Mortgage broker serving Ridgecrest, 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 Ridgecrest buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Buyers breaking into Ridgecrest's market need down payment assistance and flexible programs.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Ridgecrest starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers, lower credit. Limit: $832,750 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military - best 0% down option |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time Ridgecrest buyers, income-qualified |
| Conventional | 3% | 620+ | Good credit, faster closing than FHA |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
USDA loans are ideal for Ridgecrest. Zero down payment for rural properties. Income limits apply.
Most Ridgecrest buyers use FHA. 3.5% down payment with 580+ credit. Easiest path to homeownership.
CalHFA plus local DPA can cover full down payment in Ridgecrest. Stack programs for maximum assistance.
VA loans are perfect for Ridgecrest. Zero down, no PMI, and every property qualifies.
Maximum local DPA available in Ridgecrest. Combine city, county, and state programs.
Every Ridgecrest home qualifies for conforming financing. Best rates with good credit.
Bridge loans help Ridgecrest owners transition between homes. Short-term gap financing.
Ridgecrest investors use LLC financing. Entity ownership for asset protection.
USDA streamline refinance for Ridgecrest. Lower your rate with minimal paperwork.
Most Ridgecrest refinances use FHA streamline. No appraisal, no income docs, fast closing.
Ridgecrest veterans should use VA IRRRL. Streamline your refinance with zero hassle.
Conforming refinance rates for all Ridgecrest properties. Straightforward rate-and-term refi.
Cash-out refinance available for Ridgecrest homeowners. Convert equity to cash for any need.
Home equity loans available in Ridgecrest. Fixed rate second mortgage against equity.
Investment properties in Ridgecrest use DSCR loans. Rental income drives qualification.
Rehab loans available in Ridgecrest. Fix-and-flip financing covers purchase plus renovation.
Hard money available for Ridgecrest deals. Fast closing for investment properties.
Ridgecrest apartment buildings use multifamily financing. Commercial loan programs available.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Ridgecrest buyers with qualifying income.
USDA loans are ideal for Ridgecrest. Zero down payment for rural properties. Income limits apply.
CalHFA plus local DPA can cover full down payment in Ridgecrest. Stack programs for maximum assistance.
Maximum local DPA available in Ridgecrest. Combine city, county, and state programs.
Maximum grant assistance for Ridgecrest. Elite and local programs reduce buyer costs.
Gift of equity works for Ridgecrest family sales. Seller discount becomes buyer's down payment.
Co-borrower option for Ridgecrest buyers. Family member can help you qualify.
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
Ridgecrest sits in the Indian Wells Valley about 150 miles north of LA, right on the edge of the Mojave Desert. Population is 28,118, median household income $85,872. The homeownership rate here is 59.9%, and here's what makes this place interesting: at $284,500 median home price, you've got a town where federal employees and military contractors can actually afford to buy without stretching their DTI ratios to the breaking point. That higher household income paired with lower home prices means most buyers here qualify conventional without breaking a sweat.
If you're buying with kids in mind, the schools here run pretty solid across the board. Burroughs High pulls a 7 rating, James Monroe Middle a 7, Las Flores Elementary a 7, with Murray Middle at a 6. These aren't just numbers on a website - they matter because stable school ratings protect your resale value when you eventually sell. The district serves a lot of military and government families who rotate through, so there's institutional support and funding that keeps things consistent. When you're looking at a 30-year mortgage, knowing the schools won't tank in five years gives you confidence in your investment.
Where you buy in Ridgecrest directly affects your financing options and monthly payment. Downtown Ridgecrest runs $250K-$320K with a mix of older homes and newer builds, perfect for FHA buyers who want walkability to shops and services without paying a premium. Gateway Area hits $270K-$350K with newer construction that appraises clean, making conventional loans straightforward for families working at China Lake. East Ridgecrest offers $240K-$310K on established lots with mature trees, popular with buyers using VA loans since so many work on base. West Ridge is your higher end at $290K-$380K, newer builds with desert views that attract buyers putting 20% down conventional or using jumbo if they're maxing out the features. The price spread here means first-time buyers and move-up buyers can both find something that works.
Real talk: Ridgecrest is isolated, and that's exactly why it stays affordable. The drive to Bakersfield takes 113 minutes, Fresno is 209 minutes away. You're not commuting to either place daily unless you really hate yourself. But here's the thing - most people who buy here work locally at China Lake or in town, so the commute doesn't matter. The isolation actually protects property values from the wild swings you see in commuter towns. When you're not competing with people willing to drive two hours to keep a Bay Area or LA job, prices stay rational and your mortgage payment reflects actual local wages.
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake is the economic engine here, employing thousands of civilians and contractors with stable federal salaries. That base isn't going anywhere, which matters when you're thinking about job security over a 30-year mortgage. Sierra Sands Unified School District, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital, and the City of Ridgecrest add public sector stability. Cerro Coso Community College and Walmart round out the major employers. The job mix skews heavily toward government and defense, which means steady paychecks and decent benefits. Lenders love seeing China Lake on your employment letter because federal jobs mean low default risk, and that can sometimes help you negotiate better rates.
Common questions from Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Ridgecrest buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Ridgecrest properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest. 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 Ridgecrest. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Kern County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Ridgecrest. 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 Kern County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Ridgecrest buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Ridgecrest. 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 Kern County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Ridgecrest properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest 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 Ridgecrest families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Ridgecrest. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Kern County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Ridgecrest. 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 Ridgecrest'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 Ridgecrest is $541,000 for 2025. This is well above the median home price of $285,000, so FHA loans work great for nearly all homes in the area. You can buy with as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Ridgecrest since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and the median home price is just $285,000. Nearly all homes in the area fall well below conventional, FHA, and VA loan limits. This gives you access to better rates and more affordable loan options.
For 2025, Kern County loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional conforming and VA loans. These limits cover virtually all homes in Ridgecrest where the median price is $285,000. USDA loans are also available with no loan limit for eligible rural properties.
Yes, VA loans are available in Ridgecrest with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all local homes. If you're a veteran or active military, you can buy with $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance. This is one of the best options for qualified buyers in the area.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Ridgecrest. You can also access CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, plus USDA loans for rural properties that require zero down. These programs are perfect for first. time buyers and those with limited savings.
You can buy a Ridgecrest home with as little as $0 down using USDA, VA, or our No Money Down program. FHA loans require just 3.5% down (about $10,000 on a $285,000 home), while conventional loans typically need 3. 5% down. With the area's affordable prices, homeownership is very accessible.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Ridgecrest with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with 10% down. USDA loans typically require a 640 minimum, while conventional loans prefer 620 or higher. Many local buyers successfully purchase homes with scores in the 600s.
Look for a lender experienced with USDA and FHA loans, since these are ideal for Ridgecrest's affordable market. You'll want someone who understands down payment assistance programs and can close on time. Compare rates, fees, and reviews, but also prioritize responsiveness and local market knowledge.
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