Mortgage Loans in
Placerville, California
Placerville Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Historic American Buildings Survey Wells Fargo Bank Historical Museum, S.F. LOOKING EAST ABOUT 1860'S - Main Street (Commercial Buildings), Placerville, El Dorado County, CA HABS CAL,9-PLACVI,15-1.tif

Mortgage broker serving Placerville, 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.

Why Placerville Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

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 Placerville buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Placerville's market offers opportunity for buyers who understand their financing options.

  • Historic Downtown and Cedar Ravine homes at $447K fit comfortably under the $833K conforming limit, allowing conventional financing with just 3% down.
  • Government employees and healthcare workers need lenders who can average overtime and shift differentials over 12-24 months for accurate qualification.
  • Wildfire zones in El Dorado County require FAIR Plan insurance as backup, adding significant costs when standard carriers won't cover.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Placerville

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Placerville, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Placerville sits in that sweet spot where California homeownership still feels possible. The median home price is $447K, and it hasn't budged in the past year. No wild appreciation, no scary drops. Just stable. You're also working with a conforming loan limit of $833K, so almost everything here qualifies for conventional financing without jumping into jumbo territory. That matters because you'll get better rates and more lender options. The small-town vibe means you might even qualify for USDA financing in certain areas if you meet income requirements. Basically, this is one of the more approachable markets left in Northern California if you're trying to stop throwing rent money away.

Who's Buying in Placerville

First-time buyers and families relocating from pricier areas dominate here. Median household income is $68,640, so most people buying at $447K are stretching a bit or bringing equity from a previous sale. The homeownership rate sits at 62.3%, so this isn't some investor-heavy rental market. People actually live in the homes they buy. You'll also see retirees cashing out of expensive Bay Area properties and downsizing into something they can own outright or with a small mortgage. Budget-conscious families who work remotely or commute to Sacramento are finding value here compared to what they'd pay closer to the city. Real talk, you don't need to be rich to buy in Placerville, but you do need a plan.

Your Loan Fit

FHA loans are huge here because 3.5% down gets you in the game without draining your savings. Conventional works if you've got 5% or more and decent credit. VA buyers have a massive advantage since you can go zero down and skip PMI entirely. Here's what actually makes sense at this price point:
  • FHA with 3.5% down if you're a first-timer with limited savings but solid income
  • Conventional at 5-10% down if your credit is 680+ and you want lower mortgage insurance
  • VA if you're eligible, period. Don't overthink it.
  • USDA in eligible zones outside city limits for zero down without military service
  • Down payment assistance programs stack with FHA or conventional to cover most or all of your upfront costs
Don't assume FHA is your only option just because you're not putting 20% down. Run the numbers on conventional too. Sometimes the monthly cost is nearly identical, and conventional PMI drops off easier.

Down Payment & Refinance in Placerville

Already own here? Refinancing makes sense if rates dropped since you bought or if you want to pull cash out for renovations. Tons of homes in Placerville are older and need updates, so cash-out refis are pretty common for kitchen and bath remodels. If you bought with FHA and you're sitting at 20% equity now, refinance into conventional and ditch that mortgage insurance. It's costing you $200-300 a month for nothing. Rate-and-term refis work if you can shave half a point or more off your current rate. And if you're an investor with rental properties here, DSCR loans let you refinance based on the property's income instead of your personal finances. Just don't refi for the sake of it. Make sure the break-even point actually makes sense.

Get Started

Let's talk actual dollars. FHA at 3.5% down means you need about $15,645 to cover the down payment on a $447K home. Conventional at 5% is $22,350. That's the difference between doable and tough for a lot of buyers. Most people cobble it together from savings, gift funds from family, or seller credits negotiated during the offer. If you sold a condo in the Bay Area, you've probably got way more than you need. If you're coming from renting, it's harder but not impossible. We also offer our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement, so you can keep your savings for closing costs, moving expenses, and the inevitable repairs that pop up after you close. Don't let the down payment be the thing that stops you from looking. There are more options than you think.

Local Placerville Expertise

Start by figuring out what you actually qualify for instead of guessing. Schedule a free call with us and we'll run your numbers in about 15 minutes. You'll know your buying power, what loan programs fit your situation, and what your monthly payment looks like before you waste time looking at houses you can't afford or undershoot what you could actually buy. Our team knows Placerville and El Dorado County inside out. We've closed hundreds of loans here and we know which programs work and which ones are a waste of time. Get preapproved before you start touring homes. Sellers here want to see you're serious, and in a stable market like this, the prepared buyers win.

Popular Placerville Neighborhoods

Historic Downtown • Cedar Ravine

Zip Codes We Serve

95667

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

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

Loan Programs

Placerville Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Placerville homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Placerville Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Placerville

FHA Loans

FHA dominates Placerville purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA is a strong option for Placerville. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

VA Loans

Veterans buy Placerville homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.

Usda Loans

Many Placerville properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.

Conforming Loans

All Placerville properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.

Local Dpa Programs

Placerville local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.

Bridge Loans

Bridge financing for Placerville homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing available in Placerville. Investors can purchase in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Placerville

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline dominates Placerville refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.

VA Loans Refinance

VA IRRRL is the best refi for Placerville veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.

Usda Loans Refinance

Many Placerville homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.

Conforming Refinance

Every Placerville refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.

Cash Out Refinance

Placerville owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.

Home Equity Refinance

Fixed home equity loan option in Placerville. Predictable payments for major expenses.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Placerville

DSCR Loans

DSCR financing for Placerville investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip financing for Placerville investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Commercial hard money in Placerville. Quick funding when timing is critical.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily loans available for Placerville apartment investors. Commercial financing options.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Placerville

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Placerville buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA is a strong option for Placerville. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.

Local Down Payment Programs

Placerville local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grants provide Placerville down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.

USDA Zero Down Loans

Many Placerville properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.

Gift of Equity

Family property transfers in Placerville benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Placerville first-time buyers often use co-borrowers. Family help for 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

Why Placerville is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Placerville sits in the Sierra foothills about 44 minutes east of Sacramento. Population is 10,744, median household income $68,640. The homeownership rate here is 62.3%, which tells you people commit when they buy in this area. At $447K median home price, you're paying more than the Central Valley but less than Sacramento proper, and you're getting actual Gold Rush history and mountain access. For a household pulling in $70K, you'll need to get creative with down payment assistance or consider FHA to make the numbers work, but it's doable.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you've got kids, you're looking at El Dorado High School, Markham Middle School, and Sierra Ridge Middle School as your main options. The El Dorado Union High School District is actually one of the major employers here, which means the community invests in education and those jobs provide stability. School quality matters for resale value down the road, and buyers with families tend to research the district before they even look at houses. The 62.3% homeownership rate means your neighbors are mostly owners, not renters, which typically translates to more stable neighborhoods. When you're financing a $447K home, knowing the schools won't tank your property value in five years matters.

  • El Dorado High School
  • Markham Middle School
  • Sierra Ridge Middle School

The Neighborhood Feel

Historic Downtown centers on Main Street with actual Gold Rush era buildings, not replicas. You're looking at $447K for properties here, mix of older homes with character and some updated places. The historic designation can affect what renovations you can do, which matters if you're planning to buy a fixer and use a renovation loan. Cedar Ravine runs around the same price point with a mix of housing types, more standard suburban feel. Both areas work fine with conventional loans if you've got the 20% down, but FHA is common here for buyers who want in without waiting years to save up. The small town size means inventory moves fast when it's priced right.

  • Historic Downtown
  • Cedar Ravine

Getting Around

The commute to Sacramento runs 44 minutes, Roseville about 48 minutes. That's the trade you're making for mountain living and historic charm. There's local transit available, but real talk, most people drive. If you work in Sacramento and can handle the commute, you're getting more house and better weather than you'd find in Rancho Cordova or Citrus Heights at the same price point. If you're remote or work locally, you're in good shape. The drive keeps prices from hitting Sacramento levels, which is the only reason a $68K household income can still qualify here.

Jobs & Economy

El Dorado County government is the biggest employer, followed by Marshall Medical Center and the El Dorado Union High School District. Safeway and other retail businesses round out the mix. The job base is public sector heavy, which means steady paychecks and decent benefits, both good signs for mortgage lenders. Healthcare and education jobs don't disappear overnight, so the local economy stays relatively stable even when things get rocky elsewhere. Most buyers here either work for one of these employers or commute to Sacramento for higher paying jobs. The income mix means you'll see everything from FHA to conventional to the occasional jumbo for higher earners buying second homes or retirement properties.

  • El Dorado County
  • Marshall Medical Center
  • El Dorado Union High School District
  • Safeway/retail businesses

Placerville Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Placerville 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 Placerville?

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 Placerville?

Typical Placerville 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 Placerville?

You have several low down payment options in Placerville: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Placerville buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Placerville?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Placerville 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.

Can I buy a home in Placerville with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Placerville 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 Placerville families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Placerville?

2026 El Dorado County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Placerville properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Placerville?

For Placerville'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.

What if I was denied by another lender?

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

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Placerville?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Placerville. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in El Dorado County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Placerville. 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.

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 El Dorado 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 Placerville?

Closing costs in Placerville 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.

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

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 Placerville?

You have several low down payment options in Placerville: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Placerville buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Placerville. 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 El Dorado 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 Placerville?

Closing costs in Placerville 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.

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 Placerville?

Typical Placerville 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 Placerville?

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 Placerville?

2026 El Dorado County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Placerville properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Placerville?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Placerville 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.

Can I buy a home in Placerville with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Placerville 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 Placerville families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Placerville?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Placerville. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in El Dorado County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Placerville. 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.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Placerville?

For Placerville'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.

What is the FHA loan limit in Placerville?

The FHA loan limit in Placerville is $765,000 for 2025. This is well above the median home price of $447,000, so FHA loans work great for most homes in the area. You'll only need a 3.5% down payment with a credit score as low as 580.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Placerville?

No, you won't need a jumbo loan for most Placerville homes. With the conforming loan limit at $833,000 and most homes priced between $300K and $450K, standard FHA, conventional, and VA loans will cover your purchase. Jumbo loans are only necessary if you're buying above $833,000, which is rare in this market.

What are the 2026 loan limits for El Dorado County?

For 2025, El Dorado County loan limits are $765,000 for FHA, $833,000 for VA, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits typically adjust annually in January, so 2026 limits will be announced in late 2025. The current limits comfortably cover Placerville's median home price of $447,000.

Can I get a VA loan in Placerville?

Yes, VA loans are available in Placerville with a loan limit of $833,000. If you're a qualified veteran or active military, you can buy with $0 down and no mortgage insurance, which is a huge advantage in this market. VA loans are one of the best options for eligible buyers in the $300K to $450K price range.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Placerville?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Placerville. CalHFA programs are also popular here, offering down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time buyers, and some areas may qualify for USDA loans with zero down. El Dorado County may have additional local programs to help with your purchase.

What down payment do I need for a Placerville home?

You can buy a Placerville home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan, which means about $15,600 on a $447,000 home. VA and USDA loans offer $0 down for eligible buyers, and our No Money Down program can help qualified buyers purchase without any down payment. Conventional loans typically require 3% to 5% down for first. time buyers.

What credit score do I need to buy in Placerville?

You can qualify for an FHA loan in Placerville with a credit score as low as 580, making homeownership accessible for many first. time buyers. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum, while VA loans are often approved with scores around 580 to 620. If your score needs work, many lenders offer guidance to help you improve it before applying.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a Placerville lender who understands the local market and has experience with FHA loans and down payment assistance programs that are crucial in this price range. Ask about their rates, fees, and familiarity with CalHFA and local DPA options. A good lender will explain all your options clearly and help you navigate programs that make homeownership possible with limited savings.

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