Mortgage broker serving Sausalito, 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 Sausalito buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Sausalito'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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Sausalito starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Sausalito 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Sausalito 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 Sausalito.
Self-employed? Sausalito bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Sausalito properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Sausalito buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Sausalito buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Sausalito moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Sausalito investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Sausalito loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Sausalito home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Sausalito homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Sausalito veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Sausalito home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Sausalito homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Sausalito can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Sausalito rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Sausalito apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Sausalito 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 Sausalito buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Sausalito first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Sausalito family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Sausalito. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Sausalito 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
Sausalito sits right across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, population 7,075, median household income $173,030. The homeownership rate is 57.9%, which tells you something important: at $1.8M median home price, this is strictly jumbo loan territory. You're looking at one of the most expensive real estate markets in the Bay Area, where a conventional loan cap of $1,089,300 won't cut it for most properties. This is where tech executives, finance professionals, and established buyers come when they want waterfront living with a 29-minute commute to San Francisco.
The school situation is solid if you're buying with kids in mind. Bayside MLK Jr. Academy pulls an 8 rating, Willow Creek Academy a 9, and Tamalpais High an 8. These are strong numbers that support property values when it comes time to sell. The challenge is that with median prices at $1.8M, you're competing with empty nesters and couples without kids who can afford to bid higher. Families who do buy here tend to stay long-term because once you're in, the schools and community make it worth holding onto. That lower homeownership rate of 57.9% reflects the high barrier to entry, not a lack of desirability.
Where you buy determines your loan structure and what kind of property you'll get. Sausalito Waterfront runs $1.5M-$4M, mostly luxury condos and historic buildings with bay views, all requiring jumbo financing and often 20-30% down to get competitive rates. Hillside Estates is $2M-$6M territory, contemporary homes and mid-century architecture on winding streets with panoramic views of the city and bay. Old Town Sausalito offers the most accessible entry point at $1.2M-$3M, charming cottages and converted buildings within walking distance to the ferry and restaurants. Marinship attracts younger tech buyers with $1.8M-$5M modern developments and live-work spaces, often financed with jumbo loans and sometimes portfolio products for self-employed buyers. Your lender needs to be comfortable with high-value properties because conventional loan limits don't apply anywhere in this city.
The commute to San Francisco is 29 minutes via US-101 or you can take the ferry from Sausalito Ferry Landing, which is why this location commands premium prices. Oakland is 38 minutes, San Jose 78 minutes, Palo Alto 61 minutes. That ferry access is a huge selling point for buyers working in the Financial District who want to avoid bridge traffic entirely. Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit provide bus options, but real talk, most people buying here drive or take the ferry. The proximity to San Francisco without actually being in the city is exactly what you're paying for, and it's why properties here hold value even when other markets soften.
The local employment base is small but stable. US Army Corps of Engineers, Sausalito City Government, and Golden Gate National Recreation Area provide public sector jobs. Sausalito Ferry Company, Cavallo Point Lodge, and Bay Area Discovery Museum round out the local options. But here's the thing: most buyers aren't working locally. They're commuting to San Francisco tech companies, finance firms, or professional services, or they're retired with significant assets. The median household income of $173,030 supports those $1.8M home prices, but you'll need to show strong financials to qualify for the jumbo loans that dominate this market. Lenders will want to see reserves, excellent credit, and debt-to-income ratios well below 43%.
Common questions from Sausalito 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sausalito buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sausalito 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Sausalito properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Sausalito'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 Sausalito. 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 Sausalito. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Sausalito. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Sausalito 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 Sausalito: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sausalito buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sausalito. 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 Marin County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Sausalito 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 Sausalito 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 Marin County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Sausalito properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sausalito 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 Sausalito 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 Sausalito families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Sausalito. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Marin County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Sausalito. 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 Sausalito'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 Sausalito (Marin County) is $1.25M 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. Sausalito's median home price is $1.8M, while the conforming loan limit is $1.25M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 Marin County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Sausalito with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Marin 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 Sausalito's median price of $1.8M, 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.
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your Sausalito mortgage options.
We respond within 24 hours
