Mortgage broker serving Mill Valley, 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 Mill Valley buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Mill Valley'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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Mill Valley starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
With Mill Valley's $2.3M median, most buyers need jumbo loans above $1.25M. Rates now competitive with conforming.
Business owners in Mill Valley qualify on bank deposits. Write-offs hurt tax returns but deposits tell the real story.
Wealthy Mill Valley buyers use portfolio value instead of employment. Asset depletion works for retirees and investors.
Some Mill Valley condos and smaller homes under $1.25M get conforming rates. Most properties need jumbo.
Mill Valley veterans get zero down with no loan limit. Best benefit for luxury purchases.
Mill Valley buyers use bridge loans to avoid contingent offers. Buy first, sell later.
LLC purchases for Mill Valley investment properties. Buy in entity name for liability protection.
Pull equity from your Mill Valley home. Cash-out refinance for investments, renovations, or debt payoff.
Conforming refi for Mill Valley properties under the limit. Most will need jumbo refinancing.
Mill Valley owners tap equity with HELOC. Draw funds as needed, pay interest only on balance.
Fixed home equity loans in Mill Valley. Lump sum with predictable payments.
Mill Valley veterans use VA IRRRL to lower rates. Streamlined process with minimal documentation.
No seasoning cash-out for Mill Valley properties. Access equity right after closing.
DSCR loans for Mill Valley investors. Qualify based on property cash flow, not personal income.
Fix-and-flip loans for Mill Valley investors. Finance purchase plus renovation costs.
Mill Valley apartment investors use multifamily loans. Commercial financing for 5+ units.
Mill Valley commercial investors use hard money. Quick closing for time-sensitive deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Mill Valley buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA down payment help available for Mill Valley first-time buyers. Income limits may restrict use.
Gift of equity for Mill Valley family sales. Equity counts as down payment in related transactions.
Mill Valley buyers can add parent as co-borrower. Combined income qualifies for higher amount.
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
Mill Valley sits in Marin County just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, about 30 minutes from San Francisco. Population is 13,904, median household income $208,466. The homeownership rate here is 66.1%, and at $2.3M median home price, this is one of the most expensive markets in the Bay Area. You're looking at jumbo loans for pretty much everything here, and most buyers need significant income documentation or substantial assets to qualify. This isn't a starter home market - it's where tech executives, finance professionals, and established business owners buy when they want Marin lifestyle with easy SF access.
The schools are a major reason families stretch their budgets to buy here. Edna Maguire Elementary scores a 9, Mill Valley Middle also pulls a 9, and Tamalpais High gets an 8. These ratings matter when you're financing a $2-3M purchase, because strong schools protect your investment and drive resale demand. Families who buy here tend to stay through high school graduation, which creates stability in the market. When you're putting down $460K minimum on a conforming jumbo or going full jumbo with 20% down on a $2.5M property, you want to know the school district will hold its value. The competition for homes in top school attendance zones pushes prices even higher within an already expensive market.
Where you buy in Mill Valley determines whether you're looking at a standard jumbo or a super jumbo loan. Downtown Mill Valley runs $1.8M-$3.5M, with vintage cottages and modern townhomes that appeal to buyers wanting walkability and the Throckmorton Avenue scene - most deals here use jumbo loans with 20-25% down. Strawberry is the relative entry point at $1.5M-$2.8M, popular with commuters for the 101 access, and you'll see more families using jumbo products with slightly lower down payments if they've got strong income. Tam Valley sits at $2.2M-$3.8M with ranch-style homes and newer construction near Mount Tam, attracting outdoor enthusiasts with tech money. Homestead Valley is the top end at $2.5M-$4.5M, custom homes on larger hillside lots with bay views - buyers here often put 30-40% down or pay cash. Your loan officer needs to understand jumbo guidelines cold because conforming loan limits don't apply to anything in this market.
The commute to San Francisco takes about 30 minutes via US-101 and the Golden Gate Bridge, which is why Mill Valley commands such a premium over other Bay Area suburbs. Oakland is 32 minutes, making this one of the few Marin locations with reasonable access to both sides of the bay. That commute time directly impacts property values - you're paying an extra $500K-$1M compared to deeper Marin locations for those saved minutes. Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit provide bus service, but most buyers here drive. If you work in SF or Oakland and want to avoid the East Bay sprawl or Peninsula traffic, Mill Valley delivers proximity you can't get elsewhere in Marin without going to Sausalito or Tiburon, which cost even more.
Mill Valley School District and Tamalpais Union High School District employ a good number of residents, along with Marin General Hospital and the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. But here's the thing - most Mill Valley buyers don't work locally. They're commuting to San Francisco tech companies, financial firms, or professional services, or they work remotely in high-paying roles. Downtown Mill Valley businesses provide local retail and service jobs, but those wages don't support $2.3M home purchases. When you're applying for a jumbo loan here, lenders want to see W-2 income over $400K for a typical purchase, or substantial assets if you're self-employed. The local economy is stable, but it's really the access to SF and Silicon Valley job markets that drives the residential real estate values.
Common questions from Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Mill Valley buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Mill Valley'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 Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Mill Valley buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley. 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 Mill Valley'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 Mill Valley (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. Mill Valley's median home price is $2.3M, 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 Mill Valley 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 Mill Valley's median price of $2.3M, 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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