Mortgage broker serving Union City, 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 Union City buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
Union City buyers face financing complexity with many properties exceeding the $1.25M conforming limit.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Union City 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 Union City home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Union City starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumbo | 10-20% | 680+ | Homes above $1,249,125 |
| Bank Statement | 10-20% | 660+ | Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants |
| VA | $0 | No minimum | Veterans, active military (0% down on any price) |
| Asset Depletion | 10-20% | 680+ | Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets |
| Conventional | 3-20% | 620+ | Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125 |
| DSCR | 20-25% | 660+ | Investment properties, no income verification |
| No Down Payment Program Featured | $0 (3.5% grant) | 580+ | First-time buyers - grant covers FHA or Conventional down payment |
| Reverse Mortgage | N/A | No minimum | Seniors 62+ accessing Union City home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Union City prices often exceed $1.25M. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.
Properties under $1.25M get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in Union City.
Self-employed? Union City bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.
VA loans cover all Union City properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.
Asset depletion loans for Union City buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.
First-time Union City buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.25M.
Bridge financing for Union City moves. Purchase before your current home sells.
Entity financing for Union City investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.
Union City loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.
Access Union City home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.
HELOC for Union City homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.
VA IRRRL refinance for Union City veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.
Union City home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.
FHA streamline for Union City homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.
Investment properties in Union City can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.
Union City rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.
Multifamily loans for Union City apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.
Hard money financing for Union City commercial. Fast approval when banks are too slow.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Union City buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA programs can help Union City first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.
Union City family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.
Non-occupant co-borrower option in Union City. Family member income helps qualification.
Check Union City city programs for additional DPA. May stack with CalHFA for more help.
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
Union City sits right in the middle of the Bay Area's East Bay corridor, tucked between Fremont and Hayward in Alameda County. Population is 74,018, median household income $125,000. The homeownership rate here is 64.2%, which is impressive given the $1.3M median home price. Here's the thing: you need serious income to buy here, but you get something valuable in return. That BART station means you can hit San Francisco in 40 minutes, Oakland in 24, or San Jose in 31. You're paying for location, and in the Bay Area, location is everything when it comes to holding property value.
If you're buying in Union City with kids, you're part of the New Haven Unified School District. James Logan High School serves most of the city, Cesar Chavez Middle feeds into it, and Pioneer Elementary is one of several solid elementary options. The schools aren't pulling perfect 10 ratings, but they're stable and the district has decent funding compared to other parts of the state. What matters for your mortgage decision is this: families stay here once they buy, which keeps turnover lower and property values steadier. When you're putting down $260K on a 20% down payment, you want to know your investment won't tank because half the neighborhood is transient renters.
Where you buy in Union City directly affects your loan structure and monthly payment. Alvarado District runs $850K to $1.2M, these are the character homes near Old Alvarado with actual history and walkability, conventional loans work fine if you've got 20% down but expect competition from cash buyers. Union Landing sits at $900K to $1.3M, modern construction near the BART station and shopping, perfect for dual-income tech workers who can swing a jumbo loan and want newer everything. Hillside pushes $1.1M to $1.6M for single-family homes up on the eastern hills with views, you're looking at jumbo territory and you'll need that $125K household income or higher to qualify comfortably. Decoto offers the most established suburban feel at $900K to $1.2M, older homes with yards, families who've been here 20+ years, and it's where you'll find the most realistic entry point if you're stretching to get into Union City at all.
The Union City BART station is the whole ballgame here. You can park and ride to San Francisco in 40 minutes, Oakland in 24, or reverse commute to San Jose in 31 and Palo Alto in 24. That connectivity is why homes here cost $1.3M instead of $600K like you'd find two hours inland. I-880 runs right through town connecting you north and south, CA-84 heads west over the Dumbarton Bridge to the Peninsula, and CA-238 links you to Hayward and beyond. AC Transit fills in the local gaps. Real talk: if you don't need that BART access or you're fully remote, you're overpaying for Union City. But if you or your partner commutes to SF, Oakland, or Silicon Valley, that train station is worth every dollar on your mortgage payment.
New Haven Unified School District is the biggest employer, which gives Union City that public sector stability that matters when you're locking in a 30-year mortgage. Abbott Laboratories has a facility here, Lam Research provides tech sector jobs, and FedEx Ground runs a major operation that employs hundreds. The City of Union City itself is a steady employer too. But let's be honest, most people buying here work somewhere else in the Bay Area and commute via BART or I-880. The local job base is solid enough to support service workers and keep the city functioning, but the real economic engine is that you can live here and work in San Francisco, Oakland, or Silicon Valley without completely destroying your quality of life. That's what you're financing when you take out a $1M+ mortgage.
Common questions from Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Union City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Alameda County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Union City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Union City'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 Union City. 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 Union City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Alameda County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Union City. 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 Alameda County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Union City 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 Union City: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Union City buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Union City. 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 Alameda County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Union City 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 Union City 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 Alameda County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Union City properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Union City 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 Union City 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 Union City families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Union City. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Alameda County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Union City. 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 Union City'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 2026 FHA loan limit for Union City (Alameda County) is $1.25M for a single-family home. This is a high-cost area limit. Properties above this amount require jumbo financing. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% for qualified borrowers.
It depends on the property. Union City's median home price is $1.3M, while the conforming loan limit is $1.25M. Properties above the limit require jumbo financing, while those under it can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans.
The 2026 Alameda County loan limits are: FHA: $1.25M, VA: $1.25M, Conventional: $1.25M. Any loan amount above $1.25M is considered a jumbo loan.
Yes! Veterans and active military can use VA loans in Union City with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Alameda County is $1.25M. For properties above this amount, you can still use a VA loan but will need a down payment on the amount exceeding the limit.
We provide same-day pre-approvals for most loan programs. Full loan approval and closing typically takes 21-30 days for conventional and jumbo loans, and 30-45 days for FHA and VA loans.
Down payment requirements vary by loan type: Conventional: 5-20%, FHA: 3.5%, VA: $0 for eligible veterans, Jumbo: typically 10-20%. For Union City's median price of $1.3M, most buyers put down 15-20%.
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA: 580, Conventional: 620, VA: typically 620, Jumbo: 680-700+. Higher credit scores qualify for better interest rates.
Look for a lender with California experience, strong communication, competitive rates, and the ability to close on time. We've been serving California homebuyers for 40+ years with senior loan officers who specialize in complex scenarios.
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