Mortgage broker serving San Clemente, 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 San Clemente buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
San Clemente's luxury market requires specialized jumbo financing expertise for properties well above the $1.25M conforming limit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your San Clemente 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 San Clemente home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in San Clemente starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Homes above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125 |
| 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 San Clemente home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
San Clemente 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 San Clemente.
Self-employed? San Clemente bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all San Clemente properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for San Clemente buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time San Clemente buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for San Clemente moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for San Clemente investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
San Clemente loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access San Clemente home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for San Clemente homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for San Clemente veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
San Clemente home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for San Clemente homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in San Clemente can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
San Clemente rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for San Clemente apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for San Clemente 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 San Clemente buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help San Clemente first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
San Clemente family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in San Clemente. Family member income helps qualification.
Check San Clemente 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
San Clemente sits at the southern tip of Orange County, right where the coast meets the Camp Pendleton border. Population is 64,232, median household income $134,730. The homeownership rate here is 64.9%, which tells you something important: at $1.84M median home price, this isn't entry-level California anymore. You're looking at a market where most buyers need jumbo financing, strong dual incomes, or significant equity from a previous sale. This is where coastal Orange County pricing meets genuine small-town beach culture.
If you're buying at this price point with kids, you want the schools to justify the mortgage. San Clemente High is well-regarded, Shorecliffs Middle and Bernice Ayer Middle both serve different parts of town, and Vista del Mar Elementary gets solid marks. The Capistrano Unified School District is one of the larger, more stable districts in Orange County, which matters when you're committing to a $10K+ monthly payment. Families who buy here tend to stay through high school graduation, which keeps the resale market strong. That stability is part of what you're paying for when you stretch for San Clemente instead of settling for something inland.
Where you buy in San Clemente affects your lifestyle more than your price, since everything clusters around $1.8M. Southwest San Clemente, known as The Village, puts you near the pier with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and walkable downtown vibes. You're paying for location and that postcard California beach town feel. Talega up north is the master-planned option from the 90s and 2000s, with HOAs, parks, golf courses, and newer construction that appeals to families wanting turnkey. Forster Ranch sits on the hillside in the northern section with views and newer builds, popular with buyers who want space and don't need to walk to the beach. All three areas run jumbo loans unless you're putting down massive cash, and your lender will want to see income around $350K-$400K to make the numbers work comfortably.
The commute to Irvine takes about 28 minutes via I-5, which makes San Clemente viable if you work in the Irvine business corridor or South County. LA runs 67 minutes on a good day, Santa Monica 73 minutes, Long Beach 55 minutes. Here's the thing: you're not buying San Clemente for an easy LA commute. You're buying it because you can afford the coast and want the beach town lifestyle without living in a condo. If you work remotely or in South Orange County, the location makes sense. If you're grinding to LA daily, you'll feel every minute of that drive while making a jumbo loan payment.
Capistrano Unified School District is the largest employer, followed by the City of San Clemente itself and Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente. But real talk, most people buying $1.8M homes here don't work locally in education or city government. They commute to higher-paying jobs in Irvine, Newport, or LA, or they work remotely in tech, finance, or professional services. The local economy supports the town but doesn't drive the housing market. What drives it is Orange County professionals and families willing to pay a premium for genuine beach access and small-town character that hasn't been completely developed out.
Common questions from San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many San Clemente buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most San Clemente properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For San Clemente'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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in San Clemente. 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 Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in San Clemente 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 San Clemente: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many San Clemente buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in San Clemente. 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 Orange County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 Orange County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most San Clemente properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in San Clemente. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Orange County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in San Clemente. 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 San Clemente'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 San Clemente is $1,250,000 for 2025. This covers some entry. level properties in the area, but with the median home price around $1.8M, many buyers will need jumbo financing or a larger down payment to use FHA. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.
You'll likely need a jumbo loan in San Clemente since the median home price is $1.8M, which exceeds the conforming loan limit of $1,250,000. Any loan amount above $1.25M requires jumbo financing, which typically means a larger down payment (often 10. 20%) and stricter credit requirements. If you're buying below $1.25M, you can use conventional, FHA, or VA financing.
For 2025, Orange County's conforming loan limit is $1,250,000, with FHA and VA limits also at $1,250,000. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and may increase based on home price trends. Given San Clemente's $1.8M median price, many buyers will still need jumbo loans regardless of limit increases.
Yes, you can get a VA loan in San Clemente with a limit of $1,250,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans. For homes priced above $1.25M, you'll need to make a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit or consider a jumbo VA loan. With homes typically ranging from $1.25M to $2M here, many veterans combine VA benefits with additional funds for higher. priced properties.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership more accessible in this premium market. CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with options like MyHome Assistance Program providing 3.5% deferred. payment junior loans. Given San Clemente's higher price points, these programs work best for properties on the lower end of the market, while most buyers at the $1.8M median will need conventional financing with standard down payments.
For San Clemente's median $1.8M home price, you'll typically need 10. 20% down ($180,000. $360,000) for a jumbo loan. If you're buying below the $1.25M conforming limit, conventional loans allow as little as 3. 5% down, though you'll pay PMI with less than 20%. Most buyers in this market are dual. income professionals upgrading from starter homes, often using equity for larger down payments.
For conventional loans under $1.25M, you'll need a minimum credit score of 620, though 700+ gets you better rates. Jumbo loans for San Clemente's typical $1.25M. $2M homes usually require 680. 700 minimum, with many lenders preferring 720+ for the best terms. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, but given the area's pricing, most buyers use conventional or jumbo financing.
Choose a lender experienced with San Clemente's premium market and jumbo financing, since most properties here exceed conforming limits. Look for competitive rates on loans above $1.25M, clear communication about complex loan scenarios, and expertise with high. balance transactions common in Orange County. Get pre. approved before house hunting, as sellers in this price range expect serious, well. qualified buyers.
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