Mortgage broker serving Shafter, 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 Shafter buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Shafter provides attainable homeownership, but buyers face specific financing challenges.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Shafter 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 Shafter home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Shafter starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | Any buyer - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment, forgiven after 6 payments |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time buyers needing down payment help |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
FHA dominates Shafter purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.
CalHFA is a strong option for Shafter. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Veterans buy Shafter homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.
Many Shafter properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
All Shafter properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.
Shafter local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Bridge financing for Shafter homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.
LLC financing available in Shafter. Investors can purchase in entity names.
FHA streamline dominates Shafter refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.
VA IRRRL is the best refi for Shafter veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.
Many Shafter homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.
Every Shafter refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.
Shafter owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.
Fixed home equity loan option in Shafter. Predictable payments for major expenses.
DSCR financing for Shafter investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.
Fix-and-flip financing for Shafter investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.
Commercial hard money in Shafter. Quick funding when timing is critical.
Multifamily loans available for Shafter apartment investors. Commercial financing options.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Shafter buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA is a strong option for Shafter. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Shafter local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Elite grants provide Shafter down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.
Many Shafter properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
Family property transfers in Shafter benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.
Shafter first-time buyers often use co-borrowers. Family help for 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
Shafter sits in Kern County's agricultural heartland, about 18 miles north of Bakersfield in the Central Valley. Population is 20,162, median household income $66,418. The homeownership rate here is 63.6%, which tells you this is a community where people put down roots. At $399K median home price, you're looking at one of the last genuinely affordable entry points in California where a household earning around $65-70K can still qualify for a conventional mortgage on a single-family home without stretching themselves too thin.
If you're buying with kids in mind, Shafter's schools are the backbone of the community. Shafter High School serves the whole town, and Richland Junior High feeds into it. On the elementary side, you've got Redwood and Sequoia serving different neighborhoods. The Richland School District is actually the largest employer in town, which tells you something about how education-focused this place is. That stability matters when you're thinking about your home as a 10 or 15 year investment. Families who buy here tend to stay, which keeps the ownership rate above 60% and helps maintain property values over time.
Shafter doesn't have the sprawling subdivisions you'll find in bigger Central Valley cities. Most of the town centers around Downtown Shafter, where homes run around $400K near the historic core along James Street and Kern Street. You're looking at a mix of older homes with character and some newer infill construction. The whole town feels pretty cohesive, which actually makes your buying decision simpler since you're not choosing between wildly different price tiers. FHA loans work well here for first-time buyers, and conventional loans are standard for anyone with decent credit and 5-10% down. The lack of extreme price variation means you won't get priced out of the better streets like you would in Bakersfield's nicer areas.
The big advantage here is Bakersfield sits just 24 minutes south, which makes Shafter a legitimate bedroom community for anyone working in Kern County's hub. That commute is doable five days a week without burning you out, and it's the main reason people choose Shafter over buying in Bakersfield proper where $399K gets you a lot less house. Fresno is 95 minutes north if you've got business up there, but realistically most Shafter buyers are tied to the Bakersfield economy. No major highways run directly through town, which keeps things quiet but means you're on surface streets until you connect to bigger routes. If you work locally in ag or food processing, you've got a five minute commute and a mortgage payment that leaves room in your budget.
The Richland School District tops the employer list, followed by Kern County government offices that serve the northern part of the county. But the real economic engine here is agriculture and food processing. The farms surrounding Shafter grow everything from almonds to grapes, and the processing facilities turn that into jobs that pay enough to qualify for a mortgage. It's not tech salaries, but it's steady work that's been here for generations. Most buyers either work in education, county government, or the ag industry. The job base isn't flashy, but it's reliable, which is exactly what lenders want to see when you're applying for a loan.
Common questions from Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Shafter buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Shafter properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Shafter'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 Shafter. 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 Shafter. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Kern County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Shafter. 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 Kern County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Shafter 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 Shafter: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Shafter buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Shafter. 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 Kern County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Kern County limits: FHA $541,287, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Shafter properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Shafter 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 Shafter 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 Shafter families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Shafter. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Kern County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Shafter. 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 Shafter'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 Shafter is $541,000 for 2025, which is well above the typical home prices in the area. Since most homes in Shafter range from $300K to $450K, you'll have plenty of room to use an FHA loan for your purchase. This makes FHA an excellent option for first. time buyers in Shafter who want low down payment options.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Shafter since the median home price is around $400K and the conforming loan limit is $833,000. Most homes in this entry. level market fall well below conventional and FHA loan limits, so you'll qualify for standard loan programs with better rates and terms.
For 2025, Kern County's loan limits are $541,000 for FHA loans, $833,000 for VA loans, and $833,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits are more than sufficient for Shafter's housing market where most homes are priced between $300K and $450K. The 2026 limits typically get announced in late 2025, but current limits provide plenty of flexibility for local buyers.
Yes, VA loans are available in Shafter with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers all homes in the area. If you're a qualified veteran or active. duty service member, VA loans offer 0% down with no mortgage insurance, making them one of the best options for buying a home in Shafter's $300K to $450K market.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Shafter. CalHFA programs are also extremely popular here, offering down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time buyers, and some areas of Shafter may qualify for USDA loans with zero down. Kern County also offers local DPA programs that can help cover your down payment and closing costs, which is crucial in this entry. level market where buyers often have limited savings.
For a typical $400K home in Shafter, you can put down as little as 3.5% with an FHA loan (about $14,000) or 3% with conventional financing (about $12,000). However, many first. time buyers in Shafter use down payment assistance programs or VA loans to buy with little to no money down. With the right DPA program, you could potentially buy your Shafter home with $0 out of pocket.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Shafter with a credit score as low as 580, and some lenders may go down to 500 with a larger down payment. For conventional loans, you'll typically need at least a 620 credit score. Since Shafter is an entry. level market where FHA loans dominate, the lower credit requirements make homeownership accessible even if your credit isn't perfect.
Choose a lender who specializes in first. time buyer programs and down payment assistance, since these are critical in Shafter's entry. level market. Look for someone with strong knowledge of FHA, CalHFA, and local Kern County DPA programs that can help you maximize your buying power. The right lender will help you navigate the options to get into a home with minimal upfront costs, which is essential when most buyers have limited savings.
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