Mortgage broker serving Salinas, 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 Salinas buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Salinas buyers benefit from comparing multiple loan options to find the best fit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Salinas 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 Salinas home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Salinas starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas 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: $832,750 |
| 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 $832,750 |
| 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 Salinas buyers. Most homes under $995K with competitive rates.
Strong FHA option in Salinas. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.
$0 down for Salinas veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.
Salinas business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.
CalHFA programs popular in Salinas. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Premium Salinas homes over $995K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.
Salinas sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.
LLC financing options for Salinas investors. Buy rentals in entity names.
Conforming refinance for Salinas homeowners. Best rates for loans under $995K.
FHA streamline refinance for Salinas. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.
VA streamline refi for Salinas veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.
Turn Salinas home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.
HELOC available for Salinas homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.
Salinas owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.
DSCR loans work for Salinas investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.
Fix-and-flip available for Salinas projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.
Multifamily options for Salinas investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.
Salinas 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 Salinas buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs popular in Salinas. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.
Salinas has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.
Elite grant available for Salinas buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.
Salinas family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.
Add a co-borrower for Salinas 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
Salinas sits in the Salinas Valley about 110 miles south of San Francisco and 20 miles inland from Monterey. Population is 162,783, median household income $84,250. The homeownership rate here is 47.1%, below the state average, which tells you something important: this is a city where a lot of people rent because breaking into ownership isn't easy at $669,500 median. But here's the thing. You're paying for proximity to the coast without beachfront pricing, and that $84K household income is solid for Central Coast agriculture and healthcare jobs.
The school situation in Salinas is straightforward but matters for your property value long-term. You've got four main high schools: Salinas High, Alisal High, North Salinas High, and Everett Alvarez High. Test scores vary across the district, so if you're buying with kids, dig into the specific school boundaries for the house you're considering. The truth is, families who prioritize schools often look at neighboring Monterey or Carmel, which pushes those prices higher. That means Salinas can offer better value if you're willing to be more involved in your kids' education or consider private options. The district employs a ton of people locally, which creates job stability that helps property values hold steady even when agriculture has a tough year.
Most neighborhoods in Salinas cluster around that $670K median, which makes loan qualification pretty uniform across the city. Oldtown Salinas gives you the historic core with older architecture and walkability to the National Steinbeck Center, running right around $670K for homes that might need some work. Conventional loans with 10-20% down are standard here, and you'll want a home inspection contingency because these older properties can surprise you. Alisal on the east side is predominantly residential with strong community ties and its own high school, same $670K range, mix of single-family homes where FHA loans with 3.5% down are common for first-time buyers. East Salinas covers a broader area with diverse housing stock, everything from 60s ranches to newer builds, still in that $670K range. The lack of price differentiation between neighborhoods means you're really buying for location preference and commute rather than stretching for a premium area.
The commute to San Francisco runs about 107 minutes via Highway 101, which is doable but long. LA is 285 minutes, so forget that for daily commuting. Most people who buy in Salinas either work locally in agriculture, healthcare, or education, or they're making that drive to Silicon Valley jobs and trading commute time for a mortgage payment that's $400K less than San Jose. Local transit exists through MST but you'll realistically need a car for daily life. If you work in Monterey, you're looking at 20-25 minutes, which makes Salinas the affordable bedroom community for coastal jobs. That commute factor is exactly why Salinas stays at $669K while Monterey and Carmel push past $1M.
Salinas is the Salad Bowl of the World, and that's not just marketing talk. Agriculture dominates the economy, with Taylor Farms as a major private employer processing and packaging produce. Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System anchors the medical sector with steady jobs that aren't going anywhere. The two school districts, Salinas City Elementary and Salinas Union High, employ thousands combined, giving you that public sector stability. Monterey County government adds more public jobs. The economy here runs on ag, healthcare, education, and government, which means it's not as volatile as tech-dependent cities but also doesn't see the explosive growth. For mortgage purposes, lenders like the employment diversity, and you'll find approval rates decent if your income comes from these established sectors.
Common questions from Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Salinas buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Salinas properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Salinas'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 Salinas. 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 Salinas. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Monterey County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Salinas. 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 Monterey County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Salinas 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 Salinas: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Salinas buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Salinas. 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 Monterey County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Salinas properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Salinas. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Monterey County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Salinas. 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 Salinas'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 Salinas is $995,000 for 2026. This higher limit means most homes in Salinas, where the median price is around $670K, can be purchased with an FHA loan requiring just 3.5% down. You won't need a jumbo loan for typical Salinas properties.
Most Salinas buyers don't need a jumbo loan since conforming loan limits are $995,000 and the median home price is $670K. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're buying above $995,000, which represents the higher end of the Salinas market. The majority of homes here fall comfortably within conventional and FHA loan limits.
For 2026, Monterey County loan limits are $995,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. These limits apply throughout the county including Salinas, giving you excellent financing options for homes in the typical $600K to $900K range. This makes both conventional and government. backed loans highly competitive here.
Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Salinas with a loan limit of $995,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. With the median home price at $670K, most Salinas properties qualify for full VA financing. VA loans also don't require mortgage insurance, which can save you significantly over the life of your loan.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Salinas. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as Monterey County housing programs designed for first. time and moderate. income buyers. These programs can be especially helpful given the median home price of $670K.
Down payments in Salinas vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3% to 5% down ($20K to $34K on a $670K home), while FHA loans need just 3.5% down (about $23K). VA loans and our No Money Down program offer $0 down options for qualified buyers, making homeownership more accessible.
Most Salinas lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, though you'll get better rates with 680 or higher. FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down), making them popular with first. time buyers. VA loans typically want 620 or above, though requirements vary by lender.
Look for a lender experienced with Salinas's balanced market who can offer multiple loan options including conventional, FHA, and VA products. Compare rates and fees from at least three lenders, and choose one who understands local programs and can close on time in Monterey County. A lender familiar with the $600K to $900K price range will better serve your needs.
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