Mortgage broker serving Nevada 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 Nevada City buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Nevada City offers solid value, but buyers still need strategic financing to compete effectively.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Nevada 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 Nevada City home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Nevada City starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time buyers needing down payment help |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
FHA is the go-to for Nevada City buyers with limited savings. 3.5% down, flexible credit.
Military families get zero down in Nevada City. VA loans are the best deal for eligible veterans.
Nearly all Nevada City homes qualify for conforming loans. Best rates available for qualified buyers.
Nevada City buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Self-employed Nevada City buyers can use bank statements. Deposits count when tax returns don't show full income.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Nevada City areas. Check rural designation by address.
Bridge loans available for Nevada City transitions. Finance new purchase before selling.
Entity purchase programs for Nevada City. LLC financing for investment properties.
Nevada City FHA homeowners use streamline refi. Fastest path to lower monthly payments.
Nearly all Nevada City refinances qualify as conforming. Competitive rates with quick approval.
Nevada City veteran homeowners use IRRRL. Easiest refinance option with no appraisal.
Cash-out refinance for Nevada City homeowners with equity. Access funds for any purpose.
Nevada City owners can add HELOC for equity access. Credit line for improvements or reserves.
Home equity loans for Nevada City homeowners. Lump sum with fixed monthly payments.
Nevada City rental properties qualify with DSCR. No personal income verification needed.
Nevada City renovation deals use fix-and-flip loans. Quick funding for rehab opportunities.
Hard money options for Nevada City commercial. Fast financing for competitive markets.
Apartment financing in Nevada City. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit investment properties.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Nevada City buyers with qualifying income.
Nevada City buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Local DPA strong in Nevada City. City programs plus CalHFA can cover most down payment.
Grant programs for Nevada City first-time buyers. Elite grants don't require repayment.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Nevada City areas. Check rural designation by address.
Gift of equity for Nevada City family transactions. Reduced price creates instant equity.
Non-occupant co-borrower helps Nevada City buyers qualify. Add parent income to yours.
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
Nevada City sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills about 60 miles northeast of [Sacramento](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-sacramento-ca). Population is just 3,142, median household income $65,032. The homeownership rate here is 44.1%, which is low even for California, and there's a reason for that. At $525K median home price, you're paying a serious premium to live in what's essentially a preserved Gold Rush town. This isn't a commuter suburb - it's a lifestyle choice that requires either remote work income or retirement savings to make the numbers work.
If you're buying with kids in mind, you need to understand the school setup here. Nevada Union High School serves the area, along with Deer Creek Elementary and Seven Hills Middle School. The district is small and the town itself is tiny, so you're not getting the range of programs you'd find in a larger system. That said, families who choose Nevada City tend to value the small-town environment and outdoor access over big-district amenities. The low homeownership rate means a lot of your neighbors are renters, which can affect neighborhood stability when you're thinking about resale down the road.
Here's the thing about Nevada City - it's not a big place, so your neighborhood choices are limited. Historic Downtown runs around $525K and that's where you'll find Victorian-era buildings mixed with shops and restaurants along Broad and Commercial Streets. You're buying into walkability and historic character, but parking can be tight and some properties need work. Nabob Hill sits on the hillside above downtown, also around $525K, featuring Victorian homes with better views and usually more privacy. Both areas attract buyers using conventional loans, though you'll want a solid down payment because these older homes can have inspection issues that affect appraisals. FHA might work if the property meets standards, but sellers here often prefer conventional buyers who can close without repair requirements.
The commute situation is brutal if you work in a major metro. [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca) is 153 minutes on a good day, and LA is nearly seven hours, so forget that entirely. There's no major highway running through town, which is part of the charm but also part of why this place stays small. Local transit exists but it's minimal. Real talk - most buyers here either work remotely, are self-employed, commute to Grass Valley or Auburn, or they're retired. If you need to be in Sacramento regularly, you're looking at an hour each way. The isolation is the whole point for some people, but it's also why lenders want to see strong income or assets before approving a mortgage here.
The local job market is limited, which directly affects your mortgage approval odds. Nevada County government is the biggest employer, followed by Nevada Joint Union High School District and Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Most jobs are public sector, healthcare, education, or tourism-related serving the steady stream of visitors to Historic Downtown. The median household income of $65K is decent, but qualifying for a $525K mortgage on that income alone is tough without a substantial down payment. Lenders will want to see either dual incomes, remote work with solid documentation, or significant assets. The economy here is stable but not growing fast, so don't expect rapid appreciation like you'd see in a tech-driven market.
Common questions from Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Nevada County limits: FHA $649,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Nevada City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Nevada County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Nevada 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 Nevada County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Nevada 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 Nevada County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada County limits: FHA $649,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Nevada City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Nevada City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Nevada County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Nevada 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 Nevada 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 Nevada City is $650,000 for 2026, which comfortably covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $525,000. This makes FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers and those with smaller down payments in Nevada County. You'll be able to finance the majority of homes here with just 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Nevada City homes since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $525,000. Only properties priced above $833,000 would require a jumbo loan, which represents a small fraction of the local market. This means you'll have access to better rates and more flexible qualifying requirements for typical homes in the area.
For 2026, Nevada County loan limits are $650,000 for FHA loans, $833,000 for VA loans, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits work well for the local market where most homes fall in the $450,000 to $600,000 range. The higher conforming limit gives buyers plenty of flexibility when shopping in Nevada City and surrounding areas.
Yes, VA loans are an excellent option in Nevada City with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all typical homes in the area. Veterans and active military can buy with $0 down, no mortgage insurance, and competitive rates on homes well above the $525,000 median price. VA loans are particularly valuable here since they help you avoid PMI while financing up to 100% of the purchase price.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Nevada City, making homeownership immediately accessible. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, which work particularly well in this price range. Nevada County may offer additional local programs, and many buyers successfully stack multiple assistance options to minimize upfront costs.
You can buy a Nevada City home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan (about $18,400 on a $525,000 home) or 3% down with Conventional 97 (around $15,750). VA eligible buyers and those qualifying for our No Money Down program can purchase with $0 down. With strong down payment assistance available locally, many first. time buyers end up paying much less than these amounts out of pocket.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Nevada City with a credit score as low as 580, which is perfect for credit rebuilders in this affordable market. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum, while VA loans often accept scores around 580 to 620 depending on the lender. If your score needs work, FHA's flexibility makes homeownership achievable even while you're building credit.
Choose a lender experienced with Nevada City's market who understands FHA loans and down payment assistance programs that work best in the $450,000 to $600,000 range. Look for someone who can help first. time buyers navigate CalHFA and local DPA options, since stacking programs can dramatically reduce your upfront costs. A local lender familiar with Nevada County will also better understand appraisal issues and closing timelines specific to this mountain community.
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