Mortgage broker serving Sonoma, 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 Sonoma buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
The Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Sonoma starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Sonoma homes qualify for conforming loans under $897K. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Sonoma with nothing down. VA loans up to $897K with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Sonoma first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Sonoma properties may exceed $897K. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Sonoma's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Sonoma buyers.
Bridge loans help Sonoma buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Sonoma investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Sonoma mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Sonoma homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Sonoma refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Sonoma HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Sonoma FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Sonoma. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Sonoma rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Sonoma use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Sonoma apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Sonoma. 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 Sonoma buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Sonoma buyers.
Local Sonoma DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Sonoma buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Sonoma family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Sonoma 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
Sonoma sits in the heart of wine country about 45 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 10,702, median household income $96,090. The homeownership rate here is 61.5%, which tracks with the $1.225M median home price. This isn't a starter home market. You're looking at conventional or jumbo financing, and most buyers need strong income or serious equity from a previous sale to make the numbers work in this historic wine country town.
If you're buying with kids in Sonoma, you're paying wine country prices but getting small-town schools. Sonoma Valley High, Altimira Middle, Sassarini Elementary, and Flowery Elementary serve the area. The schools are solid but not the draw here. Families buy in Sonoma for the lifestyle and the community, not test scores. The real question is whether you can stomach a $1.2M mortgage for access to this particular slice of California. Most buyers here are either moving from the Bay Area with big equity checks or they're established professionals who value the wine country setting over proximity to tech jobs.
Here's the thing about Sonoma. The whole town hovers around $1.2M regardless of where you buy, which simplifies your search but doesn't help your wallet. Sonoma Plaza and Downtown puts you in the historic center with walkable access to restaurants, tasting rooms, and tourist traffic. You're paying for location and the ability to walk to everything. The Springs Area around Boyes Hot Springs and Fetters Hot Springs northeast of downtown has that same price point but more residential quiet. East Sonoma gives you proximity to vineyards with a mix of housing styles. At these prices, you're looking at conventional jumbo loans for most properties. The 20% down payment alone runs $245K, so most buyers are coming from equity-rich situations or dual high-income households.
The commute to San Francisco takes about 64 minutes on a good day, Oakland 57 minutes, San Jose 99 minutes. That's the trade you're making. You get wine country living but you're not close to major job centers unless you work remotely or locally. Most people buying here either work in Sonoma itself, commute a few days a week, or they've reached a career stage where flexibility matters more than being near the office. The drive isn't terrible compared to some Bay Area commutes, but it's real. If you're financing a $1.2M home, your lender will want to see that your income can handle both the mortgage and the reality of that commute if you're still working in the city.
Sonoma's economy runs on wine, tourism, and local services. Sonoma Valley Unified School District and Sonoma Valley Hospital provide stable public sector and healthcare jobs. The City of Sonoma employs residents in municipal roles. But the real economic engine is the wine industry and hospitality businesses around Sonoma Plaza. Local wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, and retail keep the town running. The truth is most buyers here aren't relying on local employment to qualify for a mortgage. You need substantial income or assets to buy at $1.2M, and that usually means you're earning Bay Area money while living in wine country, or you're semi-retired with significant equity from a previous property.
Common questions from Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sonoma buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Sonoma'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 Sonoma. 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 Sonoma. 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 Sonoma. 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Sonoma buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sonoma. 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Sonoma. 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 Sonoma. 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 Sonoma'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 Sonoma is $897,000 for 2025. This limit covers many homes in the area, though Sonoma's median home price of $1.2M means you'll often need a jumbo loan or larger down payment for typical properties here.
You'll likely need a jumbo loan in Sonoma since the median home price is $1.2M and the conforming loan limit is $897,000. If you're buying above $897K, you'll need jumbo financing unless you can make a down payment large enough to keep your loan amount under the conforming limit. Many established professionals in Sonoma are first. time jumbo borrowers, and the process is more straightforward than most expect.
The 2025 conforming loan limit for Sonoma County is $897,000, with FHA and VA limits matching at $897,000. The 2026 limits haven't been announced yet, but they're typically released in November 2025 and often increase slightly based on home price trends.
Yes, you can get a VA loan in Sonoma with a loan limit of $897,000 for zero down payment. If you're buying above that amount, you can still use a VA loan but you'll need to make a down payment on the portion exceeding $897K or consider a VA jumbo loan.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Sonoma. CalHFA programs can also help with down payment and closing costs, offering options like the MyHome Assistance Program with deferred. payment junior loans. Given Sonoma's higher price point, these programs work best when combined with conforming or FHA loans under $897K.
For Sonoma's median $1.2M home price, you'll typically need 10. 20% down for a jumbo loan, which means $120K. $240K. If you can find a home under $897K, you could put down as little as 3. 3.5% with conventional or FHA financing, or potentially $0 down with our No Money Down program or VA loans if you're eligible.
You'll generally need a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Sonoma, though 700+ is preferred for jumbo loans given the higher price points. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, which can be helpful if you're buying under the $897K limit.
Choose a lender experienced with Sonoma's upper. middle market who can handle both conforming and jumbo loans, since many homes here exceed $897K. Look for someone who can explain your options clearly, especially if you're a first. time jumbo borrower, and who offers competitive rates on larger loan amounts. A local lender familiar with Sonoma County's market conditions and processing times can make your transaction smoother.
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