Mortgage broker serving Sebastopol, 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 Sebastopol buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
The Sebastopol market requires jumbo loan expertise for homes above the $897K threshold.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Sebastopol starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Sebastopol prices often exceed $897K. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.
Properties under $897K get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in Sebastopol.
Self-employed? Sebastopol bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Sebastopol properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Sebastopol buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Sebastopol buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $897K.
Bridge financing for Sebastopol moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Sebastopol investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Sebastopol loans under $897K get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Sebastopol home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Sebastopol homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Sebastopol veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Sebastopol home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Sebastopol homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Sebastopol can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Sebastopol rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Sebastopol apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Sebastopol first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Sebastopol family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Sebastopol. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Sebastopol 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
Sebastopol sits in western Sonoma County about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 7,503, median household income $98,185. The homeownership rate here is 55.7%, lower than the state average, and that tells you something about the market. At $1.39M median home price, this is serious money even by Bay Area standards. You're looking at needing roughly $200K down and household income around $350K to qualify for a conventional loan on a typical property here. This is wine country pricing without the Napa premium, and buyers are mostly high earners from tech or established locals who bought years ago.
If you're buying with kids in Sebastopol, you're paying wine country prices but getting solid public schools without the pressure cooker environment of places like Palo Alto. Analy High serves the area along with Brook Haven and Hillcrest middle schools, plus Twin Hills Union Elementary. The schools aren't rated as high as some South Bay districts, but families here value the small-town feel and arts-focused culture over test score competition. That $1.39M median price means you're competing with other high-income families who could afford Marin or South Bay but chose a different lifestyle. When you're stretching to a jumbo loan at this price point, the school quality matters for resale even if your kids are years away from kindergarten.
Here's the thing about Sebastopol neighborhoods. The market is tight enough that price differences between areas are minimal. Downtown Sebastopol runs around $1.4M for homes near Main Street and the plaza, where you get walkability to restaurants and shops but also tourist traffic and limited parking. The Barlow District also hits that $1.4M mark, appealing to buyers who want to be near the arts and culinary scene in the revitalized industrial area. Both areas require jumbo loans for most buyers since you're well over the $766,550 conforming limit. The lack of price spread means you're choosing based on lifestyle preference, not affordability. Cash buyers and jumbo loan clients with 20% down dominate this market.
The commute situation is what keeps Sebastopol from being even more expensive than it already is. San Francisco is 73 minutes on a good day, Oakland 66 minutes, and if you work in South Bay you're looking at 110 minutes to San Jose or 103 to Palo Alto. That's brutal for a daily commute, which is why most buyers here either work remotely, are self-employed, or have local jobs in wine, agriculture, or hospitality. Local transit exists but this is a car-dependent town. If you're financing at $1.4M and commuting to the Bay Area daily, you need to really want the wine country lifestyle because you're paying premium prices plus losing 2-3 hours a day in the car.
The local job market is small and specialized. West Sonoma County Union High School District is the largest employer, followed by City of Sebastopol government positions. The traditional apple industry still exists but has shrunk over decades. Retail and hospitality businesses downtown provide service jobs, but those wages don't support $1.4M home prices. The truth is most homebuyers here earn their money elsewhere. Tech workers who can remote, wine industry professionals, retirees cashing out equity from pricier Bay Area markets, and small business owners make up the buyer pool. When your lender underwrites your jumbo loan, they'll want to see stable income that can handle a $7,000+ monthly payment, and that usually means bringing Bay Area or remote tech salaries to a small town economy.
Common questions from Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sebastopol buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Sebastopol properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Sebastopol'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 Sebastopol. 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 Sebastopol. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sonoma County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Sebastopol. 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 Sonoma County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sebastopol buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sebastopol. 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 Sonoma County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol 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 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Sebastopol properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol 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 Sebastopol families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Sebastopol. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Sonoma County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Sebastopol. 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 Sebastopol'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 Sebastopol is $897,000 for 2025. This covers many homes in the area, though with a median home price around $1.4M, you'll likely need a jumbo loan or significant down payment for most properties. FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.
Yes, you'll likely need a jumbo loan in Sebastopol since the median home price is $1.4M and most homes range from $1.25M to $2M. The conforming loan limit is $897,000, so any mortgage above that amount requires jumbo financing. Jumbo loans typically require larger down payments (15. 20%) and stronger credit profiles than conforming loans.
For 2025, Sonoma County's conforming loan limit is $897,000, with FHA and VA limits also at $897,000. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and often increase based on home price trends. Given Sebastopol's premium market, most buyers will still need jumbo financing regardless of limit increases.
Yes, you can get a VA loan in Sebastopol with a limit of $897,000 before needing a down payment. For homes above that amount, which is common here with a $1.4M median price, you'll need to cover 25% of the difference between the purchase price and the loan limit. VA loans offer competitive rates and don't require mortgage insurance.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Sebastopol. CalHFA programs like MyHome Assistance provide up to 3.5% in down payment help, and Sonoma County may offer assistance for first. time buyers at lower price points. Given the premium market with homes typically $1.25M+, most dual. income professional buyers here use conventional financing with standard down payments.
For Sebastopol's typical $1.25M to $2M homes, you'll generally need 15. 20% down for jumbo loans, which means $187,500 to $400,000. If you find a home under the $897,000 conforming limit, you can put down as little as 3. 5% with conventional financing. Most buyers in this premium market are dual. income professionals who've built equity from previous homes.
For Sebastopol's premium market, you'll want a credit score of at least 700 for competitive jumbo loan rates, with 740+ getting you the best terms. Conventional loans for homes under $897,000 can work with scores as low as 620, though you'll pay higher rates. Given the typical $1.4M price point, most lenders prefer 720+ for the jumbo financing you'll likely need.
Choose a lender experienced with Sebastopol's premium market and jumbo financing, since most homes here exceed the $897,000 conforming limit. Look for competitive rates on high. balance loans, responsive communication throughout the process, and expertise working with dual. income professionals upgrading from starter homes. A local lender familiar with Sonoma County's market can help navigate the unique challenges of this price range.
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