Mortgage broker serving Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Santa Clara buyers in the luxury segment face unique challenges with high-value properties exceeding $1.25M.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Santa Clara starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara.
Self-employed? Santa Clara bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Santa Clara properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Santa Clara buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Santa Clara buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Santa Clara moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Santa Clara investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Santa Clara loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Santa Clara home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Santa Clara homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Santa Clara veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Santa Clara home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Santa Clara homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Santa Clara can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Santa Clara rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Santa Clara apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Santa Clara first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Santa Clara family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Santa Clara. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Santa Clara 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
Santa Clara sits right in the heart of Silicon Valley, population 128,058, with a median household income of $165,352. That income number tells you everything about who's buying here. The homeownership rate is just 41.9%, way below the state average, because at $1.6M median home price, you need serious tech money or serious equity from a previous sale to make the numbers work. Most buyers here are dual-income professionals pulling $300K+ combined, often putting down 20-30% to avoid jumbo loan rate premiums.
Santa Clara High and Wilcox High serve most families buying here, and the school quality is solid for the Bay Area. But here's the thing: a lot of buyers in this price range are also looking at private schools or planning for college savings, which affects how much house they can actually afford. Santa Clara University and Mission College are right here, which matters if you've got older kids or you're thinking about rental income potential from student housing. The proximity to top-rated schools in neighboring districts like Cupertino also drives prices up, since families will stretch their budget to stay in this general area. When you're financing $1.6M, even a half-point difference in your rate means $400+ per month, so school quality directly impacts what you'll pay long-term.
Old Quad runs $1.6M for older homes near Santa Clara University and the Mission, with tree-lined streets and actual character. You're looking at homes from the 50s-70s that need updates, which means renovation loans or cash reserves matter here. Rivermark is the newer planned community up north, also $1.6M, with modern builds and HOA fees that'll add $300-500 to your monthly nut on top of your mortgage. Pomeroy sits central with a mix of single-family homes, same $1.6M median, slightly bigger lots than Old Quad. All three neighborhoods require jumbo loans since you're well over the $766,550 conforming limit, and most lenders here want to see 20% down minimum plus six months reserves. The tight price clustering across neighborhoods means you're really buying for location preference and commute, not trying to find a deal.
San Jose is 18 minutes away, which is nothing. Palo Alto is 21 minutes, San Francisco 54 minutes, Oakland 50 minutes. The commute flexibility is exactly why Santa Clara commands these prices even though it's not quite Palo Alto or Los Gatos. You can work at Apple in Cupertino, Google in Mountain View, or Facebook in Menlo Park without a soul-crushing drive. Local transit exists but real talk, most people buying $1.6M homes are driving. If you're commuting to SF daily, factor that into whether you want to stretch for Santa Clara versus something cheaper farther out. The time you save versus living in Gilroy or Tracy is worth money, but only if your income supports the mortgage.
Intel, NVIDIA, and Applied Materials are the big private employers here, and Santa Clara University and the City itself add stability. This is pure Silicon Valley economy, which means high salaries but also boom-bust risk if you're in tech. Most buyers work for one of the big companies or startups with solid funding, and lenders know that tech income can include stock and bonuses that vary year to year. If a chunk of your income is RSUs or options, expect your lender to discount that or average it over two years, which affects how much house you'll qualify for. The job market here is why people pay $1.6M for a 1,500 square foot house. You're buying access to the highest-paying job market in the country.
Common questions from Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Santa Clara buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Santa Clara properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Santa Clara'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 Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Santa Clara buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Santa Clara properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Santa Clara. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Santa Clara. 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 Santa Clara'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 Santa Clara is $1.25M for 2026. This covers many homes in the area, though with median prices around $1.6M, you'll often need a jumbo loan or larger down payment for typical properties. FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.
You'll likely need a jumbo loan if you're buying above $1.25M, which covers most homes in Santa Clara where the median price is $1.6M. Properties priced between $1.25M and $2M are common here, making jumbo financing a frequent choice for buyers. Jumbo loans typically require larger down payments (10. 20%) and stronger credit profiles than conforming loans.
For 2026, Santa Clara County loan limits are $1.25M for FHA, VA, and conforming loans. Anything above $1.25M requires jumbo financing, which is common in this market where typical homes range from $1.25M to $2M. These limits apply to single. family homes and can be higher for multi. unit properties.
Yes, VA loans are available in Santa Clara with a loan limit of $1.25M and no down payment required for eligible veterans. For homes above $1.25M, you'll need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit, or consider a jumbo VA loan. With many Santa Clara homes priced around $1.6M, you'd need about $350K down to use a standard VA loan.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, which can be especially helpful in Santa Clara's premium market. CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with various income limits, though at the median income of $165,352, many Santa Clara buyers may exceed standard DPA thresholds. Some assistance may be available for lower. priced properties under $1.25M or for first. time buyers in specific professions.
For Santa Clara's median home price of $1.6M, you'll typically need $160K. $320K down (10. 20%) for a jumbo loan. Conventional loans allow as little as 3. 5% down on properties under $1.25M, while FHA requires 3.5% and VA offers $0 down for eligible veterans. Higher down payments often secure better rates in this premium market.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. 640 for conventional loans in Santa Clara, though jumbo loans for properties above $1.25M typically need 700 or higher. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580, but in this competitive market with median prices around $1.6M, stronger credit (720+) helps you secure better rates. Dual. income tech professionals in the area often have strong credit profiles that qualify for premium loan terms.
Look for a lender experienced with Santa Clara's premium market and jumbo financing, since most homes here exceed the $1.25M conforming limit. You'll want someone who can clearly explain your options between high. balance conforming and jumbo loans, and who offers competitive rates for your credit profile. Get pre. approved before house hunting, as sellers in this $1.6M median price market expect serious, qualified buyers.
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