Mortgage broker serving Millbrae, 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 Millbrae buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Financing in Millbrae's premium market demands lenders experienced with jumbo loans above $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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Millbrae starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
With Millbrae's $2.1M median, most buyers need jumbo loans above $1.25M. Rates now competitive with conforming.
Business owners in Millbrae qualify on bank deposits. Write-offs hurt tax returns but deposits tell the real story.
Wealthy Millbrae buyers use portfolio value instead of employment. Asset depletion works for retirees and investors.
Some Millbrae condos and smaller homes under $1.25M get conforming rates. Most properties need jumbo.
Millbrae veterans get zero down with no loan limit. Best benefit for luxury purchases.
Millbrae buyers use bridge loans to avoid contingent offers. Buy first, sell later.
LLC purchases for Millbrae investment properties. Buy in entity name for liability protection.
Pull equity from your Millbrae home. Cash-out refinance for investments, renovations, or debt payoff.
Conforming refi for Millbrae properties under the limit. Most will need jumbo refinancing.
Millbrae owners tap equity with HELOC. Draw funds as needed, pay interest only on balance.
Fixed home equity loans in Millbrae. Lump sum with predictable payments.
Millbrae veterans use VA IRRRL to lower rates. Streamlined process with minimal documentation.
No seasoning cash-out for Millbrae properties. Access equity right after closing.
DSCR loans for Millbrae investors. Qualify based on property cash flow, not personal income.
Fix-and-flip loans for Millbrae investors. Finance purchase plus renovation costs.
Millbrae apartment investors use multifamily loans. Commercial financing for 5+ units.
Millbrae 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 Millbrae buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA down payment help available for Millbrae first-time buyers. Income limits may restrict use.
Gift of equity for Millbrae family sales. Equity counts as down payment in related transactions.
Millbrae 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
Millbrae sits right between San Francisco and SFO in San Mateo County. Population is 22,825, median household income $146,649. The homeownership rate here is 61.4%, which is solid for the Bay Area where renting dominates. At $2.08M median home price, this isn't a starter home market. You're looking at dual high-income earners, equity buyers moving from other Bay Area properties, or tech workers with substantial down payments. The math works if you're pulling $300K+ household income and can put 20% down to avoid jumbo loan complications.
If you're buying in Millbrae with kids, you're paying for the school access as much as the location. Mills High School serves the area and pulls decent ratings, Taylor Middle feeds into it, and you've got Meadows Elementary and Spring Valley Elementary for the younger years. The district is stable and well-funded, which matters when you're dropping $2M on a house. Families who buy here tend to stay through the school years, which keeps turnover lower and property values steadier. When you're financing this much house, you want to know the fundamentals that protect your investment are solid, and schools are a big piece of that equation.
Millbrae doesn't have huge price variation between neighborhoods because the whole city sits in a premium location. Downtown Millbrae centers around Broadway near the transit station, running about $2.1M median, mostly older single-family homes and some townhomes. You'll see conventional jumbo loans here, and some buyers use the proximity to BART as a selling point for future resale. Millbrae Highlands is up in the hills, also around $2.1M, with views and slightly larger lots. Both areas require jumbo financing for most buyers since anything over $1.089M in San Mateo County exceeds conforming limits. The good news is that if you've got strong credit and income documentation, jumbo rates in the Bay Area are competitive because lenders know these properties hold value.
Here's the thing about Millbrae: the transit access is what you're really paying for. The BART/Caltrain intermodal station puts you 23 minutes from downtown San Francisco and 23 minutes to Palo Alto. Oakland is 32 minutes, San Jose 42 minutes. You can work in any of the major Bay Area job centers without the soul-crushing commute that comes with living further out. SFO is literally next door, which matters if you travel for work. When lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio for a $2M mortgage, being able to ditch a second car payment because of transit access actually helps your qualifying numbers. The location also means these properties don't sit on the market long when priced right.
San Francisco International Airport is the economic engine here, employing thousands in the immediate area and driving demand for housing. Virgin America had headquarters here before the Alaska Airlines merger, and airline industry workers still cluster in Millbrae for the airport proximity. The Millbrae School District and City of Millbrae provide stable public sector jobs. But real talk, most people buying $2M homes in Millbrae work in tech, finance, or professional services in San Francisco, the Peninsula, or South Bay. The housing market here tracks with the broader Bay Area tech economy. When tech is hiring and stock compensation is flowing, Millbrae properties move fast and appraisals come in strong, which matters when you're putting down $400K and financing the rest.
Common questions from Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Millbrae buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Millbrae'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 Millbrae. 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 Millbrae. 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 Millbrae. 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Millbrae buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Millbrae. 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Millbrae 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 Millbrae 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 Millbrae families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Millbrae. 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 Millbrae. 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 Millbrae'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 Millbrae is $1,250,000 for 2025. However, with a median home price of $2.1M, most properties in Millbrae exceed FHA limits and require jumbo financing. FHA loans aren't commonly used in this luxury market where homes typically range from $2M to $3M.
Yes, you'll almost certainly need a jumbo loan in Millbrae since the median home price is $2.1M and most homes sell between $2M and $3M. The conforming loan limit is only $1,250,000, so any home above that threshold requires jumbo financing. Jumbo loans are the standard in this luxury market.
For 2025, San Mateo County's conforming loan limit is $1,250,000, with FHA and VA limits also at $1,250,000. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025. Given Millbrae's $2.1M median price, most buyers will need jumbo loans regardless of limit increases.
Yes, eligible veterans can use VA loans in Millbrae, with the 2025 limit at $1,250,000 with no down payment. However, since most Millbrae homes are priced between $2M and $3M, you'd need a jumbo VA loan and a down payment on the amount exceeding $1,250,000. Many veterans in this market opt for conventional jumbo loans instead.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers. However, given Millbrae's luxury market with a $2.1M median price and typical buyers being affluent professionals and tech executives, down payment assistance programs like CalHFA generally aren't applicable or necessary. Most buyers in this price range make substantial down payments of 20% or more.
For jumbo loans in Millbrae's luxury market, you'll typically need at least 20% down, which means $420,000 on a $2.1M median. priced home. Some lenders offer jumbo loans with 10. 15% down, but larger down payments often secure better rates. Many affluent buyers in Millbrae put down 25. 30% or more to reduce their monthly payments.
For jumbo loans in Millbrae's $2M. $3M market, you'll typically need a minimum credit score of 700, though 720+ is preferred for the best rates. Many lenders require 740 or higher for super. jumbo loans above $3M. Given the large loan amounts and luxury price point, strong credit is essential for approval.
Choose a lender with extensive jumbo loan experience in San Mateo County's luxury market, as Millbrae's $2.1M median price requires specialized expertise. Look for competitive jumbo rates, experience with tech compensation packages like RSUs and stock options, and a track record of closing high. value transactions smoothly. Ask about their jumbo loan programs and whether they can handle super. jumbo financing if needed.
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