Mortgage broker serving Solvang, 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 Solvang buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Solvang's market straddles the $942K limit, requiring strategic loan structuring.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Solvang 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 Solvang home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Solvang starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Solvang 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 Solvang 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 Solvang 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 |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $1,249,125 |
| 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 $1,249,125 |
| 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
Most Solvang homes qualify for conforming loans under $942K. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Solvang with nothing down. VA loans up to $942K with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Solvang first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Solvang properties may exceed $942K. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Solvang's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Solvang buyers.
Bridge loans help Solvang buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Solvang investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Solvang mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Solvang homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Solvang refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Solvang HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Solvang FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Solvang. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Solvang rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Solvang use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Solvang apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Solvang. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Solvang buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Solvang buyers.
Local Solvang DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Solvang buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Solvang family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Solvang buyers use non-occupant co-borrowers. Parents help children qualify for homes.
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
Solvang sits in the Santa Ynez Valley wine country about 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. Population is 6,035, median household income $108,074. The homeownership rate here is 55.2%, below the California average, because this is primarily a tourist destination with lots of rental properties and second homes. At $980K median home price, you're paying a premium for that Central Coast wine country lifestyle. This isn't where first-time buyers on a budget end up. You're looking at conventional or jumbo loans here, and you'll need strong income to qualify.
The school situation is straightforward but limited. Solvang Elementary serves the younger kids, Jonata Middle handles grades 6-8, and Santa Ynez Valley Union High School takes it from there. The district serves the entire valley, not just Solvang, so your kids will be mixing with families from Santa Ynez and Los Olivos too. The small-town feel means smaller class sizes, but you won't find the variety of programs you'd get in a larger district. For buyers with school-age kids, you're really buying into a tight-knit community where everyone knows everyone. That can be great or limiting depending on what you want.
Here's the thing about Solvang: it's tiny, and your neighborhood choices are limited. Downtown and the Village Center run around $980K for what's available, though much of this area is commercial with those famous Danish-style buildings that bring in the tourists. Alisal Road Area, one of the main residential zones, also sits around that $980K median. You're not finding fixer-uppers or entry-level properties here. Most buyers are using conventional loans if they're under $1.09M, jumbo loans if they're above that threshold. The property mix includes some older homes that need updating and newer builds that command premium prices. The tourism economy means some buyers purchase as short-term rentals, which can affect neighborhood stability.
The commute situation is rough if you work in a major city. Los Angeles is 138 minutes away on a good day, San Francisco is nearly five hours. There's no highway running straight through town, which is part of what keeps Solvang feeling remote and preserved. If you're buying here, you're either working locally in hospitality or wine, working remotely, or you're retired. The isolation is the point for most buyers. You get wine country living without Napa prices, but you're trading convenience and job access for that lifestyle. Local transit exists but this is really a car-dependent town.
The local economy runs on tourism and wine. Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District is the largest traditional employer, followed by the City of Solvang itself. But the real employment base is hospitality: hotels, restaurants, tasting rooms, and wineries that serve the constant stream of visitors. If you're not in education or city services, you're probably working in the service industry or wine business. The seasonal nature of tourism means income can fluctuate, which matters when you're applying for a mortgage. Lenders want to see stable employment, so if you're in hospitality, expect extra scrutiny on your income documentation. Many residents commute to Santa Barbara or work remotely to afford the $980K price tag.
Common questions from Solvang 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 Solvang 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 Solvang: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Solvang buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Solvang 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 Solvang 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 Solvang families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Santa Barbara County limits: FHA $805,000, Conventional $941,850. Any loan above $941,850 is a jumbo loan. Most Solvang properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Solvang'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 Solvang. 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 Solvang. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Barbara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Solvang. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.
As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.
You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Santa Barbara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Solvang 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 Solvang: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Solvang buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Solvang. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.
As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.
You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Santa Barbara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Solvang 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 Solvang closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.
Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.
2026 Santa Barbara County limits: FHA $805,000, Conventional $941,850. Any loan above $941,850 is a jumbo loan. Most Solvang properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Solvang 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 Solvang 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 Solvang families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Solvang. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Barbara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Solvang. 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 Solvang'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 Solvang is $805,000 for 2025. This covers many homes in the area, though with a median price around $980,000, you'll find some properties exceed this limit. FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Solvang homes since the conforming loan limit is $942,000 and the median price is $980,000. However, if you're buying above $942,000, you'll need jumbo financing. Many established professionals in Solvang are first. time jumbo borrowers, and these loans typically require 10. 20% down with strong credit.
For Santa Barbara County, the conforming and VA loan limits are $942,000, while the FHA limit is $805,000. These limits apply to Solvang and surrounding areas. Final 2026 limits will be announced in November 2025, but current limits accommodate most properties in the $900K. $1.25M range typical for the area.
Yes, VA loans are available in Solvang with a loan limit of $942,000, which covers the majority of homes here. VA loans offer $0 down payment for eligible veterans and service members, making them an excellent option given the median home price of $980,000. You'll avoid PMI and typically get competitive interest rates.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Solvang. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time and repeat buyers, with options that work well for homes in the $900K. $1.25M range. Santa Barbara County may also offer local assistance programs for eligible borrowers.
For a conventional loan on Solvang's median. priced $980,000 home, you'll typically need 10. 20% down ($98,000. $196,000) to avoid PMI and get the best rates. FHA loans require just 3.5% down (about $34,300), while VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. Many established professionals in the area opt for 15. 20% down to strengthen their offers in this competitive market.
Most conventional lenders prefer a 620 minimum credit score for Solvang homes, though 680+ gets you better rates on properties in the $900K. $1.25M range. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500. 579 with 10% down. For jumbo loans above $942,000, you'll typically need 700+ to qualify.
Look for a lender experienced with Solvang's upper. middle market and familiar with both conforming and jumbo loans in the $900K. $1.25M range. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from at least three lenders. Choose someone who understands Santa Barbara County's market and can guide first. time jumbo borrowers through the process with clear communication and reliable pre. approval letters that strengthen your offer.
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