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

Aerial view of Moraga, California, October

Mortgage broker serving Moraga, 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 Moraga Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Moraga, 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 Moraga buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Financing in Moraga's premium market demands lenders experienced with jumbo loans above $1.25M.

  • Moraga Center and Sanders Ranch both average $1.7M, requiring jumbo loans since prices exceed the $1.25M conforming limit.
  • Educators and public sector workers with 9-month contracts need lenders who annualize salary and count pension income for qualification.
  • Wildfire zone properties require FAIR Plan insurance as backup, adding significant costs when standard carriers decline coverage in high-risk areas.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Moraga

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 Moraga 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 Moraga home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Moraga sits in that sweet spot where the conforming loan limit is $1.25M but the median home price is $1.66M. You're going to deal with jumbo financing on most purchases here. Prices have been flat over the last year, which honestly isn't a bad thing after the chaos of the past few years. The market has settled into a rhythm. Buyers aren't getting squeezed by bidding wars every week, and sellers have realistic expectations again. The loan limit creates an interesting decision point: do you put more down to stay conforming, or just embrace a jumbo loan structure that might actually cost less with the right lender?

Who's Buying in Moraga

This isn't a starter market. The median household income is $194K, and even that feels tight when you're looking at homes pushing $1.7M. Move-up buyers dominate here. They're selling in Walnut Creek or Lafayette and bringing $400K-$600K in equity. You've got dual-income professional families who've been grinding in tech or finance for years. Some relocating executives with corporate relocation packages. And honestly, plenty of buyers getting family help with down payments. The homeownership rate is 84%, so people move here with intention. They're not renting for a year to test it out.

Your Loan Fit

Your loan structure matters more at this price than squeezing an extra eighth on your rate. Here's what actually works:
  • 80-10-10 piggyback loans to avoid jumbo rates entirely. Put 10% down, get a conforming first at $1.25M, and cover the rest with a small second mortgage or HELOC.
  • Straight jumbo if you're putting 20%+ down. Rates are competitive now, and you avoid the complexity of multiple loans.
  • Bank statement loans for self-employed buyers who write off everything. Your tax returns say you make $90K but you're actually pulling $250K.
  • High-balance conforming if you can find something under $1.4M and bring enough down payment to stay under the limit.
The piggyback structure is underused. Most buyers just accept jumbo financing without running the numbers on splitting the loan.

Down Payment & Refinance in Moraga

Already own here? Your refinance options depend on when you bought. If you purchased before 2020, you're sitting on serious appreciation even with flat prices this year. Cash-out refis make sense if you want to renovate or help a kid with their down payment. Rate-and-term refis are less exciting unless you bought at a peak rate. PMI removal is worth checking if you put less than 20% down originally. And for older homeowners in paid-off homes, reverse mortgages actually make sense in a market like this. Your home value supports meaningful cash flow without monthly payments.

Get Started

You need $165K-$330K to get into most homes here. That's 10-20% down on the median price. But real talk, most buyers aren't scraping together $300K from savings alone. They're bringing equity from their previous home. Or they're getting $100K-$150K in gift funds from parents who sold in Palo Alto or San Francisco years ago and have wealth to transfer. Some buyers are liquidating stock options or RSUs. A few are using our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement, but at this price point that's rare. You're looking at roughly $58K minimum to get in the door with 3.5% down, and your income needs to support a $7,500+ monthly payment.

Local Moraga Expertise

Start by figuring out your actual loan structure before you fall in love with a house. Run the numbers on conforming vs jumbo. Look at piggyback options. If you're self-employed, get your bank statements ready now. Don't wait until you're in contract to discover your tax returns don't support the loan you need. Schedule a free call and we'll map out what works for your situation. Our team knows this market cold. We structure Moraga deals every month and can tell you exactly what lenders will actually approve, not just what an online calculator spits out.

Popular Moraga Neighborhoods

Moraga Center • Sanders Ranch

Zip Codes We Serve

94556, 94570, 94575

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

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

Moraga Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Moraga Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Jumbo 10-20% 680+ Homes above $1,249,125
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military (0% down on any price)
Asset Depletion 10-20% 680+ Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Investment properties, no income verification
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Seniors 62+ accessing Moraga home equity

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in Moraga

Jumbo Loans

Moraga prices often exceed $1.25M. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.

Conforming Loans

Properties under $1.25M get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in Moraga.

Bank Statement Loans

Self-employed? Moraga bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.

VA Loans

VA loans cover all Moraga properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.

Asset Depletion Loans

Asset depletion loans for Moraga buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.

FHA Loans

First-time Moraga buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.

Bridge Loans

Bridge financing for Moraga moves. Purchase before your current home sells.

LLC Funding Programs

Entity financing for Moraga investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.

Best Refinance Options in Moraga

Conforming Refinance

Moraga loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.

Cash Out Refinance

Access Moraga home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC for Moraga homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.

VA Loans Refinance

VA IRRRL refinance for Moraga veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.

Home Equity Refinance

Moraga home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline for Moraga homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Moraga

DSCR Loans

Investment properties in Moraga can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.

Fix And Flip Loans

Moraga rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily loans for Moraga apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Hard money financing for Moraga commercial. Fast approval when banks are too slow.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Moraga

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 Moraga buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs can help Moraga first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.

Gift of Equity

Moraga family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Non-occupant co-borrower option in Moraga. Family member income helps qualification.

Local Down Payment Programs

Check Moraga city programs for additional DPA. May stack with CalHFA for more help.

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 Moraga is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Moraga sits tucked in the East Bay hills about 21 minutes from [Oakland](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-oakland-ca) and 34 from [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca). Population is 16,859, median household income $193,707. The homeownership rate here is 84%, one of the highest in the Bay Area, which tells you everything about who buys here and why they stay. At $1.655M median home price, you're looking at jumbo loan territory, and most buyers need household income around $400K+ to qualify comfortably under standard debt-to-income ratios.

Schools & Family Appeal

Here's the thing about Moraga: families move here for the schools and they don't leave. Campolindo High is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in California, and Joaquin Moraga Intermediate feeds into it with strong test scores across the board. Saint Mary's College right in town adds an academic vibe to the whole community. When you're spending $1.6M+ on a house, school quality isn't just about your kids, it's about protecting your investment. Buyers will pay a premium for top-rated school districts, and when it's time to sell, you'll have a deep pool of families willing to stretch their budgets to get into these boundaries.

  • Campolindo High School
  • Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School
  • Saint Mary's College of California

The Neighborhood Feel

Moraga doesn't have the dramatic price variation you see in bigger cities because it's all pretty desirable. Moraga Center runs around $1.7M, and you're close to shopping at Rheem Valley Shopping Center and the Moraga Commons. Sanders Ranch also hits that $1.7M mark, mostly single-family homes on decent lots with that classic Bay Area suburban feel. Both areas require jumbo loans since you're well above the $766,550 conforming limit for 2024. Most buyers here put down 20% or more, which means you need $330K+ liquid just for the down payment before closing costs. The lack of starter homes or fixer-uppers means first-time buyers are rare unless they've got serious family money or dual tech incomes.

  • Moraga Center
  • Sanders Ranch

Getting Around

The commute times are what make Moraga work for Bay Area professionals. You're 21 minutes to Oakland, 34 to San Francisco, 59 to Palo Alto, 63 to San Jose. That's manageable for someone pulling down $200K-$300K at a tech company or financial firm who needs the house and schools but can't stomach a two-hour daily grind. The Caldecott Tunnel via Highway 24 is your main artery, and yes, it backs up during peak hours, but you're trading some traffic time for a neighborhood where your kids can bike to school. No BART station in Moraga itself, but you can park and ride from nearby Orinda or Lafayette if you want to skip the bridge traffic into the city.

Jobs & Economy

Real talk: most people who buy in Moraga don't work in Moraga. Saint Mary's College is the biggest employer, along with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, Town of Moraga, and Acalanes Union High School District. These are stable public sector and education jobs, but they're not paying $400K salaries. The typical buyer here works in tech, finance, healthcare, or law in San Francisco, Oakland, or the greater Bay Area and chose Moraga for the schools and safety. That income disparity between local wages and home prices means you're competing with buyers who have significant earning power from outside the immediate area. Your lender will want to see strong income documentation and solid reserves since you're in jumbo loan territory.

  • Saint Mary's College of California
  • Moraga-Orinda Fire District
  • Town of Moraga
  • Acalanes Union High School District

Moraga Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Moraga 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 Moraga?

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 Moraga?

Typical Moraga 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 Moraga?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Moraga?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Moraga 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 Moraga with no money down?

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

What are the loan limits in Moraga?

2026 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Moraga properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Moraga?

For Moraga'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 Moraga. 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 Moraga?

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 Moraga?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Moraga. 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 Contra Costa 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 Moraga?

Closing costs in Moraga 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 Moraga?

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 Moraga?

You have several low down payment options in Moraga: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Moraga 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 Moraga. 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 Contra Costa 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 Moraga?

Closing costs in Moraga 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 Moraga?

Typical Moraga 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 Moraga?

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 Moraga?

2026 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Moraga properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Moraga?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Moraga 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 Moraga with no money down?

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Moraga?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Moraga. 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 Moraga?

For Moraga'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 Moraga?

The FHA loan limit in Moraga is $1,250,000 for 2026. This covers many of the lower. priced homes in the area, though with a median home price of $1.7M, you'll need a jumbo loan for most properties. FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Moraga?

Yes, you'll likely need a jumbo loan in Moraga since the median home price is $1.7M, which exceeds the conforming loan limit of $1,250,000. Jumbo loans typically require 10. 20% down and stronger credit scores of 680 or higher. Only homes priced at $1.25M or below can use conventional conforming or FHA financing.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Contra Costa County?

For 2026, Contra Costa County's loan limits are $1,250,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. This applies to single. family homes in Moraga and throughout the county. Any home priced above $1,250,000 will require jumbo financing with different qualification requirements.

Can I get a VA loan in Moraga?

Yes, you can get a VA loan in Moraga with a limit of $1,250,000 for 2026. VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans and service members, though most Moraga homes exceed this limit given the $1.7M median price. For homes above the limit, you'll need a down payment to cover the difference or consider a jumbo VA loan.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Moraga?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers purchasing in Moraga. CalHFA programs and Contra Costa County's down payment assistance may also be available for lower. priced properties under $1.25M. Given Moraga's premium pricing, these programs work best for dual. income professionals buying at the lower end of the market.

What down payment do I need for a Moraga home?

For Moraga's median $1.7M home price, you'll typically need 15. 20% down ($255,000. $340,000) for a jumbo loan. If you're buying a home under $1.25M, you can put down as little as 3. 3.5% with conventional or FHA financing. Larger down payments often secure better rates and terms in this premium market.

What credit score do I need to buy in Moraga?

For most Moraga homes requiring jumbo financing, you'll need a credit score of at least 680. 700 to qualify for competitive rates. If you're buying a home under $1.25M with conventional financing, you can qualify with scores as low as 620, though 740+ gets you the best rates. FHA loans allow scores down to 580 for lower. priced properties.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Choose a lender experienced with Moraga's premium market and jumbo loan requirements, as most properties here exceed conforming limits. Look for competitive rates on loans above $1.25M, strong communication, and expertise helping dual. income professionals navigate complex financing. A local lender familiar with Contra Costa County can streamline your purchase in this competitive market.

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