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

City Hall Oakley California

Mortgage broker serving Oakley, 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 Oakley Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Oakley provides attainable homeownership, but buyers face specific financing challenges.

  • Local neighborhoods with varying price points require strategic financing to match each property's requirements.
  • Multiple low down payment options exist. Compare FHA, conventional, and VA benefits.
  • Buyers with student loans need lenders who use income-based repayment calculations.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Oakley

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Oakley sits in that sweet spot where Bay Area buyers can actually breathe. The median home price is $675K, and it's held flat over the past year. No wild swings, no panic bidding wars like 2021. The conforming loan limit here is $1.25M, so you've got the full menu of loan options without getting pushed into jumbo territory. This is a homeownership market. 77.1% of residents own their homes. People aren't renting here temporarily while they figure out their next move. They're buying in and staying put. The financing game here is straightforward because you're not stretching into exotic loan products or begging for seller concessions.

Who's Buying in Oakley

First-time buyers from the city dominate this market. You're making $132K household income and realizing that same money buys you a real house with a yard instead of a cramped condo in Oakland or San Francisco. Young families relocating from expensive metros are the other big group. They've got some savings, maybe a little equity from selling a starter place, and they want space without the two-hour commute. Some investors play here too, but this isn't a flip market. It's buy-and-hold rental territory. The high homeownership rate means you're not competing with a flood of institutional money. Real people buying real homes.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional and FHA are both solid plays at this price point. Your credit and down payment determine which route makes sense. Here's what I'd look at:
  • FHA at 3.5% down if your credit is in the 600s or low 700s. The mortgage insurance stings but you're in the door.
  • Conventional at 5% down if you're over 720 credit. Better rates, and you can drop PMI once you hit 20% equity.
  • VA loans are unbeatable if you're a veteran. Zero down, no PMI, and the best rates available.
  • USDA might work if you're looking at the more rural edges of Oakley. Zero down for qualifying buyers.
Don't overthink it. You're well under the conforming limit, so lenders are competing for your business. Shop around and make them earn it.

Down Payment & Refinance in Oakley

Already own here? Refinancing is pretty straightforward right now. If you bought a few years back with a higher rate, a rate-term refi could drop your payment significantly. PMI removal is the other big one. Home values have been stable, so if you've been paying down principal, you might be at 20% equity. Get an appraisal and ditch that monthly PMI charge. Cash-out refis are popular for home improvements. Pull equity to redo the kitchen or add square footage. And if you're an investor with rental properties here, DSCR loans let you refi based on the property's income, not your personal tax returns. Makes life easier if you've got multiple properties.

Get Started

Down payment reality: you're looking at $19K to $55K depending on your loan type. FHA gets you in for $23,625 at 3.5% down. That's the lowest barrier to entry. Conventional at 5% is $33,750. Most buyers I work with are pulling from a mix of sources. Some savings, maybe a gift from family, or they're rolling equity from selling a place in a pricier market. If you're moving from San Francisco or the Peninsula, you might have $100K+ in equity even from a small condo. That changes everything. But if you're a true first-timer without family help, look into our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not a grant or a loan you repay. It just gets you in the door without draining your savings to zero.

Local Oakley Expertise

Start with preapproval. Not prequalification, actual preapproval with documentation. Sellers in Oakley aren't desperate, but they respect serious buyers who can close. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through your numbers. Takes about 20 minutes to figure out what you qualify for and which loan type makes sense. Our team knows this market inside out. We've closed dozens of deals in Oakley and we know what underwriters are looking for. Get your financing locked down first, then go house hunting with confidence.

Popular Oakley Neighborhoods

Vintage Parkway • O'Hara Park Estates • Oakley Knolls • Summer Lake

Zip Codes We Serve

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

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

Oakley Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Oakley 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 Oakley

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Oakley buyers. Most homes under $1.25M with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

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

VA Loans

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

Bank Statement Loans

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

Calhfa Programs

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

Jumbo Loans

Premium Oakley homes over $1.25M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

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

LLC Funding Programs

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

Best Refinance Options in Oakley

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Oakley homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.25M.

FHA Loans Refinance

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

VA Loans Refinance

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

Cash Out Refinance

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

HELOC Refinance

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

Home Equity Refinance

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

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Oakley

DSCR Loans

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

Fix And Flip Loans

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

Multifamily Loans

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

Commercial Hard Money Loans

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

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Oakley

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 Oakley buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

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

Local Down Payment Programs

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

Elite Grant Program

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

Gift of Equity

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

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

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

Oakley sits in eastern Contra Costa County, right where the Bay Area meets the Delta. Population is 47,158, median household income $132,067. The homeownership rate here is 77.1%, one of the highest in the Bay Area, and that tells you something important. At $675K median home price, you're looking at one of the last places within reasonable commuting distance of San Francisco and Oakland where a household pulling in $130K can actually afford a single-family home without stretching into jumbo loan territory or draining their entire savings for a down payment.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you've got kids or plan to, the school ratings matter for both your daily life and your resale value down the line. Freedom High pulls a 7, Delta Vista Middle gets an 8, and both Oakley Elementary and Vintage Parkway Elementary score 7 and 8 respectively. Those are solid numbers for the Bay Area, especially at this price point. When you compare what you'd pay in Walnut Creek or Pleasanton for similar school ratings, Oakley starts looking pretty smart. That 77.1% homeownership rate means most families are buying to stay, not renting short-term, which creates stability in the schools and neighborhood turnover that lenders actually like to see when they're evaluating your loan application.

  • Freedom High School
  • Delta Vista Middle School
  • Oakley Elementary
  • Vintage Parkway Elementary

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in Oakley directly affects your loan structure and monthly payment. Vintage Parkway runs $650K-$750K with mature trees and established homes, perfect for conventional loans with 10-20% down if you're in that $130K income range. O'Hara Park Estates goes $700K-$850K, newer construction that families love, and you'll see conventional financing dominate here too. Oakley Knolls is the premium play at $750K-$950K, larger lots and custom builds, and you're likely looking at jumbo territory on the higher end or a bigger down payment to stay conventional. Summer Lake offers the widest range at $600K-$800K, from townhomes to larger single-family homes around that lake, which gives first-time buyers and move-up buyers options in the same community. The townhomes in Summer Lake are your best shot at staying under $650K if you want to maximize your loan-to-value ratio.

  • Vintage Parkway
  • O'Hara Park Estates
  • Oakley Knolls
  • Summer Lake

Getting Around

CA-4 is your main artery, and here's what the commute looks like: Oakland in 47 minutes, San Francisco in 60, San Jose in 78. That's the trade you're making for affordability. You can't touch a single-family home in Oakland or SF for $675K, and San Jose pricing is laughable at this income level. The eBART connection at Antioch gives you a transit option if you're commuting to downtown SF or Oakland, though most people drive. If you work in tech and your company's gone hybrid or remote, Oakley suddenly makes a lot more sense than it did five years ago. You get Bay Area wages without Bay Area housing costs, and that changes your debt-to-income ratio in ways that make underwriters happy.

Jobs & Economy

The local job base is anchored by Oakley Union Elementary School District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and the City of Oakley itself. PG&E and Sutter Health provide private sector stability, and Raley's Supermarkets adds retail employment. Real talk, most buyers here aren't working locally. They're commuting to Oakland, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, or other Bay Area job centers where the salaries justify the drive. That $132K median household income doesn't come from local retail or municipal jobs. It comes from tech, finance, healthcare, and professional services jobs in the broader Bay Area. When you're getting pre-approved, your lender cares that you've got stable Bay Area employment, not necessarily where you're buying the house.

  • Oakley Union Elementary School District
  • East Bay Municipal Utility District
  • City of Oakley
  • Raley's Supermarkets
  • Sutter Health
  • PG&E

Oakley Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Oakley 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 Oakley?

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 Oakley?

Typical Oakley 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 Oakley?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Oakley?

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

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

What are the loan limits in Oakley?

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

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Oakley?

For Oakley'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 Oakley. 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 Oakley?

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 Oakley?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Oakley. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Oakley?

Closing costs in Oakley 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 Oakley?

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 Oakley?

You have several low down payment options in Oakley: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Oakley 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 Oakley. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Oakley?

Closing costs in Oakley 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 Oakley?

Typical Oakley 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 Oakley?

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 Oakley?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Oakley?

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

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Oakley?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Oakley. 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 Oakley?

For Oakley'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 Oakley?

The 2026 FHA loan limit for Oakley (Contra Costa County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a moderate-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Oakley?

With Oakley's median home price at $675K, many properties are near or above the $1.25M conforming limit. Higher-priced homes will require jumbo financing.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Contra Costa County?

The 2026 Contra Costa County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.

Can I get a VA loan in Oakley?

Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Oakley with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Contra Costa 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.

How long does it take to get approved for a Oakley mortgage?

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.

What down payment do I need for a Oakley home?

Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 3-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Oakley's median price of $675K, typical down payments range from 5-10%.

What credit score do I need to buy in Oakley?

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.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

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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