Mortgage broker serving Piedmont, 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 Piedmont buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Financing in Piedmont'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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Piedmont starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
With Piedmont's $2.5M median, most buyers need jumbo loans above $1.25M. Rates now competitive with conforming.
Business owners in Piedmont qualify on bank deposits. Write-offs hurt tax returns but deposits tell the real story.
Wealthy Piedmont buyers use portfolio value instead of employment. Asset depletion works for retirees and investors.
Some Piedmont condos and smaller homes under $1.25M get conforming rates. Most properties need jumbo.
Piedmont veterans get zero down with no loan limit. Best benefit for luxury purchases.
Piedmont buyers use bridge loans to avoid contingent offers. Buy first, sell later.
LLC purchases for Piedmont investment properties. Buy in entity name for liability protection.
Pull equity from your Piedmont home. Cash-out refinance for investments, renovations, or debt payoff.
Conforming refi for Piedmont properties under the limit. Most will need jumbo refinancing.
Piedmont owners tap equity with HELOC. Draw funds as needed, pay interest only on balance.
Fixed home equity loans in Piedmont. Lump sum with predictable payments.
Piedmont veterans use VA IRRRL to lower rates. Streamlined process with minimal documentation.
No seasoning cash-out for Piedmont properties. Access equity right after closing.
DSCR loans for Piedmont investors. Qualify based on property cash flow, not personal income.
Fix-and-flip loans for Piedmont investors. Finance purchase plus renovation costs.
Piedmont apartment investors use multifamily loans. Commercial financing for 5+ units.
Piedmont commercial investors use hard money. Quick closing for time-sensitive deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Piedmont buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA down payment help available for Piedmont first-time buyers. Income limits may restrict use.
Gift of equity for Piedmont family sales. Equity counts as down payment in related transactions.
Piedmont buyers can add parent as co-borrower. Combined income qualifies for higher amount.
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
Piedmont is a tiny 1.7-square-mile city completely surrounded by Oakland, about 13 minutes from downtown Oakland and 24 from San Francisco. Population is 10,816, median household income $250,000. The homeownership rate here is 90%, one of the highest in California, and the median home price sits at $2.5M. This isn't a starter home market. You're looking at jumbo loans, significant down payments, and buyers who typically have substantial equity from previous properties or serious tech/finance income.
Here's the thing about Piedmont: people move here specifically for the schools, and they pay a premium to do it. Piedmont High consistently ranks as one of the top public high schools in the state, and the elementary and middle schools all score 9s and 10s on most rating systems. When you're financing a $2.5M purchase, a big part of what you're buying is access to this school district without private school tuition. That calculation matters when you're deciding between Piedmont and nearby areas like Montclair or Rockridge where you might pay $1.5M but then add $40K per year per kid for private school. The schools are why resale values stay rock solid here even when other markets dip.
Where you buy in Piedmont determines whether you need a $1M down payment or a $2M one. Piedmont Estates runs $3M to $8M+, grand historic properties on large lots with Bay views, and you're looking at jumbo loans well above conforming limits with 20-30% down to get decent rates. Central Piedmont sits $2M to $4M, classic homes within walking distance of Piedmont Avenue shops, still jumbo territory but the sweet spot for families trading up from elsewhere in the Bay. Lower Piedmont near the Oakland border is your entry point at $1.5M to $2.5M, and even that requires serious income to qualify. Most lenders want to see $400K+ annual income for these price points, and you'll need excellent credit to get approved.
The commute situation is what makes Piedmont work for high earners. You're 13 minutes to downtown Oakland, 24 to San Francisco, 47 to Palo Alto, 54 to San Jose. I-580, CA-13, and CA-24 all run nearby, and BART stations at Rockridge and MacArthur are a short drive. If you're pulling down tech salary in the South Bay or finance money in SF, that commute is manageable enough that you can justify the Piedmont premium for the schools and community. AC Transit covers local routes, but real talk, most households here are two-car families driving to work. The location lets you access the entire Bay Area job market while your kids stay in one of the state's best school districts.
Piedmont itself doesn't have major employers beyond the school district and city government. That's kind of the point. This is a residential enclave where people live but don't work. Your neighbors are commuting to tech jobs in SF or the South Bay, working in Oakland's downtown or medical centers, running their own businesses, or they've already made their money and semi-retired. The economic stability here comes from high household incomes and property values that hold steady because of the schools. When you're underwriting a $2M+ mortgage, your lender cares that you've got income stability and that the property will hold value. Piedmont delivers both, which is why jumbo loan approval rates here are solid despite the high prices.
Common questions from Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Piedmont buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Alameda County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Piedmont properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Piedmont'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 Piedmont. 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 Piedmont. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Alameda County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Piedmont. 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 Alameda County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Piedmont 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 Piedmont: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Piedmont buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Piedmont. 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 Alameda County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Alameda County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Piedmont properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Piedmont 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 Piedmont 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 Piedmont families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Piedmont. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Alameda County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Piedmont. 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 Piedmont'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 Piedmont (Alameda County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a undefined 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. Piedmont's median home price is $2.5M, 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 Alameda County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Piedmont with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Alameda 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 Piedmont's median price of $2.5M, 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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