Mortgage broker serving San Diego, 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 Diego buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
The San Diego market rewards buyers with verified financing and competitive loan terms.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your San Diego 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 Diego home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in San Diego starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for San Diego 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 Diego 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 Diego 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
Most San Diego homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.1M. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in San Diego with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for San Diego first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end San Diego properties may exceed $1.1M. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for San Diego's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for San Diego buyers.
Bridge loans help San Diego buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
San Diego investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most San Diego mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
San Diego homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in San Diego refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
San Diego HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
San Diego FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for San Diego. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
San Diego rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in San Diego use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
San Diego apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in San Diego. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for San Diego buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for San Diego buyers.
Local San Diego DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
San Diego buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for San Diego family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
San Diego buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
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 Diego sits right on the Pacific Coast in the southwest corner of California. Population is 1,383,987, median household income $98,657. The homeownership rate here is 47.6%, which tells you something important: this is a city where most people rent because buying is expensive. At $930K median home price, you're looking at needing roughly $186K down for a conventional 20% down payment and an income around $240K to comfortably qualify. That's why so many buyers here use creative financing, stretch their budgets, or look at condos and townhomes as entry points.
If you've got kids and you're serious about schools, San Diego delivers some of the best public options in Southern California. Canyon Crest Academy and Torrey Pines High both pull 9 ratings, La Jolla High an 8, Solana Ranch Elementary a 9. These aren't just numbers, they're the reason families will pay $1.2M for a three-bedroom in Carmel Valley instead of $750K for the same house in a different zip code. Strong schools protect your resale value and make it easier to sell when you eventually move. The catch is that the best school districts push home prices up by $200K-$400K compared to other neighborhoods, so you're trading higher mortgage payments for long-term appreciation and easier resale.
Where you buy in San Diego isn't just about lifestyle, it's about what kind of loan you'll need and how much house you can actually afford. La Jolla runs $1.2M to $4M+, mostly older coastal properties and newer luxury builds with ocean views. You're looking at jumbo loans here, period. Mission Hills sits at $800K-$1.8M with charming Craftsman homes near Balboa Park, popular with dual-income professionals who can swing a $160K-$360K down payment. North Park is the entry point for single-family homes at $650K-$950K, attracting young professionals and creatives who want walkability and don't mind older housing stock. Carmel Valley runs $850K-$1.5M with newer construction and top schools, drawing tech workers and families who often use jumbo loans or large conventional mortgages. Point Loma offers $750K-$1.3M with coastal access and a military-friendly vibe, where VA loans are common and work well for qualifying buyers.
San Diego's freeway system is built around I-5 running north-south along the coast, I-8 cutting east-west, and I-15 heading inland toward Riverside County. Commute times are reasonable compared to LA, with most neighborhoods getting you to La Jolla or downtown in 20-30 minutes outside rush hour. The MTS Trolley and bus system covers downtown, Mission Valley, and some coastal areas, but real talk, most people drive. The shorter commutes mean you're not forced to live an hour away to afford a house like you would in LA or the Bay Area. But you're still paying premium prices for that convenience and the year-round 70-degree weather.
San Diego's economy runs on biotech, defense, healthcare, and higher education, which creates a lot of high-paying jobs that support these home prices. UC San Diego employs thousands and anchors the biotech sector in La Jolla and Torrey Pines. Qualcomm and General Atomics bring tech and defense money into the region. Sharp HealthCare and Scripps Health add healthcare stability. Naval Base San Diego means military buyers with VA loans and steady government income. The job mix here is white-collar and professional, which explains why the median household income is $98K but homes still feel out of reach for many single earners. You typically need dual incomes or a six-figure salary to make the numbers work on a median-priced home.
Common questions from San Diego 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 Diego 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 Diego: 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 Diego buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified San Diego 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 Diego 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 Diego families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 San Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most San Diego properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For San Diego'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 Diego. 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 Diego. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Diego County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in San Diego. 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 Diego County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in San Diego 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 Diego: 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 Diego buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in San Diego. 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 Diego County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in San Diego 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 Diego 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 Diego County limits: FHA $1,006,250, Conventional $1,104,000. Any loan above $1,104,000 is a jumbo loan. Most San Diego properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified San Diego 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 Diego 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 Diego families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in San Diego. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in San Diego County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in San Diego. 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 Diego'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 San Diego (San Diego County) is $1.08M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
It depends on the property. San Diego's median home price is $930K, while the conforming loan limit is $1.1M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 San Diego County loan limits are: FHA: $1.08M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.1M. Any loan amount above $1.1M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in San Diego with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for San Diego 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: 5-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For San Diego's median price of $930K, most buyers put down 15-20%.
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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