Licensed California Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Loans in
Placer County
Placer County Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Trusted Expertise
40+ YEARS
California Experience

Licensed California mortgage broker with loan programs specialized to your unique situation. Purchase loans, refinancing, FHA, VA, jumbo, commercial, construction, down payment assistance, and more across every Placer community.

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Why Placer County Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Placer County, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase in Placer County

Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program for your Placer County purchase.

We as brokers shop hundreds of lenders for you. Banks offer their own limited products.

As mortgage specialists serving Placer County buyers across 6 cities, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Placer County offers strong value in California's housing market.

  • Most homes fit within standard conforming limits
  • Growing communities attract first-time and move-up buyers
  • Competitive rates available across loan programs

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Placer County

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

1-2 Days

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

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

2026 Loan Limits

Placer County Loan Limits

Loan Type 1-Unit 2-Unit 3-Unit 4-Unit
Conventional
$832,750 $833K $1,032,320 $1.03M $1,247,656 $1.25M $1,550,900 $1.55M
FHA
$832,750 $833K $1,032,320 $1.03M $1,247,656 $1.25M $1,550,900 $1.55M

Limits effective January 1, 2026. VA loans have no county limit for qualified veterans.

Placer County Market

Placer County Housing & Mortgage Market in 2026 Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Placer County's Sacramento Metro real estate market features $650K median pricing, accessible to working professionals, growing families, and established households earning solid middle to upper-middle household incomes. The appreciating market creating refinancing opportunities presents multiple financing pathways for prospective homebuyers in Placer County. With 72.5% homeownership, Placer County demonstrates strong residential stability and established mortgage performance.

Who's Buying in Placer County

Most Placer County properties fall within Placer County's $833K conforming loan limit, enabling conventional, FHA, and VA financing for buyers. Placer County offers diverse property price points across different neighborhoods, each requiring tailored financing approaches based on purchase price and buyer qualifications. Conventional buyers in Placer County commonly use 5-20% down payments, while FHA buyers access homeownership with 3.5% down, and VA-eligible buyers utilize zero-down benefits.

Your Loan Fit

Placer County residents work across diverse employment sectors including Healthcare (Sutter Health), Technology, Tourism (Lake Tahoe), with median household income of $98,000 supporting varied mortgage qualifications. Placer County mortgage applications reflect diverse income sources including W-2 wages, self-employment earnings, and bonus/commission income, with lenders evaluating 2-year income history and employment stability for qualification. Most Placer County buyers maintain manageable debt-to-income ratios below 43%, though FHA and VA programs allow up to 50-55% DTI for well-qualified borrowers with compensating factors like substantial reserves or excellent credit.

Down Payment & Refinance in Placer County

Placer County's loan mix includes conventional financing (5-20% down), FHA loans (3.5% down) for buyers with limited savings or credit rebuilding, and VA loans providing zero-down benefits for eligible veterans and service members. FHA accepts credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down), conventional programs approve borrowers at 620+, and our zero-down program works with scores of 640+, accommodating Placer County's diverse buyer qualifications. Our loan officers evaluate each Placer County buyer's unique situation to recommend the most advantageous loan program based on credit profile, down payment capacity, and long-term homeownership goals.

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Our team has originated mortgages throughout Placer County across all price ranges and neighborhoods, developing expertise in local property valuations, appraisal district boundaries, and lender appetites for different Placer County areas. Our Placer County expertise extends beyond rate quotes to include strategic advice on offer structure, appraisal contingencies, and seller expectations in competitive Placer County markets. This local knowledge enables us to pre-qualify buyers accurately, anticipate potential underwriting issues, and close loans efficiently in Placer County's unique real estate environment.

Placer County Calculators

Calculator with house model and coins representing mortgage calculations

Calculate your monthly payment, affordability, and closing costs with Placer County-specific property tax rates and loan limits. Get accurate estimates before you start shopping.

Placer County Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Placer County 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 Placer County?

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 Placer County?

Typical Placer County 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 Placer County?

Down payments in Placer County vary by loan type: Conventional (3-5% minimum), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for veterans). With $650K median pricing, most buyers put 5-20% down depending on whether they're avoiding PMI or maximizing cash reserves.

What is PMI and how can I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down, costing 0.5-1% of your loan annually. Ways to avoid: put 20% down, use an 80-10-10 piggyback loan, or choose lender-paid PMI. PMI automatically drops once you reach 20% equity.

What are the loan limits in Placer County?

2026 Placer County limits: FHA $832,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Placer County properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Will I need a jumbo loan or conforming loan in Placer County?

With Placer County's $650K median price and $832,750 Placer County limit, many properties fall right at the threshold. Homes under $832,750 use conforming loans (better rates, easier qualification). Above that requires jumbo financing. We analyze your target price range to recommend the best approach.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Placer County. 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 Placer County?

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.

Can I get approved if I'm self-employed or have 1099 income?

Yes. We offer multiple documentation paths for self-employed Placer County borrowers: bank statement loans (12-24 months deposits), P&L-only programs, and traditional tax return qualification. Our loan officers specialize in complex income situations.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Placer County?

Yes, first-time buyers represent about 35% of our Placer County transactions. We help you navigate loan options, explain the differences between FHA, conventional, and VA programs, and identify down payment assistance available in Placer County.

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 Placer 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 Placer County?

Closing costs in Placer County typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $650K 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.

Should I buy down my interest rate in Placer County?

Rate buydowns (paying points upfront for a lower rate) make sense if you'll keep the loan 5+ years. Each point (1% of loan amount) typically reduces your rate by 0.25%. We calculate your break-even point and whether buying down makes financial sense for your Placer County purchase.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Placer County?

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 Placer County?

Down payments in Placer County vary by loan type: Conventional (3-5% minimum), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for veterans). With $650K median pricing, most buyers put 5-20% down depending on whether they're avoiding PMI or maximizing cash reserves.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Placer County. 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 Placer 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 Placer County?

Closing costs in Placer County typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $650K 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 Placer County?

Typical Placer County 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 Placer County?

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 Placer County?

2026 Placer County limits: FHA $832,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Placer County properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Will I need a jumbo loan or conforming loan in Placer County?

With Placer County's $650K median price and $832,750 Placer County limit, many properties fall right at the threshold. Homes under $832,750 use conforming loans (better rates, easier qualification). Above that requires jumbo financing. We analyze your target price range to recommend the best approach.

Can I get approved if I'm self-employed or have 1099 income?

Yes. We offer multiple documentation paths for self-employed Placer County borrowers: bank statement loans (12-24 months deposits), P&L-only programs, and traditional tax return qualification. Our loan officers specialize in complex income situations.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Placer County?

Yes, first-time buyers represent about 35% of our Placer County transactions. We help you navigate loan options, explain the differences between FHA, conventional, and VA programs, and identify down payment assistance available in Placer County.

What is PMI and how can I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down, costing 0.5-1% of your loan annually. Ways to avoid: put 20% down, use an 80-10-10 piggyback loan, or choose lender-paid PMI. PMI automatically drops once you reach 20% equity.

Should I buy down my interest rate in Placer County?

Rate buydowns (paying points upfront for a lower rate) make sense if you'll keep the loan 5+ years. Each point (1% of loan amount) typically reduces your rate by 0.25%. We calculate your break-even point and whether buying down makes financial sense for your Placer County purchase.

What are the 2026 loan limits in Placer County?

Placer County is designated as a standard area. Conventional conforming loan limits are $807K for single-family homes, $1M for 2-unit properties, $1.2M for 3-unit properties, and $1.6M for 4-unit properties. FHA limits match these amounts.

Which cities in Placer County do you serve?

We serve all cities and communities throughout Placer County, California.

Do I need a jumbo loan to buy in Placer County?

Most properties in Placer County fall under the $807K conforming limit, allowing you to use conventional financing with better rates.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Placer County?

Several programs are available including CalHFA down payment assistance, local first-time buyer programs, and various grant programs. We'll help you identify all programs you qualify for based on your income and location.

About Placer County’s Housing Market

You’ll find most homes in Placer County priced between $575K and $650K, with places like Lincoln and Auburn at the lower end around $575K and Rocklin topping out near $650K. That’s still under the conforming loan limit of $807K, which means you won’t need a jumbo loan for most purchases here. Placer County isn’t designated as a high-cost area, so you’ll work with standard conforming limits rather than the elevated caps you’d see in the Bay Area or coastal markets. South Placer cities like Roseville and Rocklin run about $600K to $650K and they’ve grown fast with newer subdivisions and top-rated schools that attract families. Head up to the Auburn area and you’re looking at $575K in more established foothill communities with older homes and larger lots. And if you’re considering the North Lake Tahoe zone around Truckee or Tahoe City, that’s a completely different market with resort pricing well above these figures. The job market here stays steady because you’ve got major healthcare employers like Sutter Health, a growing tech sector, and constant tourism dollars flowing through Lake Tahoe. When people have stable work, they keep paying their mortgages, which is why this area doesn’t see the wild swings some markets do. That stability matters when you’re committing to a 30-year loan.

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