Mortgage Loans in
Montclair, California
Montclair Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

40+
Years Experience

Mortgage broker serving Montclair, 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.

Why Montclair Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Montclair, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

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 Montclair buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Montclair's market hovers near the $833K limit, making loan structuring critical for best rates.

  • Central Montclair homes at $765K fit conforming loans under the $833K limit, while properties above need jumbo financing with higher rates.
  • Education workers with 9-month contracts need lenders who annualize salary to qualify, avoiding income gaps during summer months.
  • First-time buyers can use FHA with student loans calculated at IBR payment rather than 1% of balance to improve DTI.

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Montclair purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Montclair

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a Montclair mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

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.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Montclair home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Montclair, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Montclair sits in that sweet spot where you're buying real Southern California real estate without going full jumbo loan territory. The median home price is $765K, and honestly, that's held steady over the past year. No crazy appreciation, but no crash either. You're well under the $833K conforming limit, so you get the best rates available without dealing with jumbo loan pricing. This is a small-town market where people actually know their neighbors, and USDA loans can work for certain buyers if you meet the income requirements and property location criteria. The homeownership rate is 54.3%, so it's a mix of owners and renters, not some investor-heavy rental farm. Prices have stabilized here, and that's actually good news for buyers who want predictability.

Who's Buying in Montclair

Two types of buyers dominate here. First-timers with strong dual incomes who've been saving and are ready to make the jump, and move-up buyers selling starter homes in nearby areas and bringing equity with them. The median household income is $72,789, so you need solid financials or a partner's income to make the math work. Young professionals and families seeking more space are the typical profiles. This isn't a market where minimum wage workers are buying homes, but it's also not Beverly Hills. You need to be established in your career or have serious help from family. And yeah, gift funds are common here because scraping together $50K-$150K in cash isn't easy even for people making decent money.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans are your best friend at this price point. You're nowhere near jumbo territory, so you get standard pricing and the lowest rates available. FHA works if you're putting down 3.5%, but conventional at 5% down often beats it once you factor in mortgage insurance costs. Veterans should absolutely use VA loans here because zero down on a $765K house is a massive advantage.
  • Conventional with 5-10% down gets you in without breaking the bank on upfront cash
  • FHA if your credit is below 680 or you need that 3.5% minimum, but run the numbers first
  • VA is unbeatable if you qualify because you skip the down payment entirely and get competitive rates
  • USDA loans can work for eligible properties and income levels in this smaller market
Don't overthink it. Most buyers here end up conventional because the math just works better once you're above 5% down.

Down Payment & Refinance in Montclair

Already own here? You've got options depending on what you need. If you bought a few years back, you might have equity to pull out for renovations, investment property, or paying off high-interest debt. Cash-out refinancing makes sense if rates are decent and you need liquidity. If you put down less than 20% originally and you've hit that equity threshold, dropping PMI saves you $100-$300 monthly without changing your loan balance. Rate-and-term refinancing is the play if rates drop below what you're currently paying. Real talk, with prices flat this year, you're not sitting on massive appreciation unless you bought five years ago. But even modest equity growth opens doors. Run the numbers before you commit because closing costs matter.

Get Started

Let's talk real dollars. Five percent down is $38,250. Ten percent is $76,500. Twenty percent is $153,000. First-time buyers usually land somewhere between 5-10% because saving $150K is brutal even with good income. Move-up buyers often bring $80K-$120K from selling their previous place, which gets them to 10-15% down pretty easily. Gift funds from parents or family cover a big chunk for a lot of buyers here, and lenders are fine with that as long as it's documented properly. If coming up with any down payment feels impossible, our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement can get you into a home faster. The money has to come from somewhere though. Savings, equity, gifts, or our program. Pick your path and commit to it.

Local Montclair Expertise

Stop guessing what you can afford and get actual numbers. Schedule a free call and we'll run your financials to see exactly what loan amount, down payment, and monthly payment you're looking at. Preapproval takes a day or two, not weeks, and sellers take you seriously when you've got real financing lined up. Our team knows Montclair and San Bernardino County lending inside and out. We'll tell you if conventional beats FHA for your situation, whether that gift money from your parents works, and if you should wait three months to improve your credit score or buy now. This market isn't getting cheaper, but it's not running away from you either. Let's figure out your best move.

Popular Montclair Neighborhoods

Central Montclair

Zip Codes We Serve

91763

What Types of Mortgages Are Available in Montclair, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in Montclair starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Montclair 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 Montclair property.

Purchase Loans

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.

Refinance

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.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

Loan Programs

Montclair Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Montclair homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Montclair Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Montclair

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Montclair buyers. Most homes under $833K with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

Strong FHA option in Montclair. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.

VA Loans

$0 down for Montclair veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.

Bank Statement Loans

Montclair business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA programs popular in Montclair. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Jumbo Loans

Premium Montclair homes over $833K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

Montclair sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing options for Montclair investors. Buy rentals in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Montclair

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Montclair homeowners. Best rates for loans under $833K.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline refinance for Montclair. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.

VA Loans Refinance

VA streamline refi for Montclair veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.

Cash Out Refinance

Turn Montclair home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC available for Montclair homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.

Home Equity Refinance

Montclair owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Montclair

DSCR Loans

DSCR loans work for Montclair investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip available for Montclair projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily options for Montclair investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Montclair investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Montclair

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Montclair buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs popular in Montclair. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Local Down Payment Programs

Montclair has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grant available for Montclair buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.

Gift of Equity

Montclair family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Montclair purchases. Family member income boosts 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

Why Montclair is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Montclair sits in the western edge of San Bernardino County, right where the Inland Empire meets LA County. Population is 37,842, median household income $72,789. The homeownership rate is 54.3%, which tells you this is more of a rental-heavy market than most Inland Empire towns. At $765K median home price, you're paying close to what you'd see in parts of Orange County, but with that 41-minute commute to LA, you're essentially buying into an affordable LA bedroom community without the LA County property tax rates.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you've got kids, the school ratings matter for both your daily life and resale value down the road. Montclair High serves the area, and you'll find Monte Vista Elementary, Kingsbury Elementary, and Ramona Elementary feeding into the system. The district has been stable, which counts when you're thinking about whether your home will hold value over a 7 or 10-year ownership period. That $765K median means you're looking at a household income around $180K-$200K to comfortably qualify with a conventional loan at today's rates. Families who buy here tend to value the school stability and proximity to job centers without paying full LA or Orange County prices.

  • Montclair High School
  • Monte Vista Elementary School
  • Kingsbury Elementary School
  • Ramona Elementary School

The Neighborhood Feel

Central Montclair runs around $765K and centers on Montclair Plaza and Central Avenue, where you get a mix of residential and commercial. The housing stock here is mostly single-family homes from the 60s through 90s, with some newer infill construction scattered around. Most buyers use conventional loans since the price point pushes you above comfortable FHA limits anyway. You're looking at 20% down to avoid PMI on a $765K purchase, which means coming to the table with $153K plus closing costs. The area attracts move-up buyers from cheaper Inland Empire markets and young families priced out of Claremont or Upland who still want reasonable access to LA.

  • Central Montclair

Getting Around

The commute to LA runs about 41 minutes when traffic cooperates, which it doesn't always. You're looking at the I-10 corridor, which can turn that 41 minutes into 75 on a bad day. But here's the thing: that's still better than what you'd face living in Riverside or San Bernardino and trying to reach LA. Montclair Transcenter gives you a transit hub with local connections, though most buyers here plan on driving. The location is the main reason Montclair commands $765K while places 20 miles east sit at $550K. You're paying for that commute time, and if you work in downtown LA or the west side, it might be worth the mortgage stretch.

Jobs & Economy

Montclair Unified School District and Ontario-Montclair School District are major employers, giving the area that public sector job stability. Montclair Plaza brings in retail employment across dozens of stores and restaurants, which keeps the local economy moving but doesn't generate the high incomes you'd need to easily afford $765K. The truth is, most buyers here work outside Montclair, either in Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, or they're making that LA commute. The job mix locally is education, retail, and service sector. If you're looking at homes here, you probably need dual incomes or one solid six-figure salary to make the numbers work with conventional financing.

  • Montclair Unified School District
  • Ontario-Montclair School District
  • Montclair Plaza

Montclair Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Montclair homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Montclair?

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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Montclair?

Typical Montclair 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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Montclair?

You have several low down payment options in Montclair: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Montclair buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Montclair?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Montclair 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.

Can I buy a home in Montclair with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Montclair 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 Montclair families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Montclair?

2026 San Bernardino County limits: FHA $690,000, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Montclair properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Montclair?

For Montclair'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.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Montclair. 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Montclair?

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Montclair?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Montclair. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Bernardino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Montclair. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local San Bernardino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Montclair?

Closing costs in Montclair 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.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Montclair?

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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Montclair?

You have several low down payment options in Montclair: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Montclair buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Montclair. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local San Bernardino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Montclair?

Closing costs in Montclair 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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Montclair?

Typical Montclair 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Montclair?

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.

What are the loan limits in Montclair?

2026 San Bernardino County limits: FHA $690,000, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Montclair properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Montclair?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Montclair 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.

Can I buy a home in Montclair with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Montclair 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 Montclair families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Montclair?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Montclair. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Bernardino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Montclair. 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.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Montclair?

For Montclair'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.

What is the FHA loan limit in Montclair?

The FHA loan limit in Montclair is $690,000 for 2025. This covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $765K, though you'll need a conventional loan or larger down payment for properties above this amount. FHA loans are popular here with first. time buyers because they allow down payments as low as 3.5%.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Montclair?

Most buyers in Montclair don't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $765K. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're buying a home priced above $833,000. The majority of properties in Montclair fall comfortably within conventional loan limits.

What are the 2026 loan limits for San Bernardino County?

For 2025, San Bernardino County's conforming loan limit is $833,000, with FHA loans capped at $690,000 and VA loans at $833,000. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025. These limits work well for Montclair's market where most homes are priced between $600K and $900K.

Can I get a VA loan in Montclair?

Yes, VA loans are highly competitive in Montclair with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers the vast majority of homes here. Eligible veterans and service members can buy with $0 down and no mortgage insurance, making it one of the best options available. With the median home price at $765K, most properties qualify for full VA financing.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Montclair?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Montclair. Additionally, CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with grants and deferred. payment junior loans, and San Bernardino County provides local assistance programs for first. time and moderate. income buyers. These programs are especially helpful in Montclair's market where the median home price is $765K.

What down payment do I need for a Montclair home?

Down payments in Montclair vary by loan type: conventional loans require as little as 3% ($22,950 on a $765K home), FHA loans need 3.5%, and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. With the median price at $765K, many buyers put down 5. 10% to balance monthly payments with upfront costs. Our No Money Down program can also help qualified buyers purchase with zero down payment.

What credit score do I need to buy in Montclair?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Montclair, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). For the best rates on homes in the $600K. $900K range, you'll want a score of 680 or higher. VA loans are also flexible with credit requirements for eligible service members.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with Montclair's balanced market and the $600K. $900K price range who can offer multiple loan options including FHA, VA, and conventional financing. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from at least three lenders, and choose one who understands local programs and can guide first. time and move. up buyers. A lender familiar with San Bernardino County will help you navigate the process smoothly and find the best loan for your situation.

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