Mortgage broker serving Taft, 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 Taft buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Buyers breaking into Taft's market need down payment assistance and flexible programs.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Taft 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 Taft home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Taft starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers, lower credit. Limit: $832,750 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military - best 0% down option |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time Taft buyers, income-qualified |
| Conventional | 3% | 620+ | Good credit, faster closing than FHA |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
FHA dominates Taft purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.
CalHFA is a strong option for Taft. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Veterans buy Taft homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.
Many Taft properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
All Taft properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.
Taft local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Bridge financing for Taft homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.
LLC financing available in Taft. Investors can purchase in entity names.
FHA streamline dominates Taft refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.
VA IRRRL is the best refi for Taft veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.
Many Taft homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.
Every Taft refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.
Taft owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.
Fixed home equity loan option in Taft. Predictable payments for major expenses.
DSCR financing for Taft investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.
Fix-and-flip financing for Taft investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.
Commercial hard money in Taft. Quick funding when timing is critical.
Multifamily loans available for Taft 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 Taft buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA is a strong option for Taft. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Taft local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Elite grants provide Taft down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.
Many Taft properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
Family property transfers in Taft benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.
Taft 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
Taft sits in the southwestern corner of the San Joaquin Valley, about 35 miles southwest of Bakersfield. Population is 7,414, median household income $52,414. The homeownership rate here is 49.6%, which is low for California, but that's partly because this is an oil town with transient workers. At $330K median home price, you're looking at one of the most affordable entry points in Kern County. A household earning around $50K can actually qualify for a conventional loan on a starter home here, which is rare anywhere in California these days.
The school situation is straightforward in a town this size. Taft Union High School serves the whole area, Lincoln Elementary and Parkview Middle feed into it. Ratings aren't published for all of them, but the district has been stable for decades. Here's the thing: families who buy here tend to value affordability over test scores. The presence of Taft College right in town is actually a plus for resale value. It brings stability, employs locals, and gives kids a cheap path to higher education. When you're stretching to afford your first home, having a community college down the street instead of $30K tuition bills matters.
Downtown Taft is basically the whole market here. You're looking at $330K for most properties, which includes the historic central business district that dates back to the oil boom of the early 1900s. The housing stock is older, mostly early to mid-20th century builds, but that keeps prices down. FHA loans are common because the price point attracts first-time buyers who can't put 20% down. Conventional loans work fine too if you've got the down payment. The low homeownership rate means there's rental inventory, so if you're an investor looking at cash flow in an oil town, the numbers can work. But if you're buying to live here, you're banking on oil industry stability and Bakersfield commute tolerance.
The commute to Bakersfield is 42 minutes, which is doable if you work in the oil industry or Kern County government. Fresno is over two hours away, so that's not a daily commute. There's no major highway running through town, you're on local roads until you connect to larger routes. Real talk: most people who buy in Taft either work in Taft or make the Bakersfield run. If you're commuting further, you're going to burn that mortgage savings in gas and time. Local transit exists but this is a car-dependent town. The affordability only makes sense if your job is local or you don't mind that Bakersfield drive five days a week.
Oil and gas is the backbone here, always has been. The Midway-Sunset Oil Field nearby is one of the largest in California, and various oil companies employ a big chunk of the workforce. Taft Union High School District and Taft College are the stable public sector employers. Kern County and Taft City government add more public jobs. The truth is, when oil prices are up, Taft does well. When they're down, things get tight. That affects property values and your ability to resell. If you're buying here, you need to understand you're in an oil economy. It's not diversified like Bakersfield. But that specialization is exactly why homes stay affordable when the rest of California doesn't.
Common questions from Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Taft buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Taft'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 Taft. 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 Taft. 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 Taft. 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 Taft 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 Taft: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Taft buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Taft. 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 Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Taft 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 Taft 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 Taft families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Taft. 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 Taft. 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 Taft'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 Taft is $541,300 for 2025. This covers virtually all homes in Taft, where the median price is around $330,000, making FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers in the area.
You won't need a jumbo loan in Taft. With the conforming loan limit at $833,100 and most homes priced between $300,000 and $450,000, standard FHA, conventional, and VA loans will cover your purchase easily.
For 2025, Kern County's loan limits are $541,300 for FHA loans and $833,100 for conforming and VA loans. The 2026 limits typically get announced in November 2025, though they rarely impact Taft buyers given the area's affordable home prices.
Yes, VA loans are available in Taft with a loan limit of $833,100, which covers all local homes. 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 available.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Taft. You can also access CalHFA programs that provide up to 3.5% down payment assistance, and some areas of Taft may qualify for USDA loans with zero down, perfect for first. time buyers with limited savings.
You can buy a home in Taft with as little as 3.5% down using an FHA loan, which means around $11,500 to $15,750 on most homes here. With down payment assistance programs or VA/USDA loans, you might qualify for 0% down and keep your savings for moving costs and reserves.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Taft with a credit score as low as 580, or even 500 with 10% down. Most lenders prefer seeing scores around 620 or higher for the best rates, but don't let a lower score discourage you from exploring your options.
Look for a lender experienced with FHA loans and down payment assistance programs, since these are crucial for most Taft buyers. The right lender will understand the local market, explain all your options clearly, and help you maximize programs like CalHFA to make homeownership affordable on Taft's median income of around $52,000.
Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your Taft mortgage options.
We respond within 24 hours
