Mortgage broker serving Palm Desert, 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 Palm Desert buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Palm Desert buyers benefit from comparing multiple loan options to find the best fit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Palm Desert starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert buyers with limited savings. 3.5% down, flexible credit.
Military families get zero down in Palm Desert. VA loans are the best deal for eligible veterans.
Nearly all Palm Desert homes qualify for conforming loans. Best rates available for qualified buyers.
Palm Desert buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Self-employed Palm Desert buyers can use bank statements. Deposits count when tax returns don't show full income.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Palm Desert areas. Check rural designation by address.
Bridge loans available for Palm Desert transitions. Finance new purchase before selling.
Entity purchase programs for Palm Desert. LLC financing for investment properties.
Palm Desert FHA homeowners use streamline refi. Fastest path to lower monthly payments.
Nearly all Palm Desert refinances qualify as conforming. Competitive rates with quick approval.
Palm Desert veteran homeowners use IRRRL. Easiest refinance option with no appraisal.
Cash-out refinance for Palm Desert homeowners with equity. Access funds for any purpose.
Palm Desert owners can add HELOC for equity access. Credit line for improvements or reserves.
Home equity loans for Palm Desert homeowners. Lump sum with fixed monthly payments.
Palm Desert rental properties qualify with DSCR. No personal income verification needed.
Palm Desert renovation deals use fix-and-flip loans. Quick funding for rehab opportunities.
Hard money options for Palm Desert commercial. Fast financing for competitive markets.
Apartment financing in Palm Desert. 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 Palm Desert buyers with qualifying income.
Palm Desert buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Local DPA strong in Palm Desert. City programs plus CalHFA can cover most down payment.
Grant programs for Palm Desert first-time buyers. Elite grants don't require repayment.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Palm Desert areas. Check rural designation by address.
Gift of equity for Palm Desert family transactions. Reduced price creates instant equity.
Non-occupant co-borrower helps Palm Desert 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
Palm Desert sits in the Coachella Valley about 125 miles east of LA and 15 miles from Palm Springs. Population is 51,290, median household income $75,691. The homeownership rate here is 66%, right in line with California's ownership culture, and the median home price of $532,500 puts you squarely in conventional loan territory. This is a desert resort city where retirees and second-home buyers drive a lot of the market, which means competition can be stiff but properties tend to hold value well.
If you're buying with school-age kids, you're in the minority here but the options are decent. Palm Desert High pulls solid ratings and serves the area's year-round families. Xavier College Preparatory offers a private option if that's your preference. College of the Desert is right in town, which matters if you've got older kids or you're thinking about community college as a stepping stone. The thing is, Palm Desert skews older and wealthier, so you won't find the same family-focused subdivisions you'd see in Temecula or Murrieta. But that also means less competition from families when you're bidding, and schools aren't as crowded.
Where you buy here is all about lifestyle and what you can put down. Indian Ridge Country Club runs around $533K for country club living with golf access and HOA fees that'll add to your monthly housing cost beyond the mortgage. Palm Desert Country Club hits that same price point, more established homes, similar country club setup. Bighorn Golf Club also starts at $533K but that's really the floor. Properties there can run well into seven figures depending on size and location in the foothills. Most buyers in these communities use conventional loans with 20% down, though you'll see jumbo financing on the higher end. The HOA dues in these golf communities can run $300-$600 monthly, so factor that into your debt-to-income ratio when you're getting pre-approved.
The commute to LA is 125 minutes on I-10, which basically means you're not commuting to LA for work. This is a destination city, not a bedroom community. Most people who buy here either work locally, work remotely, or they're retired. Highway 111 runs through town and connects you to the rest of the valley. Palm Springs International Airport is 20 minutes away, which matters if you travel for work or you're a snowbird splitting time between here and somewhere else. The isolation is part of what keeps Palm Desert feeling like a resort town, but it also means your job situation needs to make sense before you buy.
The local economy runs on healthcare, education, hospitality, and municipal services. Desert Regional Medical Center and Eisenhower Health are major employers with stable healthcare jobs. Desert Sands Unified School District and College of the Desert provide public sector employment. The City of Palm Desert itself hires locally for municipal roles. Real talk, a lot of residents here aren't working traditional jobs anymore. The median income of $75,691 includes retirees living on pensions and investments. If you're buying as a working professional, healthcare and education are your best bets for local employment that'll support a $530K mortgage.
Common questions from Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Palm Desert buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Riverside County limits: FHA $690,000, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Palm Desert properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Palm Desert'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 Palm Desert. 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 Palm Desert. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Riverside County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Palm Desert. 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 Riverside County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Palm Desert buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Palm Desert. 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 Riverside County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Riverside County limits: FHA $690,000, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Palm Desert properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert 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 Palm Desert families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Palm Desert. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Riverside County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Palm Desert. 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 Palm Desert'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 Palm Desert is $690,000 for 2026, which comfortably covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $533,000. This makes FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers and those with smaller down payments, as you'll only need 3.5% down and can qualify with a credit score as low as 580.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Palm Desert homes since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $533,000. The vast majority of properties in the $450K. $600K range qualify for conventional, FHA, or VA financing with better rates and terms than jumbo loans.
For 2026 in Riverside County, the conforming loan limit is $833,000, the FHA limit is $690,000, and the VA loan limit is $833,000. These limits are well above Palm Desert's median home price of $533,000, giving buyers plenty of financing options.
Yes, VA loans are an excellent option in Palm Desert with a loan limit of $833,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. With most homes priced between $450K. $600K, you can buy with $0 down, no PMI, and competitive interest rates if you qualify.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible in Palm Desert's affordable market. You can also explore CalHFA programs offering down payment and closing cost assistance, plus Riverside County's MyHome Assistance Program which provides deferred. payment junior loans that can be stacked with other programs for maximum benefit.
You can buy a Palm Desert home with as little as 0% down using VA loans or our No Money Down program, 3.5% down with FHA (about $18,655 on a $533K home), or 3% down with Conventional 97 loans. With the median home around $533K, many first. time buyers use FHA or down payment assistance to minimize their upfront costs.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Palm Desert with a credit score as low as 580, which is perfect for first. time buyers and credit rebuilders in this affordable market. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum, while VA loans are more flexible and often approve scores in the 580. 620 range depending on the lender.
Choose a lender experienced with Palm Desert's market who can navigate FHA, VA, and down payment assistance programs that are popular in the $450K. $600K price range. Look for someone who offers multiple loan options, can explain how to stack DPA programs, and provides clear communication throughout the process since first. time buyers make up a large portion of this market.
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