Mortgage broker serving Ukiah, 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 Ukiah buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Ukiah provides attainable homeownership, but buyers face specific financing challenges.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Ukiah 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 Ukiah home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Ukiah starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Ukiah 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 Ukiah 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 Ukiah 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 |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military, surviving spouses |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750 |
| FHA | 3.5% minimum | 580+ | First-time buyers with limited savings |
| Down Payment Assistance | $0 (grant covers 3-3.5%) | 640+ | First-time buyers needing down payment help |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Rental income properties, real estate investors |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
FHA dominates Ukiah purchases. Low down payment and credit flexibility for first-time buyers.
CalHFA is a strong option for Ukiah. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Veterans buy Ukiah homes with $0 down. Full VA benefits cover all properties here.
Many Ukiah properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
All Ukiah properties qualify for conforming loans. 3% down minimum for first-time buyers.
Ukiah local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Bridge financing for Ukiah homeowners moving. Buy your next home without waiting to sell.
LLC financing available in Ukiah. Investors can purchase in entity names.
FHA streamline dominates Ukiah refinances. Quick approval with minimal paperwork.
VA IRRRL is the best refi for Ukiah veterans. No paperwork hassles, quick closing.
Many Ukiah homeowners with USDA loans can use streamline refinance. No appraisal needed.
Every Ukiah refinance qualifies for conforming rates. Best terms for rate reduction.
Ukiah owners can access equity through cash-out refi. Rates competitive with purchase loans.
Fixed home equity loan option in Ukiah. Predictable payments for major expenses.
DSCR financing for Ukiah investors. Buy rentals based on property income potential.
Fix-and-flip financing for Ukiah investors. Buy distressed properties, renovate, sell.
Commercial hard money in Ukiah. Quick funding when timing is critical.
Multifamily loans available for Ukiah 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 Ukiah buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA is a strong option for Ukiah. State programs reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly.
Ukiah local programs provide significant DPA. Stack with state programs for best results.
Elite grants provide Ukiah down payment help. Free money for qualified buyers.
Many Ukiah properties qualify for USDA zero-down loans. Rural designation required.
Family property transfers in Ukiah benefit from gift of equity. No cash down payment needed.
Ukiah 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
Ukiah sits in the inland wine country of Mendocino County, about 115 miles north of [San Francisco](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-san-francisco-ca). Population is 16,496, median household income $62,934. The homeownership rate here is 50.7%, right at the California average, and the $430K median home price tells you why. This is one of the last remaining North Coast towns where a household earning around $60K can still get approved for a mortgage without stretching into dangerous debt-to-income territory. You're trading coastal proximity for actual affordability.
If you've got kids, the school ratings here are solid across the board. Ukiah High pulls a 7, Pomolita Middle a 7, Frank Zeek Elementary an 8, Oak Manor Elementary a 7. These aren't just numbers on a website - they matter when you're thinking about resale value five or ten years down the road. Buyers with families look at school ratings first, and consistent 7s and 8s mean your home won't sit on the market forever when it's time to sell. The district has been stable, which gives you some confidence that the quality won't tank after you close. That stability is part of why the homeownership rate stays near 50% even as prices push past $400K.
Where you buy in Ukiah affects both your loan options and your monthly payment. Downtown Ukiah runs $380K-$520K, mix of vintage homes and newer condos, and conventional loans work well here if you've got decent credit and 10-15% down. Oak Manor hits $420K-$580K, mostly single-family homes from the 60s through 80s on tree-lined streets - this is where families land, and FHA loans are common for first-timers who can't scrape together 20% down. Vichy Springs is the high end at $450K-$650K, larger lots near the historic resort, and you'll need conventional or possibly jumbo financing depending on the property. West Ukiah offers newer construction from the 90s and 2000s, $400K-$550K, and attracts buyers who want modern layouts without the premium prices you'd pay closer to the coast.
Here's the thing about Ukiah - you're not commuting to San Francisco daily. That's a 124-minute drive on a good day, which is why most people who buy here either work locally or they've figured out remote work. The distance is exactly what keeps prices at $430K instead of $800K like you'd see in Marin or Sonoma. Local transit exists but this is a car town, and you'll need reliable transportation to get around. If your job is in the Bay Area and you're thinking about the drive, don't kid yourself - that commute will burn you out fast. But if you work remotely or locally, you get Northern California living without the soul-crushing mortgage payment.
The employment base here is what you'd expect for a county seat. Mendocino County Government is the biggest employer, followed by Ukiah Unified School District and Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Medical Center. The Walmart Distribution Center adds some private sector jobs, and the County Office of Education rounds out the public sector mix. Real talk - this isn't a tech hub or a major job growth area. Most buyers here either work in education, healthcare, government, or they've brought their income with them from remote work. The job market is stable but not explosive, which keeps the housing market from going completely crazy like it has in places with better commute access to the Bay Area.
Common questions from Ukiah 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 Ukiah 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 Ukiah: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Ukiah buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Ukiah 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 Ukiah 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 Ukiah families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Mendocino County limits: FHA $546,250, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Ukiah properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Ukiah'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 Ukiah. 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 Ukiah. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Mendocino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Ukiah. 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 Mendocino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Ukiah 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 Ukiah: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Ukiah buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Ukiah. 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 Mendocino County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Ukiah 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 Ukiah 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 Mendocino County limits: FHA $546,250, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Ukiah properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Ukiah 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 Ukiah 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 Ukiah families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Ukiah. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Mendocino County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Ukiah. 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 Ukiah'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 Ukiah is $546,000 for 2025, which covers most homes in this market where the median price is around $430K. This makes FHA loans an excellent option for first. time buyers in Mendocino County, as you can purchase typical homes with just 3.5% down. FHA's higher limit here gives you plenty of buying power without needing a jumbo loan.
You won't need a jumbo loan for most Ukiah homes, since the conforming loan limit is $833,000 and typical homes range from $300K to $450K. The median home price of $430K falls well within conventional and FHA loan limits. Jumbo loans are only necessary if you're looking at higher. end properties above $833K, which is uncommon in this entry. level market.
For 2025, Mendocino County loan limits are $546,000 for FHA loans and $833,000 for both conventional conforming and VA loans. These limits are set annually and may adjust for 2026 based on home price trends. Given Ukiah's median price of $430K, current limits provide strong coverage for buyers in this market.
Yes, VA loans are available in Ukiah with a loan limit of $833,000, which easily covers the local market where homes typically range from $300K to $450K. If you're a qualified veteran or active military, VA loans offer 0% down with no mortgage insurance. This is one of the best options for eligible buyers in Mendocino County.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers in Ukiah, making homeownership immediately accessible. CalHFA programs are also game. changers here, offering down payment and closing cost assistance for first. time buyers. Additionally, Mendocino County may have local DPA programs, and some areas qualify for USDA loans with zero down for rural properties.
For a typical $430K home in Ukiah, you'd need as little as $15,050 with an FHA loan at 3.5% down, or $21,500 with a conventional loan at 5% down. However, with down payment assistance programs like our No Money Down option or CalHFA, you could potentially buy with $0 out of pocket. VA and USDA loans also offer zero down for qualified buyers.
You can qualify for an FHA loan in Ukiah with a credit score as low as 580 for 3.5% down, or even 500 with 10% down. Conventional loans typically require a 620 minimum score, while VA loans are often flexible around 580. 620. Given that FHA dominates this market and most buyers are first. timers, scores in the 580. 620 range are commonly approved.
Choose a lender experienced with Ukiah's entry. level market who understands FHA loans and down payment assistance programs like CalHFA. You'll want someone who can guide first. time buyers through the process and has access to multiple DPA options. Compare rates, but also prioritize responsiveness and local market knowledge, especially for homes in the $300K. $450K range.
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