Mortgage broker serving Monte Sereno, 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 Monte Sereno buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Monte Sereno starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Monte Sereno homes exceed the $1.25M limit. Jumbo financing is required for virtually all purchases here.
Monte Sereno buyers can qualify using investment portfolios. Asset depletion converts holdings to qualifying income.
Self-employed Monte Sereno buyers use bank deposits instead of tax returns. 12-24 months statements qualify.
Buy your next Monte Sereno home before selling. Bridge loans cover the gap between properties.
International buyers purchase Monte Sereno properties with foreign national loans. No US credit required.
Monte Sereno tech buyers use RSUs and stock options to qualify. Equity compensation counts as income.
Monte Sereno investors buy in LLC names. Asset protection with entity financing.
Monte Sereno homeowners can access equity for investments. Cash-out refi up to 80% LTV on jumbo.
Refinance Monte Sereno properties under $1.25M at conforming rates. Entry-level homes only.
HELOC access for Monte Sereno homeowners. Flexible credit line against substantial equity.
Home equity loans for Monte Sereno owners. Fixed-rate second mortgage against your equity.
VA IRRRL for Monte Sereno veterans. Refinance existing VA loan with no appraisal needed.
Monte Sereno investors can cash-out immediately after purchase. No seasoning required.
Monte Sereno investment properties qualify on rental income alone. DSCR loans skip employment verification.
Monte Sereno renovation projects get fix-and-flip financing. Short-term funding for major rehabs.
Multifamily financing for Monte Sereno apartment buildings. 5+ unit commercial loans available.
Hard money for Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA assistance technically available but rarely used in Monte Sereno's luxury market.
Family property transfers in Monte Sereno use gift of equity. Seller gifts equity as down payment.
Parents can co-sign for Monte Sereno 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
Monte Sereno is a tiny enclave of 3,444 people tucked into the Santa Clara foothills, essentially a residential-only pocket between Los Gatos and Saratoga. Median household income sits at $250,001, median home price at $3.975M. The homeownership rate is 95.1%, which tells you everything about what this place is. This isn't a starter home market or even a move-up market. You're looking at jumbo loans, significant down payments, and buyers who've already made their money elsewhere.
Students here attend Los Gatos Union School District and Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District, both consistently high-rated systems that pull 8s, 9s, and 10s across their schools. The school quality is a major driver of these property values. Families buying here are paying a premium not just for the address but for access to some of the best public schools in the Bay Area without moving to Palo Alto or Cupertino where prices run even higher. When you're financing a $4M purchase, the school district matters because it protects your investment. Resale in Monte Sereno stays strong partly because families will stretch their budgets to get into these school boundaries.
Monte Sereno doesn't really have distinct neighborhoods. The whole town is essentially one high-end residential zone where homes run $3.5M to $5M+, mostly custom builds on larger lots with privacy and mature landscaping. You're looking at jumbo financing on everything here, which means you'll need strong credit, verified assets, and typically 20-25% down to get competitive rates. Some buyers go 30% down to avoid the higher jumbo rate tiers. Cash purchases aren't uncommon either. The 95.1% homeownership rate means almost nothing turns over, and when it does, you're competing with tech money from San Jose and Palo Alto. If you need conventional loan limits, you're in the wrong zip code.
San Jose is 19 minutes, Palo Alto 26 minutes, San Francisco 58 minutes, Oakland 54 minutes. The commute flexibility is part of what you're paying for. Most buyers here work in tech, finance, or run their own businesses, and the proximity to Silicon Valley job centers without being in the density of San Jose or Palo Alto is the whole point. You're not on a highway, there's no through traffic, and the residential-only zoning keeps it quiet. The location lets you pull a South Bay salary while living somewhere that feels more like wine country than tech hub.
The City of Monte Sereno itself is the only employer listed because there's essentially no commercial district. This is a bedroom community in the truest sense. Buyers here commute to San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, or work remotely for Bay Area companies. The lack of local jobs and commercial activity is actually a selling point for the people who buy here. They want residential quiet and they've got the income to commute or work from home. If you're financing a purchase in Monte Sereno, your lender will focus heavily on your employment stability and income documentation because the mortgage payment on a $4M home requires serious, consistent cash flow.
Common questions from Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Monte Sereno buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Monte Sereno properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Monte Sereno'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 Monte Sereno. 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 Monte Sereno. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Monte Sereno. 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 Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Monte Sereno buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Monte Sereno. 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 Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Monte Sereno properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno 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 Monte Sereno families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Monte Sereno. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Monte Sereno. 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 Monte Sereno'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 Monte Sereno is $1.25M for 2025. However, with a median home price of $4M, FHA loans aren't practical for most properties here since you'd need to cover the difference with a substantial down payment. Most Monte Sereno buyers use jumbo loans or cash purchases instead.
Yes, you'll almost certainly need a jumbo loan in Monte Sereno since the median home price is $4M and most properties exceed the $1.25M conforming loan limit. Jumbo loans are the standard financing option here, designed specifically for high. net. worth buyers purchasing luxury properties. If you're financing rather than paying cash, expect to work with lenders who specialize in jumbo products.
For 2025, Santa Clara County's conforming loan limit is $1.25M, with FHA and VA limits also at $1.25M. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025. Given Monte Sereno's $4M median price, these limits won't affect most buyers here who require jumbo financing.
Yes, eligible veterans can use VA loans in Monte Sereno, with the loan limit at $1.25M with no down payment required. However, since most homes here are $3M+, you'd need a substantial down payment to cover the difference above the VA limit. Many veteran buyers in this market opt for jumbo loans instead or combine VA benefits with additional financing.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers. However, traditional down payment assistance programs like CalHFA have income limits (typically around $200K) that most Monte Sereno buyers exceed given the area's $250K+ median income. With homes averaging $4M, most buyers here rely on substantial personal assets rather than assistance programs.
For jumbo loans on Monte Sereno's $4M median. priced homes, expect to put down 20% to 30%, which translates to $800K to $1.2M. Lenders typically require larger down payments for jumbo loans to reduce risk, and many high. net. worth buyers in this market put down even more. Some buyers leverage our No Money Down program or make all. cash offers, which represent a significant portion of transactions here.
Jumbo loans in Monte Sereno typically require a minimum credit score of 680 to 700, though many lenders prefer 720+ for the best rates on multi. million dollar properties. Given the ultra. luxury market and large loan amounts, lenders scrutinize your complete financial profile including assets, income stability, and debt. to. income ratio. A strong credit score combined with substantial reserves gives you the most financing options.
For Monte Sereno's ultra. luxury market, choose a lender with extensive jumbo loan experience and expertise handling complex income situations common among high. net. worth buyers. Look for lenders who can efficiently process large loan amounts, understand stock options and business income, and offer relationship. based service rather than just transactional processing. The right lender will also have competitive rates on jumbo products and can close quickly in this competitive market.
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