Licensed California Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Loans in
Sonoma County
Sonoma County Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

Trusted Expertise
40+ YEARS
California Experience

Licensed California mortgage broker with loan programs specialized to your unique situation. Purchase loans, refinancing, FHA, VA, jumbo, commercial, construction, down payment assistance, and more across every Sonoma community.

Schedule Consultation
Why Sonoma County Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Happy couple celebrating home purchase in Sonoma County

Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program for your Sonoma County purchase.

We as brokers shop hundreds of lenders for you. Banks offer their own limited products.

As mortgage specialists serving Sonoma County buyers across 9 cities, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Sonoma County buyers navigate varied price points across 9 diverse cities.

  • Premium areas like Sonoma Valley require jumbo loans above $1.25M
  • Most neighborhoods qualify for high-balance conventional loans
  • Strategic financing depends on which community you're buying in

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Sonoma County

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 Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days

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

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

2026 Loan Limits

Sonoma County Loan Limits

High-Cost Area
Loan Type 1-Unit 2-Unit 3-Unit 4-Unit
Conventional
$877,450 $877K $1,123,136 $1.12M $1,357,415 $1.36M $1,687,336 $1.69M
FHA
$877,450 $877K $1,123,136 $1.12M $1,357,415 $1.36M $1,687,336 $1.69M

Limits effective January 1, 2026. VA loans have no county limit for qualified veterans.

Sonoma County Market

Sonoma County Housing & Mortgage Market in 2026 Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Sonoma County's Bay Area real estate market features $775K median pricing, accessible to working professionals, growing families, and established households earning solid middle to upper-middle household incomes. The growing market with sustained purchase activity presents multiple financing pathways for prospective homebuyers in Sonoma County. The 61.5% homeownership rate reflects Sonoma County's mix of homeowners and renters, creating opportunities for first-time buyers entering the market.

Who's Buying in Sonoma County

Most Sonoma County properties fall within Sonoma County's $897K conforming loan limit, enabling conventional, FHA, and VA financing for buyers. Sonoma County offers diverse property price points across different neighborhoods, each requiring tailored financing approaches based on purchase price and buyer qualifications. Conventional buyers in Sonoma County commonly use 5-20% down payments, while FHA buyers access homeownership with 3.5% down, and VA-eligible buyers utilize zero-down benefits.

Your Loan Fit

Sonoma County residents work across diverse employment sectors including Wine industry, Tourism and hospitality, Healthcare, with median household income of $88,000 supporting varied mortgage qualifications. Sonoma County mortgage applications reflect diverse income sources including W-2 wages, self-employment earnings, and bonus/commission income, with lenders evaluating 2-year income history and employment stability for qualification. Most Sonoma County buyers maintain manageable debt-to-income ratios below 43%, though FHA and VA programs allow up to 50-55% DTI for well-qualified borrowers with compensating factors like substantial reserves or excellent credit.

Down Payment & Refinance in Sonoma County

Sonoma County's loan mix includes conventional financing (5-20% down), FHA loans (3.5% down) for buyers with limited savings or credit rebuilding, and VA loans providing zero-down benefits for eligible veterans and service members. FHA accepts credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down), conventional programs approve borrowers at 620+, and our zero-down program works with scores of 640+, accommodating Sonoma County's diverse buyer qualifications. Our loan officers evaluate each Sonoma County buyer's unique situation to recommend the most advantageous loan program based on credit profile, down payment capacity, and long-term homeownership goals.

Get Started

Our team has originated mortgages throughout Sonoma County across all price ranges and neighborhoods, developing expertise in local property valuations, appraisal district boundaries, and lender appetites for different Sonoma County areas. Our Sonoma County expertise extends beyond rate quotes to include strategic advice on offer structure, appraisal contingencies, and seller expectations in competitive Sonoma County markets. This local knowledge enables us to pre-qualify buyers accurately, anticipate potential underwriting issues, and close loans efficiently in Sonoma County's unique real estate environment.

Sonoma County Calculators

Calculator with house model and coins representing mortgage calculations

Calculate your monthly payment, affordability, and closing costs with Sonoma County-specific property tax rates and loan limits. Get accurate estimates before you start shopping.

Sonoma County Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County?

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 Sonoma County?

Typical Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County?

Down payments in Sonoma County vary by loan type: Conventional (3-5% minimum), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for veterans). With $775K median pricing, most buyers put 5-20% down depending on whether they're avoiding PMI or maximizing cash reserves.

What is PMI and how can I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down, costing 0.5-1% of your loan annually. Ways to avoid: put 20% down, use an 80-10-10 piggyback loan, or choose lender-paid PMI. PMI automatically drops once you reach 20% equity.

What are the loan limits in Sonoma County?

2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $877,450, Conventional $877,450. Any loan above $877,450 is a jumbo loan. Most Sonoma County properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Will I need a jumbo loan or conforming loan in Sonoma County?

With Sonoma County's $775K median price and $877,450 Sonoma County limit, many properties fall right at the threshold. Homes under $877,450 use conforming loans (better rates, easier qualification). Above that requires jumbo financing. We analyze your target price range to recommend the best approach.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sonoma County. 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 Sonoma County?

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.

Can I get approved if I'm self-employed or have 1099 income?

Yes. We offer multiple documentation paths for self-employed Sonoma County borrowers: bank statement loans (12-24 months deposits), P&L-only programs, and traditional tax return qualification. Our loan officers specialize in complex income situations.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Sonoma County?

Yes, first-time buyers represent about 35% of our Sonoma County transactions. We help you navigate loan options, explain the differences between FHA, conventional, and VA programs, and identify down payment assistance available in Sonoma County.

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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County?

Closing costs in Sonoma County typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $775K 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.

Should I buy down my interest rate in Sonoma County?

Rate buydowns (paying points upfront for a lower rate) make sense if you'll keep the loan 5+ years. Each point (1% of loan amount) typically reduces your rate by 0.25%. We calculate your break-even point and whether buying down makes financial sense for your Sonoma County purchase.

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

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 Sonoma County?

Down payments in Sonoma County vary by loan type: Conventional (3-5% minimum), FHA (3.5%), VA (0% for veterans). With $775K median pricing, most buyers put 5-20% down depending on whether they're avoiding PMI or maximizing cash reserves.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Sonoma County. 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County?

Closing costs in Sonoma County typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $775K 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 Sonoma County?

Typical Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County?

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 Sonoma County?

2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $877,450, Conventional $877,450. Any loan above $877,450 is a jumbo loan. Most Sonoma County properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Will I need a jumbo loan or conforming loan in Sonoma County?

With Sonoma County's $775K median price and $877,450 Sonoma County limit, many properties fall right at the threshold. Homes under $877,450 use conforming loans (better rates, easier qualification). Above that requires jumbo financing. We analyze your target price range to recommend the best approach.

Can I get approved if I'm self-employed or have 1099 income?

Yes. We offer multiple documentation paths for self-employed Sonoma County borrowers: bank statement loans (12-24 months deposits), P&L-only programs, and traditional tax return qualification. Our loan officers specialize in complex income situations.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Sonoma County?

Yes, first-time buyers represent about 35% of our Sonoma County transactions. We help you navigate loan options, explain the differences between FHA, conventional, and VA programs, and identify down payment assistance available in Sonoma County.

What is PMI and how can I avoid it?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is required on conventional loans with less than 20% down, costing 0.5-1% of your loan annually. Ways to avoid: put 20% down, use an 80-10-10 piggyback loan, or choose lender-paid PMI. PMI automatically drops once you reach 20% equity.

Should I buy down my interest rate in Sonoma County?

Rate buydowns (paying points upfront for a lower rate) make sense if you'll keep the loan 5+ years. Each point (1% of loan amount) typically reduces your rate by 0.25%. We calculate your break-even point and whether buying down makes financial sense for your Sonoma County purchase.

What are the 2026 loan limits in Sonoma County?

Sonoma County is designated as a high-cost area. Conventional conforming loan limits are $877K for single-family homes, $1.1M for 2-unit properties, $1.4M for 3-unit properties, and $1.7M for 4-unit properties. FHA limits match these amounts.

Which cities in Sonoma County do you serve?

We serve all cities and communities throughout Sonoma County, California.

Do I need a jumbo loan to buy in Sonoma County?

Thanks to Sonoma County's high-cost designation, you can finance homes up to $877K with a conventional conforming loan. You only need a jumbo loan for properties exceeding this amount.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Sonoma County?

Several programs are available including CalHFA down payment assistance, local first-time buyer programs, and various grant programs. We'll help you identify all programs you qualify for based on your income and location.

About Sonoma County’s Housing Market

If you’re looking in Sonoma County, you already know prices aren’t cheap. But here’s what a lot of buyers miss: the federal government classifies this as a “high-cost” area, which actually works in your favor. That designation bumps conforming loan limits to $877K—so a home that would need jumbo financing in most of the country can be financed with a regular conventional loan here. Better rates, easier qualification.

The county spans 5 cities, and they’re genuinely different from each other. Healdsburg runs around $1.1M, while Rohnert Park comes in closer to $650K. That’s a wide gap, and it means your financing strategy depends heavily on which area you’re targeting.

What keeps the market stable is that people actually work here. Wine industry, and tourism and hospitality. When you have that kind of employment base, one sector slowing down doesn’t tank the whole housing market.

Get Started with Your Sonoma County Mortgage
Get in Contact With Us

Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your Sonoma County mortgage options.

We respond within 24 hours

Call