Mortgage broker serving Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.
The Walnut Creek market rewards buyers with verified financing and competitive loan terms.
We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.
We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.
Finding the right home loan in Walnut Creek starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek home equity |
Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com
Most Walnut Creek homes qualify for conforming loans under $1.25M. Best rates with 3-20% down.
Veterans buy in Walnut Creek with nothing down. VA loans up to $1.25M with no mortgage insurance.
FHA loans popular for Walnut Creek first-timers. 3.5% down, 580 credit minimum.
Higher-end Walnut Creek properties may exceed $1.25M. Jumbo financing available when needed.
Bank statement loans work for Walnut Creek's self-employed buyers. 12-24 months of deposits qualify you.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Walnut Creek buyers.
Bridge loans help Walnut Creek buyers compete. Make non-contingent offers while selling current home.
Walnut Creek investment properties in LLC. Entity financing available for investors.
Most Walnut Creek mortgages qualify for conforming refinance. Lower your rate under the limit.
Walnut Creek homeowners tap equity with cash-out refinance. Consolidate debt or fund renovations.
Veterans in Walnut Creek refinance with VA IRRRL. No appraisal, no income verification.
Walnut Creek HELOC options for home equity access. Credit line with variable rate draw period.
Walnut Creek FHA borrowers can streamline refinance. No income verification or appraisal required.
Home equity loan option for Walnut Creek. Fixed payments unlike variable HELOC.
Walnut Creek rental investors use DSCR loans. Property income determines qualification, not W-2s.
Renovation investors in Walnut Creek use fix-and-flip financing. Purchase plus rehab in one loan.
Walnut Creek apartment financing available. Multifamily loans for 5+ unit buildings.
Commercial hard money in Walnut Creek. Speed and flexibility for investment deals.
Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for Walnut Creek buyers with qualifying income.
CalHFA MyHome provides up to 3.5% down payment assistance for Walnut Creek buyers.
Local Walnut Creek DPA programs supplement state assistance. City grants reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Walnut Creek buyers check Elite grant eligibility. Grant funds reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Gift of equity option for Walnut Creek family purchases. Parents selling to children at discount.
Walnut Creek 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
Walnut Creek sits in the heart of Contra Costa County, about 25 miles east of San Francisco. Population is 70,817, median household income $135,665. The homeownership rate here is 64.5%, and at $1,002,250 median home price, you're looking at one of the Bay Area's premium suburban markets. This is where tech workers, medical professionals, and finance folks land when they want excellent schools, walkable downtown living, and a BART commute that doesn't eat their soul. You'll need strong income or substantial equity to qualify here, but the property values have held remarkably steady through multiple market cycles.
The schools are a huge part of why families stretch their budgets to buy here. Buena Vista Elementary pulls a 9 rating, Walnut Creek Intermediate an 8, Las Lomas High an 8. These aren't just numbers on a website. They're the reason a $1.2M house in Countrywood gets multiple offers while a similar price point in neighboring communities sits longer. When you're putting down $200K and financing $800K on a conventional loan, you want to know your property value has built-in protection. Strong schools are that protection. Families buy here and stay here, which keeps turnover lower and values more stable than communities where people treat homes as short-term stops.
Where you buy in Walnut Creek determines whether you're using a conventional loan, a jumbo, or tapping serious equity from another property. The Hillside runs $1.2M-$2.5M with custom homes and valley views. You're looking at jumbo financing here, and lenders will want to see $300K+ household income for comfortable approval. Countrywood sits at $900K-$1.4M, the sweet spot for families using conventional loans with strong down payments, maybe 20-25% if they're coming from another Bay Area property. The Oaks goes $1.1M-$1.8M, newer construction near Broadway Plaza, attracts dual-income professionals who want walkability and modern finishes. Rossmoor is the outlier at $600K-$1.2M, a 55+ community where retirees downsize using sale proceeds from larger Bay Area homes. Saranap runs $1M-$1.6M, bigger lots bordering Lafayette, popular with buyers who've outgrown their starter homes and want space without leaving the area.
Here's the thing about Walnut Creek. You're 34 minutes to San Francisco, 21 minutes to Oakland, 52 to San Jose via I-680 and CA-24. But the real advantage is the BART station right downtown. That train connection is why properties within walking distance of the station command premium prices and why buyers will pay $50K-$100K more for that convenience. If you're commuting to SF or Oakland for work, you can actually read or work on the train instead of white-knuckling it through Bay Bridge traffic. The commute matters for your mortgage decision because it affects how long you'll realistically stay in the home. Better commute means longer ownership, which means you can justify stretching a bit on price.
The local job market is anchored by healthcare and finance, which means stable employment for buyers taking on seven-figure mortgages. John Muir Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente are massive employers, and healthcare jobs don't disappear during economic wobbles. Chevron, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America have significant presences here, bringing high-earning professionals who need housing. Safeway's corporate office adds another layer of white-collar stability. The mix matters because lenders look at local employment when assessing risk on jumbo loans. A town full of doctors, nurses, engineers, and finance managers means lower default risk, which is part of why getting approved here is smoother than in more economically volatile areas. Most buyers either work locally in these sectors or commute to SF, Oakland, or Silicon Valley with compensation packages that support the price points.
Common questions from Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Walnut Creek buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
2026 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Walnut Creek properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
For Walnut Creek'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 Walnut Creek. 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 Walnut Creek. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Walnut Creek. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Walnut Creek buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.
A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in Walnut Creek. 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 Contra Costa County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.
Closing costs in Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Contra Costa County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most Walnut Creek properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.
Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek 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 Walnut Creek families purchase with minimal upfront cash.
Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in Walnut Creek. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Contra Costa County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.
You still have options in Walnut Creek. 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 Walnut Creek'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 Walnut Creek (Contra Costa 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. Walnut Creek's median home price is $1M, 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 Contra Costa 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 Walnut Creek with $0 down payment. The 2026 VA loan limit for Contra Costa 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 Walnut Creek's median price of $1M, 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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