Mortgage broker serving Novato, 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 Novato buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Novato buyers compete in a market where strong financing and quick pre-approval win offers.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Novato 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 Novato home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Novato starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| 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 |
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | First-time buyers - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Seniors 62+ accessing Novato home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Novato homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.25M. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Novato with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Novato first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Novato properties may exceed $1.25M. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Novato's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Novato buyers.
Bridge loans help Novato buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Novato investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Novato mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Novato homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Novato refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Novato HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Novato FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Novato. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Novato rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Novato use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Novato apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Novato. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Novato buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Novato buyers.
Local Novato DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Novato buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Novato family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Novato buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
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
Novato sits in northern Marin County, about 30 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 52,311, median household income $112,193. The homeownership rate here is 65.5%, which tells you something important: people who buy in Novato tend to stay. At $1.05M median home price, you're looking at the entry point to Marin County ownership. It's not cheap, but it's several hundred thousand less than Mill Valley or San Rafael, and you're still getting that Marin school quality and lifestyle without the absolute top-tier price tag.
If you've got kids, the school ratings matter for both your family and your future resale value. San Marin High pulls an 8, Novato High a 7, Lynwood Elementary an 8, Sinaloa Middle a 7. These are solid scores that justify the price premium you're paying over Solano County next door. Families move here specifically for the schools, which means when you go to sell, you'll have a built-in buyer pool of other families making the same calculation. The stability of the district means your property value has a floor under it that less desirable school districts just don't provide. When you're putting down 20% on a million-dollar home, that school-driven demand protection matters.
Where you buy in Novato affects both your monthly payment and your loan structure. Hamilton runs $900K-$1.3M with tree-lined streets and 60s-80s homes, solid bones and established feel, conventional loans work fine here if you can clear the income requirements. Bel Marin Keys is the waterfront play at $1.1M-$2M, canal-front properties with boat docks, you're looking at jumbo territory and lenders will want to see strong financials plus reserves. Indian Valley goes $1M-$1.8M with newer construction and hiking trail access, popular with families who can stretch for modern amenities. Pacheco Valle offers $950K-$1.4M ranch-style homes on bigger lots, mature landscaping, good for buyers who want space without going full jumbo. Ignacio is your entry point at $850K-$1.2M, mix of older and newer homes near 101, best bet for first-time Marin buyers who can just barely qualify.
The commute to San Francisco runs about 45 minutes via 101, Oakland 37 minutes, which is why Novato works for dual-income professional couples. You've got Golden Gate Transit and the SMART train for public transit options, though most buyers here are driving. The 101 access means you can get to multiple job centers without being locked into one commute pattern. Real talk: the commute is what keeps Novato prices below the rest of Marin. You're trading an extra 15-20 minutes each way versus San Rafael for a couple hundred thousand in savings on your purchase price. If both spouses work in different directions, Novato's position lets one go south to SF while the other heads east across 37.
BioMarin Pharmaceutical is the big employer here, which brings high-earning professionals who can afford these price points. Fireman's Fund Insurance and Buck Institute for Research on Aging add more white-collar stability. Novato Unified School District and Kaiser Permanente round out the major employers with public sector and healthcare jobs. The employer mix matters because it means your neighbors are largely dual-income households earning $100K-$200K+ combined, which supports property values and keeps the tax base strong. When you're borrowing $800K-$1.5M, you want to know the local economy can support those valuations long-term.
Common questions from Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Novato buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Novato properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Novato'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 Novato. 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 Novato. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Novato. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Novato 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 Novato: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Novato buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Novato. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Novato 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 Novato 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 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Novato properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Novato 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 Novato 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 Novato families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Novato. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Novato. 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 Novato'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 2026 FHA loan limit for Novato (Marin County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
It depends on the property. Novato's median home price is $1.05M, while the conforming loan limit is $1.25M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 Marin County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Novato with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Marin County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.
We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 5-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Novato's median price of $1.05M, most buyers put down 15-20%.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.
Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.
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