Mortgage broker serving Richmond, 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 Richmond buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Richmond's market offers opportunity for buyers who understand their financing options.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Richmond 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 Richmond home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Richmond starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond 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 |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $1,249,125 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Jumbo | 15-20% | 680+ | Properties exceeding $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Homeowners 62+ tapping equity without payments |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Standard option for Richmond buyers. Most homes under $1.25M with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Richmond. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Richmond veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Richmond business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Richmond. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Richmond homes over $1.25M require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Richmond sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Richmond investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Richmond homeowners. Best rates for loans under $1.25M.
FHA streamline refinance for Richmond. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Richmond veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Richmond home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Richmond homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Richmond owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Richmond investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Richmond projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Richmond investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Richmond investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Richmond buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Richmond. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Richmond has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Richmond buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Richmond family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Richmond purchases. Family member income boosts 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
Richmond sits on the East Bay shoreline about 18 miles north of Oakland. Population is 115,353, median household income $90,038. The homeownership rate here is 52.5%, lower than California's average, but that's changing as more buyers discover what $645K median gets you. This is one of the last spots in the Bay Area where a household earning $90K can actually afford a single-family home without stretching into dangerous debt-to-income ratios. You're looking at real Bay Area access without San Francisco or Oakland price tags.
If you've got kids, the school ratings matter for both your daily life and your resale value down the line. De Anza High pulls an 8 rating, Kennedy High a 7, Richmond High a 6, and Korematsu Middle a 7. The scores aren't Piedmont or Albany level, but they're solid and improving. Families who buy in the Hilltop and Belding Woods areas specifically target the better-rated school zones, which is why those neighborhoods command slightly higher prices. When you're comparing properties, check which school boundaries you're in because that can swing your home's value by $50K-$100K at resale time.
Where you buy in Richmond determines what loan product makes sense and what your monthly payment looks like. Point Richmond runs $750K-$950K with its historic Victorians and waterfront charm, so you're looking at conventional or jumbo loans depending on your down payment. Marina Bay offers $600K-$850K for modern condos and townhomes, popular with first-time buyers using conventional loans with 5-10% down. Hilltop sits at $550K-$700K, family-oriented with solid schools, where FHA loans work well for buyers stretching to get in. North & East neighborhoods run $500K-$650K near BART stations, attracting commuters who need conventional financing but can't quite hit Marina Bay prices. Belding Woods is the quiet middle ground at $580K-$750K, where families with 10-20% down use conventional loans for the tree-lined streets and parks.
The commute situation is what makes Richmond work financially for a lot of Bay Area buyers. You're 18 minutes to Oakland, 28 minutes to San Francisco via I-580 and I-80, and you've got Richmond BART station for train access into the city. That's the trade that keeps prices at $645K instead of $1.2M like you'd pay in Berkeley or Albany. San Jose is 62 minutes and Palo Alto 55 minutes, so South Bay commuters need to think hard about that drive. But if you work in SF, Oakland, or anywhere along the BART line, you're getting legitimate Bay Area access at prices that won't crush your debt-to-income ratio when the lender runs your numbers.
Chevron's massive Richmond refinery is the big employer here, along with Kaiser Permanente and the Social Security Administration office. BNSF Railway and the City of Richmond itself add steady public sector jobs. The mix of industrial, healthcare, and government work means the local economy doesn't swing as wildly as pure tech markets. Real talk, a lot of Richmond buyers work elsewhere in the Bay Area and commute out, which is why BART access drives home values in certain neighborhoods. When you're getting pre-approved, lenders look at job stability, and Richmond's employment base is more stable than flashy, which actually helps with mortgage qualification if you work locally.
Common questions from Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Richmond buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Richmond properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Richmond'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 Richmond. 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 Richmond. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Richmond. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Richmond 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 Richmond: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Richmond buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Richmond. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Richmond properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Richmond. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Richmond. 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 Richmond's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.
The 2026 FHA loan limit for Richmond (Contra Costa County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a moderate-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
With Richmond's median home price at $645K, many properties are near or above the $1.25M conforming limit. Higher-priced homes will require jumbo financing.
The 2026 Contra Costa County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Richmond with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Contra Costa County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.
We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 3-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Richmond's median price of $645K, typical down payments range from 5-10%.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.
Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.
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