Mortgage Loans in
Seaside, California
Seaside Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

40+
Years Experience

Mortgage broker serving Seaside, 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.

Why Seaside Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Seaside, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

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 Seaside buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Seaside's competitive market demands strong pre-approval and flexible loan options.

  • Ord Village and Del Rey Oaks border homes at $790K fit comfortably within the $995K conforming limit, avoiding jumbo loan requirements.
  • Education workers from CSUMB and school district need lenders who annualize 9-month teaching contracts into qualifying income.
  • First-time buyers dominating Seaside's 39% homeownership market should use IBR student loan payments for DTI, not 1% balance calculation.

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Seaside purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Seaside

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a Seaside mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

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.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your Seaside home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Seaside, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Seaside sits in a military-heavy county, and that changes everything about how you should approach financing. The median home price is $790K, which is solidly upper-middle territory but still well under the $995K conforming loan limit. That's actually great news. You get the best conventional rates without jumping into jumbo territory. Prices have been flat over the past year. No wild appreciation, but no crashes either. Just a steady market where you can actually negotiate and think clearly instead of getting into bidding wars. The conforming limit here is higher than most of California because of the high-cost area designation, so use that to your advantage.

Who's Buying in Seaside

Two types of buyers dominate here. First-time buyers with strong dual incomes who've been saving aggressively. They're making around $80K household income, so they need to stretch a bit to make the numbers work. Then you've got move-up buyers selling starter homes elsewhere and bringing $100K-$150K in equity to the table. Military families are everywhere in Monterey County, and they should absolutely be using VA loans. The homeownership rate is only 39%, so you're buying into a market that's mostly renters. That's not necessarily bad, but it tells you this isn't a place where everyone stays forever. People rotate through, especially military transfers.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans make the most sense for most buyers here. FHA is available and sometimes works for first-timers who are stretching, but conventional often beats it once you factor in mortgage insurance costs. Here's what actually pencils out:
  • Conventional with 10% down gets you better rates than FHA and lets you drop PMI later
  • VA loans are unbeatable if you qualify. Zero down, no PMI, and the best rates in the market
  • 5% down conventional works for strong credit buyers who want to preserve cash
  • 20% down eliminates PMI entirely and saves you $400-500 monthly
Don't overthink this. You're well under conforming limits, so lenders compete hard for your business. That means better pricing and fewer hoops to jump through than you'd face at $1.2M.

Down Payment & Refinance in Seaside

Already own here? Refinancing depends on when you bought and what rate you're carrying. If you bought before 2022, you probably have a sub-4% rate and shouldn't touch it. But if you bought in the past two years at 6.5%-7%, there might be room to save a few hundred monthly if rates drop. Cash-out refinancing makes sense if you've built equity and need to consolidate debt or fund a major expense. PMI removal is huge once you hit 20% equity. That's $300-400 back in your pocket every month without changing your rate or term. Just get a new appraisal and call your lender.

Get Started

Let's talk real numbers on down payments. First-time buyers typically put down 5-10%, which is $40K-$79K. That's not pocket change. Most people pull from three places: savings they've been building for years, gift funds from parents who want to help, or equity from selling a smaller property. Move-up buyers usually bring $100K-$150K from their previous home, which gets them to that sweet 15-20% range. If you're military, VA loans let you go zero down, which changes the entire equation. For everyone else struggling to hit minimums, we offer our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not a magic trick, but it gets you in the door if you have income but not cash.

Local Seaside Expertise

Start with a conversation, not an application. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through what you actually qualify for and which loan type saves you the most money. Military buyers should bring your COE so we can map out VA options. First-timers should have a rough sense of your savings and what your parents might gift. Move-up buyers should know your current home value so we can estimate proceeds. Don't wait until you find a house to figure out financing. Sellers in Seaside want to see preapproval before they take you seriously, and our team can get you there fast. Let's figure out your best move.

Popular Seaside Neighborhoods

Ord Village • Del Rey Oaks border area

Zip Codes We Serve

93955

What Types of Mortgages Are Available in Seaside, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in Seaside starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Seaside 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 Seaside property.

Purchase Loans

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.

Refinance

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.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

Loan Programs

Seaside Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Seaside homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Seaside Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Seaside

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Seaside buyers. Most homes under $995K with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

Strong FHA option in Seaside. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.

VA Loans

$0 down for Seaside veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.

Bank Statement Loans

Seaside business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA programs popular in Seaside. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Jumbo Loans

Premium Seaside homes over $995K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

Seaside sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing options for Seaside investors. Buy rentals in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Seaside

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Seaside homeowners. Best rates for loans under $995K.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline refinance for Seaside. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.

VA Loans Refinance

VA streamline refi for Seaside veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.

Cash Out Refinance

Turn Seaside home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC available for Seaside homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.

Home Equity Refinance

Seaside owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Seaside

DSCR Loans

DSCR loans work for Seaside investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip available for Seaside projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily options for Seaside investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Seaside investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Seaside

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Seaside buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs popular in Seaside. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Local Down Payment Programs

Seaside has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grant available for Seaside buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.

Gift of Equity

Seaside family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Seaside 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

Why Seaside is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Seaside sits on Monterey Bay about two hours south of San Francisco. Population is 32,291, median household income $80,239. The homeownership rate here is just 39%, well below California's average, and that tells you something important about the market. At $790K median home price, you're paying a premium for Central Coast location, but it's still cheaper than Carmel or Monterey proper. Most buyers here need strong income or significant down payments to make the numbers work.

Schools & Family Appeal

The school situation here is mixed, which matters when you're thinking about long-term value and resale. Seaside High School and Seaside Middle School serve the majority of families, with Martin Luther King Jr. Academy and Ord Terrace Elementary handling younger kids. Ratings aren't the highest on the peninsula, but the proximity to California State University Monterey Bay adds an educational presence that some buyers value. That low 39% homeownership rate means you're competing with a lot of rental properties and investors, which can affect neighborhood stability. If schools are your top priority, you might end up looking at nearby communities, but you'll pay more for Carmel Unified or Pacific Grove.

  • Seaside High School
  • Seaside Middle School
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Academy
  • Ord Terrace Elementary School

The Neighborhood Feel

Your options in Seaside are more limited than in larger cities, and that $790K median applies pretty consistently across the area. Ord Village runs around $790K and sits on former Fort Ord military base land, with newer residential development and easy access to CSUMB. This area attracts university employees and younger buyers who can handle conventional loans with solid down payments. The Del Rey Oaks border area in the southern portion of Seaside also hovers around $790K, with mixed residential styles and proximity to Highway 68. Both areas see a mix of conventional financing and some VA loans given the military history here. The tight inventory and rental-heavy market mean you're often competing against cash offers or investors, so getting pre-approved with strong terms matters.

  • Ord Village
  • Del Rey Oaks border area

Getting Around

The commute to San Francisco takes about two hours on Highway 1 or 101, which is why most people who buy here work locally or on the peninsula. Los Angeles is over five hours away, so forget that daily commute. Local transit exists through MST buses, but let's be honest, you'll want a car here. The lack of major highway access keeps Seaside quieter than it would be otherwise, but it also means you're somewhat isolated if you need to travel for work regularly. Most buyers here either have jobs in Monterey, Salinas, or at CSUMB, or they're remote workers willing to pay for coastal access without the full Carmel price tag.

Jobs & Economy

California State University Monterey Bay is the anchor employer here, bringing steady education jobs and student rental demand that keeps the market active. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, and the City of Seaside itself provide public sector stability. The former Fort Ord facilities still have some U.S. Army presence, and you'll find VA loan usage higher here than in many California markets. The job mix leans heavily on education, healthcare, government, and tourism-related work throughout the broader Monterey Peninsula. Real talk, the $80K median income is decent but barely covers a $790K mortgage without stretching your debt-to-income ratio, so many buyers here are dual-income households or have help with down payments.

  • California State University, Monterey Bay
  • Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
  • Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
  • City of Seaside
  • U.S. Army (former Fort Ord facilities)

Seaside Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Seaside homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Seaside?

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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Seaside?

Typical Seaside 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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Seaside?

You have several low down payment options in Seaside: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Seaside buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Seaside?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Seaside 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.

Can I buy a home in Seaside with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Seaside 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 Seaside families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Seaside?

2026 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Seaside properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Seaside?

For Seaside'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.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Seaside. 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Seaside?

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Seaside?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Seaside. 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.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Seaside. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

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.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Seaside?

Closing costs in Seaside 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.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Seaside?

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.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in Seaside?

You have several low down payment options in Seaside: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Seaside buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Seaside. 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.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

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.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

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.

What are closing costs when buying a home in Seaside?

Closing costs in Seaside 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.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

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.

How long does it take to close on a house in Seaside?

Typical Seaside 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.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Seaside?

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.

What are the loan limits in Seaside?

2026 Monterey County limits: FHA $994,750, Conventional $994,750. Any loan above $994,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Seaside properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Seaside?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Seaside 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.

Can I buy a home in Seaside with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Seaside 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 Seaside families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Seaside?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Seaside. 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.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Seaside. 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.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Seaside?

For Seaside'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.

What is the FHA loan limit in Seaside?

The FHA loan limit in Seaside is $995,000 for 2025. This higher limit makes FHA loans a strong option for most homes in Seaside, where the median price is around $790,000. You can purchase a typical Seaside home with just 3.5% down using an FHA loan.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Seaside?

Most buyers in Seaside won't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $995,000 and the median home price is $790,000. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home priced above $995,000. The majority of homes in Seaside's $600K. $900K range qualify for conventional, FHA, or VA financing.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Monterey County?

For 2025, Monterey County's loan limits are $995,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025. These limits are reviewed annually and may increase based on home price trends in the area.

Can I get a VA loan in Seaside?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Seaside with a loan limit of $995,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. With Seaside's median home price at $790,000, most properties qualify for VA financing. VA loans also don't require mortgage insurance, which can save you hundreds monthly.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Seaside?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Seaside. Additionally, CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs with grants and deferred. payment junior loans for first. time and repeat buyers. Monterey County may also have local programs available, and many of these can be combined with FHA, VA, or conventional loans.

What down payment do I need for a Seaside home?

Down payment requirements in Seaside vary by loan type. Conventional loans typically require 3. 5% down ($23,700. $39,500 on a $790,000 home), FHA loans need 3.5% down ($27,650), and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. Our No Money Down program can also help qualified buyers purchase with no down payment.

What credit score do I need to buy in Seaside?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Seaside, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). VA loans typically require around 580. 620 depending on the lender. With Seaside's median income of $80,239 and home prices around $790,000, a strong credit score will help you qualify for better rates.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with Seaside's balanced market and the mix of conventional, FHA, and VA loans common here. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from multiple lenders, and ask about their experience with homes in the $600K. $900K range. A local lender familiar with Monterey County can often navigate the process more smoothly and offer insights on down payment assistance programs available in the area.

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