this price point, and local jobs alone won't usually get you there unless you're dual-income.
Common questions from Marina 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 Marina 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 Marina: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Marina buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Marina 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 Marina 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 Marina families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Marina properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Marina'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 Marina. 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 Marina. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Monterey County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Marina. 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 Monterey County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Marina 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 Marina: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Marina buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Marina. 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 Monterey County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Marina 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 Marina 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 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Marina properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Marina 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 Marina 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 Marina families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Marina. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Monterey County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Marina. 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 Marina'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 Marina is $995,000 for 2025. This covers most homes in Marina's market, where typical properties range from $900K to $1.25M. FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, making them a solid option for many buyers in the area.
Most homes in Marina don't require a jumbo loan since the conforming limit is $995,000 and the median home price is around $925K. However, if you're looking at properties above $1.25M or in the upper end of the market, you'll need jumbo financing. About 70. 80% of Marina homes fall within conventional loan limits.
For 2025, Monterey County's conforming loan limit is $995,000, with FHA and VA limits also at $995,000. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and often increase slightly based on home price trends. These limits apply to all cities in Monterey County, including Marina.
Yes, VA loans are available in Marina with a loan limit of $995,000, which covers most homes in the area. VA loans offer 0% down payment for eligible veterans and service members, with no PMI required. Marina's proximity to Fort Hunter Liggett and the Presidio of Monterey makes it popular with military buyers.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Marina. CalHFA programs like MyHome Assistance provide up to 3.5% in down payment help for first. time buyers, and Monterey County may offer local assistance programs for eligible households. These programs can be especially helpful given Marina's median home price of $925K.
For a typical Marina home priced around $925K, you'll need $27,750 with an FHA loan (3% down) or $46,250 with a conventional loan (5% down). VA and USDA loans offer 0% down options for eligible buyers. If you're buying above the $995K conforming limit, jumbo loans typically require 10. 20% down.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Marina, though 680+ gets you better rates on homes in this price range. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down. For jumbo loans above $995K, you'll typically need at least 700.
Look for a lender experienced with Marina's upper. middle market and familiar with Monterey County's loan limits and programs. Compare rates from at least three lenders, but also consider their responsiveness and ability to close on time in a competitive market. A lender who understands first. time jumbo borrowers can be especially valuable if you're buying above $995K.
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