Mortgage broker serving Point Arena, 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 Point Arena buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Point Arena offers solid value, but buyers still need strategic financing to compete effectively.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Point Arena 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 Point Arena home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Point Arena starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Point Arena 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 Point Arena 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 Point Arena 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 |
| 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
FHA is the go-to for Point Arena buyers with limited savings. 3.5% down, flexible credit.
Military families get zero down in Point Arena. VA loans are the best deal for eligible veterans.
Nearly all Point Arena homes qualify for conforming loans. Best rates available for qualified buyers.
Point Arena buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Self-employed Point Arena buyers can use bank statements. Deposits count when tax returns don't show full income.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Point Arena areas. Check rural designation by address.
Bridge loans available for Point Arena transitions. Finance new purchase before selling.
Entity purchase programs for Point Arena. LLC financing for investment properties.
Point Arena FHA homeowners use streamline refi. Fastest path to lower monthly payments.
Nearly all Point Arena refinances qualify as conforming. Competitive rates with quick approval.
Point Arena veteran homeowners use IRRRL. Easiest refinance option with no appraisal.
Cash-out refinance for Point Arena homeowners with equity. Access funds for any purpose.
Point Arena owners can add HELOC for equity access. Credit line for improvements or reserves.
Home equity loans for Point Arena homeowners. Lump sum with fixed monthly payments.
Point Arena rental properties qualify with DSCR. No personal income verification needed.
Point Arena renovation deals use fix-and-flip loans. Quick funding for rehab opportunities.
Hard money options for Point Arena commercial. Fast financing for competitive markets.
Apartment financing in Point Arena. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit investment properties.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Point Arena buyers with qualifying income.
Point Arena buyers should check CalHFA. Zero-interest second loans cover down payment.
Local DPA strong in Point Arena. City programs plus CalHFA can cover most down payment.
Grant programs for Point Arena first-time buyers. Elite grants don't require repayment.
USDA zero-down loans available for eligible Point Arena areas. Check rural designation by address.
Gift of equity for Point Arena family transactions. Reduced price creates instant equity.
Non-occupant co-borrower helps Point Arena buyers qualify. Add parent income to yours.
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
Point Arena sits on the Mendocino Coast where Highway 1 hugs the cliffs, about three hours north of [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca). Population is just 661, median household income $51,719. The homeownership rate here is 48.9%, below the California average, and that tells you something important. At $569K median home price, you're looking at a market where most buyers need serious down payments or alternative financing. This isn't a commuter town. It's a place people move to for the lifestyle, not the job market.
Arena Union Elementary and Point Arena High serve the small local population, and with only 661 people in town, class sizes stay tiny. The district doesn't have the resources or enrollment of larger coastal towns, but some buyers see that as a feature, not a bug. If you're moving here with kids, you're prioritizing a different kind of education experience. The small-town school setup means your property taxes stay relatively low compared to districts with major bond obligations. But here's the thing: limited school infrastructure also means fewer young families competing for homes, which keeps the market from heating up like it does in places with top-rated districts.
With a town this small, you're really choosing between two main areas, both hitting that $569K median. Downtown Point Arena along Highway 1 gives you walkable access to Main Street businesses and services. Conventional loans work fine here if you've got 20% down, but at $569K on a $51K income, most local buyers can't qualify without help from a partner's income or family money. Arena Cove near the harbor and pier attracts buyers drawn to the maritime history and coastal access. You'll see more cash buyers and retirees in this market than first-timers with FHA loans. The price point relative to local incomes means a lot of properties get picked up by people cashing out equity from the Bay Area or other high-cost markets.
The commute to San Francisco runs about 185 minutes one way on Highway 1, which is basically impossible for daily work. LA is over eight hours. Real talk: if you need to commute regularly to a major city for employment, Point Arena won't work for your mortgage math. You can't sustain a $569K mortgage payment on remote work income alone unless you're well above that $51K median. Most buyers here either work locally in tourism, fishing, or education, or they're retired and not depending on earned income. The isolation is exactly what keeps prices from climbing higher, but it also limits your financing options if a lender wants to see stable local employment.
The Arena Union School District is the most stable employer, along with the Point Arena Lighthouse and various hospitality businesses serving tourists. The Point Arena-Stornetta Unit managed by BLM provides some federal jobs. Local fishing industry still exists but it's a shadow of what it was decades ago. The job market here won't support aggressive mortgage underwriting unless you're bringing income from elsewhere. Most buyers either have remote work locked in, run their own businesses, or they're purchasing as a second home or retirement property. Lenders will want to see two years of documented remote income or significant reserves if you're financing in this market.
Common questions from Point Arena 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 Point Arena 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 Point Arena: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Point Arena buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Point Arena 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 Point Arena 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 Point Arena families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Mendocino County limits: FHA $546,250, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Point Arena properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Point Arena'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 Point Arena. 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 Point Arena. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Mendocino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Point Arena. 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 Mendocino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Point Arena 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 Point Arena: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Point Arena buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Point Arena. 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 Mendocino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Point Arena 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 Point Arena 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 Mendocino County limits: FHA $546,250, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Point Arena properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Point Arena 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 Point Arena 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 Point Arena families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Point Arena. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Mendocino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Point Arena. 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 Point Arena'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 Point Arena is $546,000 for 2026, which covers most homes in this coastal Mendocino County community. With median home prices around $569,000, FHA loans are extremely popular here and work well for the majority of available properties. You'll only need to consider other options if you're looking at homes above $546,000.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Point Arena homes since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median price is $569,000. The vast majority of properties here fall well within conventional and FHA limits. Jumbo loans are only necessary for rare luxury or waterfront properties priced above $833,000.
Mendocino County's 2026 loan limits are $546,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional conforming and VA loans. These limits are generous for Point Arena's market, where typical homes range from $450,000 to $600,000. Most buyers here can access competitive rates without needing jumbo financing.
Yes, VA loans are an excellent option in Point Arena with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers virtually all homes in the area. Veterans and active military can buy with $0 down and no mortgage insurance, making homeownership very accessible in this affordable coastal market. The VA loan limit here is more than sufficient for the $569,000 median home price.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Point Arena, making coastal homeownership immediately accessible. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, plus Mendocino County may offer local first. time buyer grants. Many Point Arena buyers successfully stack multiple assistance programs to minimize upfront costs.
You can buy a Point Arena home with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan (about $20,000 on a $569,000 home) or 3% down with Conventional 97 (around $17,000). VA. eligible buyers and those using our No Money Down program can purchase with $0 down. Down payment assistance programs are widely available here and can cover most or all of your upfront costs.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Point Arena with a credit score as low as 580, and some lenders accept scores down to 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum score, while VA loans are often approved with scores around 580. 600. Point Arena's affordable market makes it realistic for credit rebuilders and first. time buyers to qualify.
Choose a lender experienced with Point Arena's affordable market who can navigate FHA loans, down payment assistance programs, and the unique aspects of coastal Mendocino County properties. Look for someone who can explain how to stack DPA programs and who understands the needs of first. time buyers and credit rebuilders. Local expertise matters since Point Arena homes often have septic systems, wells, and rural characteristics that require knowledgeable underwriting.
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