Mortgage broker serving National City, 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 National City buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
In National City's market, the right loan program can save thousands over the life of your mortgage.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your National City 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 National City home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in National City starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for National City 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 National City 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 National City homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | Any buyer - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment, forgiven after 6 payments |
| 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
Standard option for National City buyers. Most homes under $1.1M with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in National City. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for National City veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
National City business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in National City. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium National City homes over $1.1M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
National City sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for National City investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for National City homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.1M.
FHA streamline refinance for National City. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for National City veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn National City home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for National City homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
National City owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for National City investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for National City projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for National City investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
National City investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for National City buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in National City. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
National City has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for National City buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
National City family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for National City 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
National City sits just south of downtown San Diego, tucked between I-5 and the bay. Population is 56,345, median household income $59,850. The homeownership rate here is 32.8%, which tells you something important: this is a renter-heavy market where most people haven't been able to break into ownership yet. At $675K median home price, you're looking at entry-level San Diego pricing, which means you'll need solid income documentation and probably around $135K down for a conventional 20% loan, or you can go FHA with 3.5% down if you qualify.
If you're buying with kids in National City, you need to look closely at the schools because ratings vary and that affects resale value when you eventually sell. Sweetwater High serves the area, National City Middle School handles the middle grades, and elementary options include Kimball and Las Palmas. The ratings aren't the highest in San Diego County, but here's the thing: families who buy here are often priced out of Chula Vista or Bonita, so you're competing with other buyers who prioritize location over school scores. If schools are your top concern, you might stretch your budget toward the eastern edge near better-rated districts, but that usually means older homes or smaller lots. The low ownership rate means many of your neighbors will be renters, which can affect neighborhood stability and your property's appreciation over time.
National City doesn't have the kind of price variation you'll find in bigger markets, so most neighborhoods hover around that $675K mark. Lincoln Acres offers primarily single-family homes with local schools nearby, and it's where you'll find more owner-occupied properties compared to the rest of the city. Conventional loans work fine here if you've got the down payment and credit score above 680. Westside sits closer to the waterfront and bay area, also running around $675K, but you'll see more rentals mixed in with owner-occupied homes. FHA loans are common throughout National City because that 3.5% down payment requirement helps first-time buyers get in the door when saving $135K for conventional just isn't realistic. The truth is, most buyers here are choosing National City because it's one of the last affordable options with a San Diego address and a 12-minute commute to downtown.
The commute situation is honestly one of National City's biggest selling points when you're deciding where to buy. You're 12 minutes from downtown San Diego on a normal day, 27 minutes to La Jolla if you work up north. That's unbeatable for the price point. Local transit runs through the area, and you're close enough to I-5 and I-805 that getting anywhere in the county is straightforward. Compare that to Eastlake or Otay Ranch where you're paying $800K-$900K and still spending 25 minutes getting downtown. The proximity to job centers is why National City holds value even with lower school ratings and a high renter population.
Paradise Valley Hospital is the biggest healthcare employer in the immediate area, and the two school districts - Sweetwater Union High School District and National School District - provide stable public sector jobs with decent benefits. City of National City itself employs a fair number of residents. But the real economic driver here is the Mile of Cars, a massive auto dealership row that brings sales and service jobs to the area. It's not glamorous work, but it's steady, and many buyers working in auto sales or healthcare can actually qualify for a mortgage here when they can't afford Coronado or Point Loma. Most residents either work locally or commute into downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, or the South Bay. The job mix keeps the market stable even when San Diego's higher-end neighborhoods see more volatility.
Common questions from National City 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 National City 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 National City: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many National City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified National City 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 National City 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 National City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most National City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For National City'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 National City. 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 National City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Diego County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in National City. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.
As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.
You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local San Diego County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in National City 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 National City: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many National City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in National City. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.
As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.
You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local San Diego County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in National City 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 National City closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.
Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.
2026 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most National City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified National City 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 National City 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 National City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in National City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Diego County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in National City. 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 National City'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 National City is $1,010,000 for 2026. This covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $675K, making FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers who can put down as little as 3.5%.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most National City homes since the conforming loan limit is $1,100,000 and the median home price is $675K. Only properties priced above $1.1M would require a jumbo loan, which represents a small portion of the local market.
For 2026, San Diego County loan limits are $1,100,000 for conforming loans, $1,010,000 for FHA loans, and $1,100,000 for VA loans. These higher limits reflect the county's elevated housing costs and give buyers in National City plenty of financing options.
Yes, VA loans are very competitive in National City with a loan limit of $1,100,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. With the median home price at $675K, you'll have strong purchasing power using your VA benefits in this market.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible. You can also explore CalHFA programs offering down payment and closing cost assistance, plus San Diego County programs specifically designed for first. time buyers and moderate. income families.
Down payments in National City typically range from 0% to 5% depending on your loan type. VA and USDA loans offer $0 down, FHA requires 3.5%, and conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first. time buyers, meaning you could buy a $675K home with around $20,250 down.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 580 for FHA loans and 620 for conventional loans in National City. If you're using a VA loan, you can often qualify with scores as low as 580, though better rates typically start around 640.
Look for a lender experienced with National City's market who can explain all your options including FHA, VA, and down payment assistance programs. Compare rates and fees from multiple lenders, but also consider responsiveness and local expertise since National City's diverse buyer pool means one. size. fits. all approaches don't work well here.
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