Mortgage Loans in
Truckee, California
Truckee Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

2015-10-31 07 51 25 Fog just after sunrise along eastbound California State Route 267 (North Shore Boulevard) near Truckee Tahoe Airport near Truckee, California

Mortgage broker serving Truckee, 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.

Why Truckee Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

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 Truckee buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Truckee's market straddles the $833K limit, requiring strategic loan structuring.

  • Downtown Truckee, Glenshire, and Donner Lake ($1.1M each) all exceed the $833K conforming limit, requiring jumbo loans with 10-20% down.
  • Hospitality and resort workers with seasonal income need 12-24 month averaging and extra reserves to qualify in this tourism-driven market.
  • Wildfire zones require FAIR Plan insurance adding $3,000-5,000/year when standard carriers decline coverage in high-risk Sierra Nevada areas.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Truckee

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the Truckee, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Truckee's a mountain town, so financing here works differently than your average California suburb. The median home price sits at $1.14M, and prices have flatlined over the past year after years of crazy gains. The conforming loan limit is $833K, but you're buying well above that in most cases. That's jumbo territory. The good news? Jumbo rates are competitive right now, and lenders love this market because the homeownership rate is 77.5%. People buy here and stay. This isn't a flip market or some transient vacation rental wasteland. You're getting real financing options because it's a stable owner-occupant community.

Who's Buying in Truckee

Dual-income families with equity dominate here. You need a household income around $107K just to hit the median, and honestly most buyers are making more than that to comfortably afford a $1.14M home. Move-up buyers selling from Sacramento or the Bay Area show up with $300K-$400K in equity and suddenly a Truckee home makes sense. Some first-timers break in here, but they've got serious tech or professional income plus family help. Retirees and semi-retirees buy here too, often downsizing from larger markets but staying in the same price range because mountain living isn't cheap. The small-town vibe attracts people who want year-round access to skiing and hiking without the Tahoe scene.

Your Loan Fit

You're going jumbo on most purchases here, so your credit score and income documentation matter more than usual. Don't overthink it. Jumbo loans aren't the nightmare people imagine if you've got solid finances.
  • Conventional jumbo financing gets you the best rates when you're over the $833K conforming limit, and most Truckee homes qualify
  • 20% down gets you the cleanest deal and avoids PMI, but 10-15% down jumbo programs exist if your rate tolerance is higher
  • Some buyers split financing: conforming loan up to $833K, then a second mortgage or HELOC for the rest to keep rates lower
  • USDA loans can work in parts of Nevada County if you're under income limits, but at $1.14M median you're likely priced out of that program
Your loan officer should run multiple scenarios. The difference between 10% and 20% down might surprise you when you see the actual rate and payment.

Down Payment & Refinance in Truckee

Refinancing in Truckee right now? Rates dropped from their peak, so rate-and-term refis are back in play if you bought in 2022-2023. Cash-out refis make sense for renovations since older cabins here need constant work, or if you're buying a second property and need liquidity. A lot of owners are sitting on massive equity after years of appreciation, even with the flat year we just had. PMI removal isn't usually relevant at this price point since most people put 20% down from the start. HELOC is honestly the smarter move for flexibility if you just need access to cash without resetting your mortgage. You've got the equity. Use it intelligently.

Get Started

Let's talk real numbers. 10% down is $114K. 20% is $228K. That's not couch cushion money. Most buyers here are bringing equity from a previous home sale, sometimes $200K-$400K from the Bay Area or Southern California. Others are combining $80K-$100K in savings with $30K-$50K in gift funds from family. Some stretch with 10% down to preserve cash for renovations or because they're confident in income growth. And look, if you're a qualified buyer who doesn't want to drain savings, our no-money-down program covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. That's $40K-$50K you're keeping in your pocket. It's not right for everyone at this price tier, but it's an option worth discussing.

Local Truckee Expertise

Start with a conversation, not an application. Truckee financing is too specific to cookie-cutter online calculators. We'll look at your equity position, income docs, and what you're actually trying to buy. Then we'll map out whether you're going jumbo, how much down makes sense, and what your real monthly payment looks like with taxes and insurance factored in. Mountain properties have their own quirks. Schedule a free call with our team and we'll walk through your scenario. No pressure, just straight answers about what works in this market.

Popular Truckee Neighborhoods

Downtown Truckee • Glenshire • Donner Lake area

Zip Codes We Serve

96160, 96161, 96162

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

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

Loan Programs

Truckee Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for Truckee homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: Truckee Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Jumbo 10-20% 680+ Homes above $832,750
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 $832,750
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Investment properties, no income verification
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Seniors 62+ accessing Truckee home equity

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in Truckee

Conforming Loans

Most Truckee homes qualify for conforming loans under $833K. Best rates with 3-20% down.

VA Loans

Veterans buy in Truckee with nothing down. VA loans up to $833K with no mortgage insurance.

FHA Loans

FHA loans popular for Truckee first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.

Jumbo Loans

Higher-end Truckee properties may exceed $833K. Jumbo financing available when needed.

Bank Statement Loans

Bank statement loans work for Truckee's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Truckee buyers.

Bridge Loans

Bridge loans help Truckee buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.

LLC Funding Programs

Truckee investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.

Best Refinance Options in Truckee

Conforming Refinance

Most Truckee mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.

Cash Out Refinance

Truckee homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.

VA Loans Refinance

Veterans in Truckee refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.

HELOC Refinance

Truckee HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.

FHA Loans Refinance

Truckee FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.

Home Equity Refinance

Home equity loan option for Truckee. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Truckee

DSCR Loans

Truckee rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.

Fix And Flip Loans

Renovation investors in Truckee use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.

Multifamily Loans

Truckee apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Commercial hard money in Truckee. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Truckee

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Truckee buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Truckee buyers.

Local Down Payment Programs

Local Truckee DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Elite Grant Program

Truckee buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Gift of Equity

Gift of equity option for Truckee family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Truckee 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

Why Truckee is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Truckee sits at 6,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, about 30 miles west of Reno and 185 miles from [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca). Population is 16,784, median household income $107,423. The homeownership rate here is 77.5%, which tells you most people who buy here are committed to the mountain lifestyle long-term. At $1,138,250 median home price, this is not an entry-level market. You're looking at jumbo loans for most purchases, and lenders want to see strong income, solid reserves, and usually 20% down or more to feel comfortable at this price point in a resort town.

Schools & Family Appeal

If you're buying here with kids, you're part of a small but committed year-round community. Truckee High, Donner Trail Elementary, Coldstream Elementary, and Alder Creek Middle all serve families who've chosen mountain living over suburban convenience. The schools aren't rated on the same scale as urban districts, but the community investment is real. When you're financing a $1.1M+ home, resale matters, and the school district's stability helps protect your investment. Families who buy here tend to stay, which is why that 77.5% ownership rate is so high compared to typical resort towns where vacation rentals dominate.

  • Truckee High School
  • Donner Trail Elementary School
  • Coldstream Elementary School
  • Alder Creek Middle School

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in Truckee affects your loan structure and what lenders will approve. Downtown Truckee runs around $1.1M for historic properties near Commercial Row and Donner Pass Road. You're dealing with older construction, sometimes quirky layouts, and jumbo financing that requires strong appraisals. Glenshire sits east of downtown at similar prices, more family-oriented with easier year-round access, which can make financing smoother since it's less vacation-rental heavy. Donner Lake area also hits $1.1M, but here's the catch: if you're buying a property that's been used as a short-term rental or second home, your lender's going to scrutinize the deal harder. Many buyers here need jumbo loans with 25-30% down, especially if the property has rental history or seasonal access issues. The tight price clustering across neighborhoods means you're choosing lifestyle over price point.

  • Downtown Truckee
  • Glenshire
  • Donner Lake area

Getting Around

The commute to San Francisco takes about 185 minutes, which means you're not doing that daily. Truckee works if you're remote, semi-retired, or running a business that serves the Tahoe basin. I-80 runs right through town, which is great for weekend access but also means winter driving conditions affect your daily life and property insurance costs. Local transit exists but you'll need a reliable vehicle, preferably with four-wheel drive. The isolation is part of the appeal, but it's also why lenders treat Truckee differently than suburban markets. They know your employment options are limited and weather can impact property access and maintenance costs.

Jobs & Economy

Tahoe Forest Health System and Tahoe Truckee Unified School District provide stable year-round employment, which matters when you're carrying a million-dollar mortgage. Northstar California Resort and Town of Truckee add to the job base, but the economy here runs on tourism and seasonal work. Most buyers financing at this level work remotely, own businesses, or have significant outside income. Lenders want to see that you're not dependent on the local job market alone. The truth is, you need a household income well above that $107K median to comfortably afford the median home price here. Expect lenders to verify your income stability carefully and look for 6-12 months of reserves when you're buying in a resort market like this.

  • Tahoe Forest Health System
  • Tahoe Truckee Unified School District
  • Northstar California Resort
  • Town of Truckee

Truckee Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Truckee 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 Truckee?

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 Truckee?

Typical Truckee 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 Truckee?

You have several low down payment options in Truckee: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Truckee buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Truckee?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Truckee 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.

Can I buy a home in Truckee with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Truckee 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 Truckee families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in Truckee?

2026 Nevada County limits: FHA $649,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Truckee properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Truckee?

For Truckee'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.

What if I was denied by another lender?

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

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.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Truckee?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Truckee. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Nevada County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Truckee. 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.

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 Nevada 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 Truckee?

Closing costs in Truckee 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.

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

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 Truckee?

You have several low down payment options in Truckee: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Truckee buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Truckee. 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 Nevada 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 Truckee?

Closing costs in Truckee 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.

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 Truckee?

Typical Truckee 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 Truckee?

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 Truckee?

2026 Nevada County limits: FHA $649,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Truckee properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Truckee?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Truckee 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.

Can I buy a home in Truckee with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for Truckee 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 Truckee families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Truckee?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Truckee. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Nevada County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Truckee. 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.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Truckee?

For Truckee'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.

What is the FHA loan limit in Truckee?

The FHA loan limit in Truckee is $650,000 for 2025. Since Truckee's median home price is around $1.1M, most properties here exceed FHA limits, making conventional or jumbo loans more common options for buyers in this mountain market.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Truckee?

You'll need a jumbo loan if you're buying above $833,000 in Truckee. With most homes priced between $900K and $1.25M, many buyers here do require jumbo financing, though some properties at the lower end can still fit under the conforming limit.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Nevada County?

For 2025, Nevada County's conforming loan limit is $833,000, with FHA at $650,000 and VA at $833,000. The 2026 limits typically get announced in November 2025, and they often increase slightly based on home price trends.

Can I get a VA loan in Truckee?

Yes, you can use a VA loan in Truckee with a limit of $833,000 with no down payment required. For homes above that amount, which is common here, you'd need to make a 25% down payment on the amount exceeding the limit or consider other financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Truckee?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Truckee. CalHFA also provides down payment assistance programs that can help with 3.5% to 5% of your purchase price, though income limits may apply given the area's higher home prices.

What down payment do I need for a Truckee home?

For a typical $1.1M home in Truckee, you'll need at least 10% down ($110,000) for a jumbo loan, though 20% ($220,000) gets you better rates and avoids mortgage insurance. Conventional loans under $833,000 can go as low as 3% down for qualified buyers.

What credit score do I need to buy in Truckee?

You'll typically need a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans in Truckee, but jumbo loans (common here) usually require 680 or higher. A score of 740+ will get you the best rates, which matters significantly on loan amounts over $900K.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with Truckee's unique market and jumbo financing, since most properties here exceed conforming limits. You'll want someone who can explain your options clearly, offer competitive rates on larger loan amounts, and understand the local real estate dynamics of this mountain community.

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