Mortgage broker serving Redwood City, 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 Redwood City buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Financing in Redwood City'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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Redwood City starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Redwood City prices often exceed $1.25M. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.
Properties under $1.25M get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in Redwood City.
Self-employed? Redwood City bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Redwood City properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Redwood City buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Redwood City buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Redwood City moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Redwood City investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Redwood City loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Redwood City home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Redwood City homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Redwood City veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Redwood City home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Redwood City homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Redwood City can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Redwood City rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Redwood City apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Redwood City commercial. Fast approval when banks are too slow.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Redwood City buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Redwood City first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Redwood City family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Redwood City. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Redwood City city programs for additional DPA. May stack with CalHFA for more help.
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
Redwood City sits right in the heart of Silicon Valley, population 83,077, with a median household income of $145,620. The homeownership rate here is 47.6%, well below the state average, and the $1.98M median home price tells you why. This isn't a market where your average Bay Area tech worker can easily qualify solo. You're looking at needing roughly $400K down for a conventional loan and an income north of $500K to comfortably carry the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance. But here's the thing: if you can swing it, you're buying into one of the most job-rich corridors in the country with access to SF, San Jose, and the entire Peninsula.
The school situation here is actually a big part of what keeps property values stable even when the market softens. Sequoia High, Woodside High, and Carlmont High all serve different parts of the city, and Design Tech High offers a newer option focused on STEM. Families who buy here tend to stay through the school years, which matters when you're thinking about resale. The truth is, school quality drives a premium in the Bay Area, and lenders know it. Properties in good school zones appraise better and sell faster, which can affect your loan-to-value ratio if you're putting down less than 20%. If you've got kids or plan to, factor in that most buyers in this price range are looking at the same thing.
Where you buy in Redwood City doesn't change the price much since everything hovers around $2M, but it does change your lifestyle and what kind of property you get. Downtown Redwood City puts you near Courthouse Square, the Caltrain station, restaurants, and the Fox Theatre. You're trading yard space for walkability and transit access, and most buyers here use conventional jumbos since you're well over the conforming loan limit. Emerald Hills sits up in the eastern hills near Edgewood Park with more land and views, same price point, same loan products. Redwood Shores is the planned waterfront community along the Bay with Oracle headquarters right there. Lots of tech employees buy in Redwood Shores because the commute is measured in minutes, not miles. All three areas require jumbo financing, so you'll want a lender who understands high-balance loans and can lock in competitive rates on amounts over $1M.
The commute situation is what makes Redwood City worth the price if you work in tech. You're 35 minutes to San Francisco, 41 to Oakland, 33 to San Jose, and just 15 to Palo Alto. Caltrain runs through downtown, which means you can ditch the car for work if your office is near a station. This central location is why companies like Oracle and EA planted headquarters here. When you're carrying a $10K monthly mortgage payment, the last thing you want is a two-hour commute eating into your life. The transit access and highway proximity keep resale values strong because every buyer in this market is doing the same commute math you are.
Oracle Corporation is the big name, but Electronic Arts and Equinix add serious employment stability to the local economy. Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center and the Sequoia Union High School District round out the major employers with healthcare and public sector jobs. Real talk: most people buying homes here work in tech, either locally or somewhere else on the Peninsula. The job density in this corridor means if you lose a position, you're not forced to sell and relocate like you might in a one-company town. That employment diversity supports property values even when individual companies hit rough patches. If you're financing a $2M home, you want to know the local economy can support your income long-term, and Redwood City delivers on that front.
Common questions from Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Redwood City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 San Mateo County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Redwood City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Redwood City'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 Redwood City. 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 Redwood City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Mateo County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Redwood City. 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 San Mateo County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Redwood City 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 Redwood City: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Redwood City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Redwood City. 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 San Mateo County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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 San Mateo County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Redwood City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Redwood City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Mateo County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Redwood City. 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 Redwood City'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 Redwood City is $1,250,000 for 2025, reflecting San Mateo County's high. cost area designation. This limit works well for condos and smaller homes, but many single. family homes in Redwood City exceed this amount given the $2M median price. If you're looking at properties above $1.25M, you'll need to explore conventional or jumbo loan options instead.
You'll likely need a jumbo loan if you're buying a typical single. family home in Redwood City, since the median price is $2M and the conforming loan limit is $1,250,000. Properties priced between $1.25M and $2M are common here, and anything above the conforming limit requires jumbo financing. However, if you're purchasing a condo or townhome under $1.25M, you can use a high. balance conforming loan with more favorable terms.
The 2026 loan limits for San Mateo County haven't been officially announced yet, but the current 2025 limits are $1,250,000 for FHA, VA, and conforming loans. These limits typically adjust annually based on home price trends, and given the Bay Area's premium market status, San Mateo County consistently qualifies for the maximum high. cost area limits. Check back in late 2025 for the official 2026 announcement from FHFA.
Yes, you can get a VA loan in Redwood City with a loan limit of $1,250,000 for 2025, and eligible veterans enjoy $0 down payment up to that amount. However, since most Redwood City homes are priced around $2M, you'd need to cover the difference above $1.25M as a down payment if using VA financing. Many veterans in this market combine VA loans with substantial down payments or opt for jumbo loans when purchasing higher. priced properties.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, which can be especially helpful for condos and townhomes under the conforming limit. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time buyers, though income limits may restrict eligibility given Redwood City's high prices and the $145,620 median income. San Mateo County also offers programs for moderate. income buyers, but most purchasers in this premium market rely on conventional financing with savings from tech industry careers.
For a typical $2M home in Redwood City, you'll want at least 20% down ($400,000) to avoid PMI and secure the best rates on a jumbo loan. Many dual. income professionals in the area put down 20. 30% using equity from previous homes or tech industry compensation. If you're buying below the $1.25M conforming limit, you can put down as little as 3. 5% on a conventional loan, though this is less common given the market's price point.
You'll typically need a credit score of at least 680. 700 to qualify for jumbo loans common in Redwood City's premium market, with the best rates reserved for scores above 740. For homes under $1.25M using conventional financing, you can qualify with scores as low as 620, though 700+ is recommended for competitive rates. Given the high loan amounts and property values here, lenders scrutinize credit more carefully than in lower. priced markets.
Choose a lender experienced with Redwood City's premium market and jumbo loan products, since most properties here exceed conforming limits. Look for competitive rates on high. balance loans, strong communication throughout the process, and familiarity with San Mateo County's fast. paced real estate environment where quick pre. approvals matter. The right lender should understand the needs of dual. income tech professionals and offer flexible solutions for properties ranging from $1.25M to $2M+.
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your Redwood City mortgage options.
We respond within 24 hours
