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

Oxbow Public Market - Napa, California - DSC03187

Mortgage broker serving Napa, 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 Napa Homebuyers Choose Us

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

The Napa market rewards buyers with verified financing and competitive loan terms.

  • Downtown Napa and Browns Valley homes at $864K fit conforming loans under the $1.02M limit, while higher-priced properties require jumbo financing.
  • Hospitality workers with tip income need 12-24 month documentation averaging; seasonal tourism employees should maintain 6+ months reserves for qualification.
  • Napa's wildfire zones require FAIR Plan insurance as backup, adding $2,000-4,000 annually when traditional 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 Napa purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Napa

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Napa's got wine country charm but Bay Area prices. The median home price sits at $864K, which stayed flat over the last year. No crazy appreciation, no scary drops. Just stable. The conforming loan limit here is $1.02M, so most buyers are comfortably under that threshold. You're in conventional loan territory with access to the best rates. This isn't a jumbo market unless you're chasing something special. The financing here is actually pretty straightforward compared to other Bay Area towns where you're instantly in jumbo territory.

Who's Buying in Napa

Two types of buyers dominate Napa. First-timers with solid dual incomes who've been saving and can handle an $864K entry point. And move-up buyers bringing equity from starter homes, often from less expensive parts of the region. Median household income is around $100K, but honestly, most buyers closing deals here are above that. You need closer to $120K-$150K combined to make the monthly payment work without being house-poor. Homeownership rate is 59%, so it's a mix of owners and renters. Families want the schools and the slower pace compared to San Francisco or Oakland. Young professionals who can work remote are finding their way here too.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans are your best move at this price point. You're well under conforming limits, so you get the tightest rates and the most flexibility. FHA works technically, but the mortgage insurance eats into your monthly payment in ways that don't make sense when conventional is right there. VA buyers should absolutely use their benefit here. Zero down, no PMI, competitive rates. Here's what actually pencils out:
  • Conventional with 10-15% down gets you solid rates without PMI drama
  • VA loans are perfect since you're under the limit and avoid PMI entirely
  • FHA only makes sense if your credit is below 680 or you're scraping together the minimum down payment
  • USDA loans might work if you're looking at rural pockets outside city limits, though most of Napa proper won't qualify
  • Jumbo only enters the conversation above $1.02M, and rates aren't terrible right now

Down Payment & Refinance in Napa

If you already own in Napa, refinancing depends on when you bought. Bought in 2020 or 2021? Your rate is probably low enough that a rate-term refi doesn't help. But cash-out refis are huge right now if you've built equity and need to consolidate debt, fund renovations, or cover other expenses. Your home value held steady, so if you put 10-20% down a few years back, you've likely got equity to tap. PMI removal is another reason to refinance or request a reappraisal once you hit 20% equity. Don't keep paying PMI if you don't have to. Run the numbers. Sometimes a small rate increase is worth it to dump that monthly insurance premium.

Get Started

You're looking at $43K to $173K for a down payment on that $864K median, depending on whether you go 5% or 20%. First-timers usually land around 5-10%, so call it $43K-$86K. That's not pocket change. Most people get there through a combination of savings, gift funds from family, or equity if they're selling another property. Move-up buyers coming from a $600K condo might bring $100K-$150K in equity, which gets them to 15-20% easy. If you're stretching to get to 5% down, look at our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not widely advertised, but it's legit and helps buyers who have the income but not the full cash pile yet. Real talk: gift funds are everywhere in this market. Parents helping kids is standard, not embarrassing.

Local Napa Expertise

Start with preapproval so you know exactly what you can afford in Napa. Sellers here want to see financing locked down before they take you seriously. We'll walk through conventional vs VA vs any creative options that fit your situation. Schedule a free call and we'll run your numbers in about 15 minutes. No pressure, just real answers about what your monthly payment looks like and how much house you can actually buy. Our team knows Napa financing inside and out. We close deals here every month and know what works.

Popular Napa Neighborhoods

Downtown Napa • Old Town Napa • Westwood Hills • Browns Valley

Zip Codes We Serve

94558, 94559, 94581

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

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

Napa Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Napa Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $1,249,125
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 $1,249,125
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 Napa

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Napa buyers. Most homes under $1.02M with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

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

VA Loans

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

Bank Statement Loans

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

Calhfa Programs

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

Jumbo Loans

Premium Napa homes over $1.02M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

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

LLC Funding Programs

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

Best Refinance Options in Napa

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Napa homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.02M.

FHA Loans Refinance

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

VA Loans Refinance

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

Cash Out Refinance

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

HELOC Refinance

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

Home Equity Refinance

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

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Napa

DSCR Loans

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

Fix And Flip Loans

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

Multifamily Loans

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

Commercial Hard Money Loans

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

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Napa

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 Napa buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

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

Local Down Payment Programs

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

Elite Grant Program

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

Gift of Equity

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

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Napa 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 Napa is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Napa sits at the southern end of wine country, about an hour north of San Francisco. Population is 79,233, median household income $100,273. The homeownership rate here is 59.1%, below the state average, and that tells you something about the market. At $864K median home price, you're looking at one of the pricier spots in Northern California. A household at that $100K income level is going to need substantial down payment or dual incomes to qualify for a conventional loan on a median-priced home here.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you're buying with kids in mind, Napa has solid public school options that matter for both your family's future and resale value. Napa High and Vintage High serve most of the city, while New Technology High offers a smaller project-based option. Napa Valley College provides local higher education, which keeps some families rooted here longer. The school quality is decent and stable, but here's the thing - you're paying a premium to live in wine country, and schools are just one piece of that equation. Families who buy here tend to value the lifestyle and community as much as the test scores.

  • Napa High School
  • Vintage High School
  • New Technology High School
  • Napa Valley College

The Neighborhood Feel

The neighborhoods in Napa don't show huge price variation like you'd see in bigger Bay Area cities - most areas cluster around that $864K median. Downtown Napa gives you the revitalized riverfront, walkable access to Oxbow District restaurants and shops, and you're paying for location and lifestyle over square footage. Old Town Napa has those Victorian-era homes on tree-lined streets that attract buyers looking for character and charm, often needing conventional loans with 20% down or more. Westwood Hills on the western side offers hillside properties with views, while Browns Valley in the northeast provides more traditional suburban residential feel with good school access. The relatively flat pricing across neighborhoods means your loan approval and down payment matter more than which specific area you target.

  • Downtown Napa
  • Old Town Napa
  • Westwood Hills
  • Browns Valley

Getting Around

The commute to San Francisco takes about 66 minutes on a good day, Oakland's 57 minutes, and San Jose runs 91 minutes. Those drives explain part of why Napa hasn't hit Palo Alto or San Francisco price levels, but you're still paying Bay Area adjacent pricing. If you work in tech or finance and can swing a hybrid schedule with two or three days in the office, the commute becomes manageable. If you're commuting daily, you need to factor that time and gas cost into whether the mortgage payment makes sense. Local transit exists but most buyers here are driving, so count on two-car households being the norm.

Jobs & Economy

Queen of the Valley Medical Center is the largest employer, followed by Napa Valley Unified School District and County of Napa, giving the area a stable public sector base. The Meritage Resort and Spa represents the tourism and hospitality side that drives much of Napa's economy. Napa State Hospital adds more public sector stability. But let's be real - the wine industry and tourism define this place economically, even if they're not always the biggest single employers on paper. That means the local job market can feel seasonal swings, and many buyers here either work remotely for Bay Area companies or commute out. If you're buying on a single local income, that $864K median price is going to be a stretch unless you're in healthcare or senior management.

  • Queen of the Valley Medical Center
  • Napa Valley Unified School District
  • The Meritage Resort and Spa
  • County of Napa
  • Napa State Hospital

Napa Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Napa 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 Napa?

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 Napa?

Typical Napa 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 Napa?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Napa?

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

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

What are the loan limits in Napa?

2026 Napa County limits: FHA $1,017,750, Conventional $1,017,750. Any loan above $1,017,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Napa properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Napa?

For Napa'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 Napa. 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 Napa?

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 Napa?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Napa. 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 Napa 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 Napa?

Closing costs in Napa 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 Napa?

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 Napa?

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

Closing costs in Napa 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 Napa?

Typical Napa 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 Napa?

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 Napa?

2026 Napa County limits: FHA $1,017,750, Conventional $1,017,750. Any loan above $1,017,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Napa properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Napa?

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

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Napa?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Napa. 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 Napa?

For Napa'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 Napa?

The FHA loan limit in Napa is $1,026,000 for 2025, which covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $864K. This higher limit means you can use FHA financing with just 3.5% down on homes well above the national average. FHA loans are popular in Napa for both first. time buyers and those looking to minimize their down payment.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Napa?

You won't need a jumbo loan for most Napa homes since the conforming loan limit is $1,026,000 and the median home price is $864K. Only properties priced above $1,026,000 require jumbo financing, which represents a smaller portion of the market. This means you'll likely qualify for better rates and terms with conventional, FHA, or VA loans for typical Napa properties.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Napa County?

For 2025, Napa County's loan limits are $1,026,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans on single. family homes. These limits are typically announced in November for the following year, so 2026 limits aren't available yet. Given Napa's balanced market conditions, you can expect limits to remain competitive and cover most homes in the $600K to $900K range.

Can I get a VA loan in Napa?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Napa with a loan limit of $1,026,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. This limit covers the vast majority of homes in Napa, including the median. priced home at $864K. VA loans offer excellent terms with no PMI, making them one of the best options if you qualify.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Napa?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible in Napa's market. Additionally, CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with grants and deferred. payment junior loans that work well for homes in the $600K to $900K range. Napa County may also have local programs for first. time buyers and moderate. income households, so it's worth exploring multiple options to find the best fit.

What down payment do I need for a Napa home?

Down payment requirements in Napa vary by loan type: conventional loans typically need 3% to 5% ($25,920 to $43,200 on an $864K home), FHA requires 3.5% ($30,240), and VA or USDA loans offer $0 down for eligible buyers. With Napa's median price at $864K, many buyers use down payment assistance or low. down. payment programs to make homeownership more affordable.

What credit score do I need to buy in Napa?

Most lenders in Napa require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, though you'll get better rates with scores above 680. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down), making them accessible for first. time buyers. Given Napa's balanced market and median income of around $100K, improving your score before applying can save you thousands in interest over the loan term.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Choose a lender experienced with Napa's market who offers the loan types that fit your situation, whether that's conventional, FHA, VA, or down payment assistance programs. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from multiple lenders, and look for someone responsive who can close on time in a balanced market. A local lender familiar with Napa County's $600K to $900K price range can often provide better guidance and smoother transactions than national banks.

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