Mortgage broker serving Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Menlo Park buyers in the luxury segment face unique challenges with high-value properties exceeding $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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Menlo Park starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Menlo Park homes exceed the $1.25M limit. Jumbo financing is required for virtually all purchases here.
Menlo Park buyers can qualify using investment portfolios. Asset depletion converts holdings to qualifying income.
Self-employed Menlo Park buyers use bank deposits instead of tax returns. 12-24 months statements qualify.
Buy your next Menlo Park home before selling. Bridge loans cover the gap between properties.
International buyers purchase Menlo Park properties with foreign national loans. No US credit required.
Menlo Park tech buyers use RSUs and stock options to qualify. Equity compensation counts as income.
Menlo Park investors buy in LLC names. Asset protection with entity financing.
Menlo Park homeowners can access equity for investments. Cash-out refi up to 80% LTV on jumbo.
Refinance Menlo Park properties under $1.25M at conforming rates. Entry-level homes only.
HELOC access for Menlo Park homeowners. Flexible credit line against substantial equity.
Home equity loans for Menlo Park owners. Fixed-rate second mortgage against your equity.
VA IRRRL for Menlo Park veterans. Refinance existing VA loan with no appraisal needed.
Menlo Park investors can cash-out immediately after purchase. No seasoning required.
Menlo Park investment properties qualify on rental income alone. DSCR loans skip employment verification.
Menlo Park renovation projects get fix-and-flip financing. Short-term funding for major rehabs.
Multifamily financing for Menlo Park apartment buildings. 5+ unit commercial loans available.
Hard money for Menlo Park commercial deals. Fast funding when speed matters.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Menlo Park buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA assistance technically available but rarely used in Menlo Park's luxury market.
Family property transfers in Menlo Park use gift of equity. Seller gifts equity as down payment.
Parents can co-sign for Menlo Park purchases. Non-occupant co-borrower boosts qualifying income.
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
Menlo Park sits right in the heart of Silicon Valley, population 33,324, with a median household income of $198,273. The homeownership rate is 56.3%, lower than the state average, because at $3.775M median home price, you're looking at one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country. This is where tech money meets old-money suburbs. If you can qualify for a jumbo loan here, you're buying into a market that's proven remarkably resilient through multiple tech cycles.
The school situation is a major driver of home prices here, and it's part of why families stretch their budgets to buy in Menlo Park. Menlo-Atherton High is the public option and performs well, but many buyers here are also looking at Menlo School and Sacred Heart Schools, both private institutions with strong reputations. When you're already committing to a $3M+ mortgage, the extra $30-40K annually for private school fits into the overall financial picture for many buyers. The school quality directly impacts resale value. Homes in top school attendance zones hold value better during downturns, which matters when you're leveraging this much capital into a single asset.
Here's the thing about Menlo Park neighborhoods - they're all expensive, but the character varies quite a bit. Allied Arts runs around $3.8M, known for Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and the historic Allied Arts Guild, attracts buyers who want character and history with their jumbo loan. Sharon Heights sits in the hills at $3.8M with Bay Area views, larger lots, proximity to Stanford, popular with executives using jumbo or portfolio loans depending on their stock compensation structure. The Willows near the Bayfront also runs $3.8M, tree-lined streets and marsh access, appeals to families who want a quieter feel while staying close to tech jobs. Downtown Menlo Park properties hit the same $3.8M range but you're trading yard space for walkability to Santa Cruz Avenue shops and the Caltrain station. The loan structure matters here because many buyers have significant equity from previous tech exits or RSU packages, which changes the down payment equation entirely.
The Caltrain station in downtown Menlo Park is a huge selling point and directly impacts property values within walking distance. You're 43 minutes to San Francisco, 46 to Oakland, 32 to San Jose, and just 10 minutes to Palo Alto. That Caltrain access means you can work in the city without the daily drive, which matters when you're already spending $20K+ monthly on your mortgage. The commute flexibility is part of what keeps demand high here even when other Peninsula markets soften. No major highways run directly through town, which keeps traffic manageable and preserves the residential feel that justifies the premium pricing.
Meta's headquarters campus is right here, and that's the elephant in the room when we talk about Menlo Park real estate. The concentration of tech wealth drives everything from home prices to loan structures to how fast properties move. Robert Half International adds corporate presence, and the school districts themselves - Menlo Park City School District and Sequoia-Union High School District - are significant employers. Real talk, most buyers here work in tech, either at Meta, nearby in Palo Alto, or commuting to San Francisco. The job market is what creates the income levels that support $3.8M median prices. When you're underwriting a loan here, lenders look closely at stock compensation and vesting schedules, not just base salary, because that's how most buyers actually afford these properties.
Common questions from Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Menlo Park buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 San Mateo County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Menlo Park properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Menlo Park'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 Menlo Park. 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 Menlo Park. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Mateo County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Menlo Park. 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 San Mateo County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Menlo Park buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Menlo Park. 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 San Mateo County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 San Mateo County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Menlo Park properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park 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 Menlo Park families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Menlo Park. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Mateo County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Menlo Park. 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 Menlo Park'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 Menlo Park is $1.25M for 2025. However, with a median home price of $3.8M, FHA loans won't cover most properties in this ultra. luxury market. You'll likely need a jumbo loan to finance homes in Menlo Park's price range.
Yes, you'll almost certainly need a jumbo loan in Menlo Park. With a median home price of $3.8M and conforming loan limits at $1.25M, any financing above that threshold requires jumbo financing. Most Menlo Park buyers use jumbo loans or combine them with substantial down payments.
The 2026 conforming loan limit for San Mateo County is $1.25M for single. family homes. FHA and VA loan limits are also $1.25M. Since Menlo Park's median home price is $3.8M, most buyers here need jumbo financing beyond these limits.
Yes, eligible veterans can use VA loans in Menlo Park with a limit of $1.25M with no down payment. However, since most homes here cost $3M or more, you'd need a VA jumbo loan and a substantial down payment to cover the difference. VA jumbo loans require 25% down on the amount exceeding $1.25M.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers. However, most down payment assistance programs like CalHFA have income limits around $200K, which may not align with Menlo Park's $3.8M median price point. Given the ultra. luxury market here, most buyers rely on conventional financing with significant down payments rather than assistance programs.
For Menlo Park's $3.8M median home price, expect to put down at least 20% ($760K) to avoid PMI and secure competitive jumbo loan rates. Many high. net. worth buyers in this market put down 30. 40% or more to reduce loan amounts and strengthen their offers. Lenders typically require larger down payments for jumbo loans in ultra. luxury markets.
You'll typically need a credit score of at least 700 for jumbo loans in Menlo Park, though 740+ gets you the best rates. Given the ultra. luxury market and large loan amounts, many lenders prefer scores of 760 or higher. Strong credit is essential when financing multi. million dollar properties.
In Menlo Park's ultra. luxury market, choose a lender experienced with jumbo loans and complex income situations common among high. net. worth buyers. Look for lenders who can handle stock options, RSUs, business income, and multi. million dollar transactions efficiently. Speed and reliability matter in this competitive market where all. cash offers are common.
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