Mortgage broker serving Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Financing in Palo Alto's premium market demands lenders experienced with jumbo loans above $1.25M.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Palo Alto starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Luxury properties above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| 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 Palo Alto home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Palo Alto homes exceed the $1.25M limit. Jumbo financing is required for virtually all purchases here.
Palo Alto buyers can qualify using investment portfolios. Asset depletion converts holdings to qualifying income.
Self-employed Palo Alto buyers use bank deposits instead of tax returns. 12-24 months statements qualify.
Buy your next Palo Alto home before selling. Bridge loans cover the gap between properties.
International buyers purchase Palo Alto properties with foreign national loans. No US credit required.
Palo Alto tech buyers use RSUs and stock options to qualify. Equity compensation counts as income.
Palo Alto investors buy in LLC names. Asset protection with entity financing.
Palo Alto homeowners can access equity for investments. Cash-out refi up to 80% LTV on jumbo.
Refinance Palo Alto properties under $1.25M at conforming rates. Entry-level homes only.
HELOC access for Palo Alto homeowners. Flexible credit line against substantial equity.
Home equity loans for Palo Alto owners. Fixed-rate second mortgage against your equity.
VA IRRRL for Palo Alto veterans. Refinance existing VA loan with no appraisal needed.
Palo Alto investors can cash-out immediately after purchase. No seasoning required.
Palo Alto investment properties qualify on rental income alone. DSCR loans skip employment verification.
Palo Alto renovation projects get fix-and-flip financing. Short-term funding for major rehabs.
Multifamily financing for Palo Alto apartment buildings. 5+ unit commercial loans available.
Hard money for Palo Alto commercial deals. Fast funding when speed matters.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Palo Alto buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA assistance technically available but rarely used in Palo Alto's luxury market.
Family property transfers in Palo Alto use gift of equity. Seller gifts equity as down payment.
Parents can co-sign for Palo Alto purchases. Non-occupant co-borrower boosts qualifying income.
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
Palo Alto sits at the heart of Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County, population 67,901, with a median household income of $214,118. The homeownership rate is 56%, below California's average, because at $3.455M median home price, this is one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country. You're looking at jumbo loans as standard here, and most buyers need significant equity, stock compensation, or dual tech incomes to qualify. This isn't a market for conventional loan limits.
If schools drive your buying decision, Palo Alto delivers some of the highest-rated public schools in California. Palo Alto High and Gunn High both pull 9-10 ratings consistently, and Castilleja is a top-tier private option. Here's the thing: these school scores directly impact property values and resale potential. Families will stretch their budgets and accept higher mortgage payments to get into this district, which keeps demand intense and prices climbing. The school reputation also means homes here hold value better during market corrections compared to surrounding areas. When you're financing a $3M+ purchase, you want that stability.
Where you buy in Palo Alto determines whether you're looking at a $2.5M entry point or a $15M estate, and that spread matters for your financing strategy. Old Palo Alto runs $5M to $15M+, historic grand estates near Stanford that require jumbo loans well above standard limits and often all-cash competition. Professorville sits at $4M to $8M with Victorian and Craftsman homes, originally built for Stanford faculty, where you'll need substantial down payments to compete. Crescent Park offers tree-lined streets and upscale living at $4M to $10M, close to downtown shops and restaurants. Midtown is the relative bargain at $2.5M to $4.5M, family-friendly with mid-century homes, but even here you're financing well above conventional loan limits. Most lenders will want to see 20-30% down minimum, excellent credit, and proven income stability given these price points.
Palo Alto's location is a huge part of why prices stay this high. You've got 24 minutes to San Jose, 41 minutes to San Francisco, 43 minutes to Oakland via US-101 or I-280. Caltrain runs right through downtown with direct service to SF and San Jose, which matters if you're commuting to another tech hub. The Stanford Marguerite Shuttle and VTA buses add transit options. Real talk: the commute flexibility and central Bay Area location justify the mortgage payment for many buyers who work across multiple South Bay or Peninsula companies. When you're paying $15K-$20K monthly on a mortgage, that 20-minute commute versus an hour from Tracy or Gilroy actually pencils out.
Stanford University and Stanford Health Care anchor the local economy with thousands of stable jobs. But the bigger story is the concentration of tech headquarters: Hewlett Packard Enterprise, VMware, Palo Alto Networks are right here, with Tesla nearby. The proximity to venture capital firms on Sand Hill Road and countless startups means many buyers have stock compensation packages that help with down payments and qualifying income. Lenders here are used to evaluating RSUs, stock options, and bonus structures as part of your mortgage application. The job market stability and high incomes are exactly why banks will write $2M+ loans in Palo Alto when they wouldn't elsewhere. You need that income base to support these property values.
Common questions from Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Palo Alto buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Palo Alto properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Palo Alto'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 Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Palo Alto. 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 Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Palo Alto buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Palo Alto. 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 Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Palo Alto properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Palo Alto. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto'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 Palo Alto (Santa Clara County) is $1.21M 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. Palo Alto's median home price is $3.46M, 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 Santa Clara County loan limits are: FHA: $1.21M, 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 Palo Alto with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Santa Clara 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 Palo Alto's median price of $3.46M, 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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