Mortgage broker serving Petaluma, 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 Petaluma buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Petaluma buyers navigate properties near the $897K conforming limit, where loan structure impacts rates significantly.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Petaluma 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 Petaluma home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Petaluma starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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 |
| 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
Standard option for Petaluma buyers. Most homes under $897K with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Petaluma. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Petaluma veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Petaluma business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Petaluma. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Petaluma homes over $897K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Petaluma sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Petaluma investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Petaluma homeowners. Best rates for loans under $897K.
FHA streamline refinance for Petaluma. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Petaluma veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Petaluma home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Petaluma homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Petaluma owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Petaluma investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Petaluma projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Petaluma investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Petaluma investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Petaluma buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Petaluma. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Petaluma has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Petaluma buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Petaluma family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Petaluma 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
Petaluma sits in southern Sonoma County, about 40 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 59,682, median household income $108,527. The homeownership rate here is 62.9%, which is solid for the Bay Area where renting dominates most markets. At $844K median home price, this isn't cheap, but you're getting North Bay quality of life without the full Marin County price tag. For a household pulling in that six-figure income, a conventional loan on an $844K property is doable with 10-20% down, especially if you've got dual incomes.
If you're buying with kids in mind, Petaluma's got two comprehensive high schools that serve different parts of town. Petaluma High and Casa Grande High both anchor their neighborhoods, and families tend to pick their home based on which school zone they prefer. Kenilworth Junior High and Petaluma Junior High feed into these schools. The district is stable and well-funded, which matters when you're thinking about your property holding value over a 10 or 15-year timeline. That higher household income in town means the tax base supports the schools, and buyers with families will compete for homes in the better attendance zones.
The median sits right around $844K across the main areas, but what you get for that money varies. Historic Downtown puts you in walking distance to the Petaluma River, Victorian architecture, restaurants, and Theater Square. You're paying for location and character here, often older homes that might need work, but the walkability and charm hold value. West Petaluma covers the area west of Highway 101 with newer developments and easier access to shopping. Families like this side for the newer construction and yard space. East Petaluma sits across the river and 101, mixing residential blocks with commercial areas. All three zones run similar prices, so your loan structure will be pretty standard conventional with 10-20% down. Jumbo loans kick in above $806,500 in Sonoma County, so depending on the exact property, you might be just over that line.
The commute to San Francisco runs about 55 minutes on Highway 101 south, Oakland is 48 minutes, San Jose is 92 minutes, and Palo Alto sits around 85 minutes. Those times assume no traffic, which is optimistic for Bay Area reality. Here's the thing: Petaluma works best if you're not doing the daily grind into SF or Silicon Valley five days a week. Remote workers, hybrid schedules, or people with jobs in the North Bay get the most value here. You're trading some commute pain for more space and a slower pace than you'd find in San Francisco or the Peninsula. Local transit exists but most people drive.
Petaluma City Schools is the largest employer, which gives the area that public sector stability. Petaluma Valley Hospital provides healthcare jobs, Amy's Kitchen runs a major facility here in the organic food space, and the City of Petaluma itself employs a good number of residents. The job mix is more diverse than a typical bedroom community, so you've got people who live and work here, not just commuters. That local employment base helps during economic downturns because the housing market isn't entirely dependent on Bay Area tech money. If you're buying here, you're either working locally, commuting to another North Bay city, or doing the longer haul to San Francisco or the Peninsula with a hybrid schedule that makes it tolerable.
Common questions from Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Petaluma buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Petaluma properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Petaluma'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 Petaluma. 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 Petaluma. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sonoma County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Petaluma. 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 Sonoma County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Petaluma 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 Petaluma: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Petaluma buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Petaluma. 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 Sonoma County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Petaluma properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Petaluma 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 Petaluma 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 Petaluma families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Petaluma. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sonoma County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Petaluma. 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 Petaluma'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 Petaluma is $897,000 for 2025, which covers most homes in the area since the median price is $844,000. This higher limit makes FHA loans a strong option for first. time buyers and those with smaller down payments in Sonoma County. You'll need just 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher to qualify.
Most Petaluma buyers don't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $897,000 and the median home price is $844,000. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $897,000, which represents the higher end of the local market. Staying within conforming limits typically means better rates and more flexible qualification requirements.
For 2025, Sonoma County's loan limits are $897,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and often adjust based on home price trends. These limits apply to all of Sonoma County, including Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Santa Rosa.
Yes, VA loans are excellent options in Petaluma with a loan limit of $897,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. Since this covers the $844,000 median home price and most properties in the area, you can buy with $0 down and no mortgage insurance. VA loans are highly competitive here and often offer the lowest rates available.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Petaluma. Additionally, CalHFA provides down payment assistance grants and deferred. payment junior loans, while Sonoma County offers programs specifically for first. time buyers and moderate. income households. These programs can be combined with FHA, conventional, or VA loans depending on your situation.
Down payment requirements in Petaluma vary by loan type: 3.5% for FHA ($29,540 on the median $844,000 home), 3% for conventional first. time buyer programs, or $0 for VA and USDA loans. With the median home around $844,000, most buyers put down between $25,000 and $170,000 depending on their loan program and financial situation.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Petaluma with a credit score as low as 580, while conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. For the best rates on Petaluma's median $844,000 home, aim for 680 or above. VA loans are often more flexible with credit scores, and many lenders can work with scores in the 600s.
Look for a lender experienced with Petaluma's $600K. $900K market who can explain your options across FHA, conventional, and VA loans. Compare rates and fees from multiple lenders, but also consider responsiveness and local market knowledge since Sonoma County has specific programs and requirements. The right lender should help you navigate down payment assistance options and close on time in this balanced market.
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your Petaluma mortgage options.
We respond within 24 hours
