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

Flooded Laughlin Road in Windsor California - January 2023 - Sarah Stierch

Mortgage broker serving Windsor, 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 Windsor Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving Windsor, 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 Windsor buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

Windsor's market hovers near the $897K limit, making loan structuring critical for best rates.

  • Downtown Windsor and Shiloh area both median at $865K, just under the $897K conforming limit, allowing conventional loans without jumbo pricing.
  • Public sector workers from school district and county offices need lenders who properly annualize 9-month teacher contracts and count CalPERS pension income.
  • Wildfire zones require FAIR Plan insurance as last resort when standard carriers decline, adding $2,000-4,000 annually to housing costs.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Windsor

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Windsor sits in that sweet spot where you're not battling jumbo loan territory but you're definitely not shopping for a starter condo. Median home price is $865,000, and it's held steady over the past year. No wild swings, no crash, no frenzy. Just a stable market where people actually live long-term. The conforming loan limit is $897,000, so you've got full access to the best conventional rates without crossing into jumbo pricing. That matters more than most buyers realize. When you're comfortably under that limit, lenders compete hard for your business. Rates drop, terms get better, and you're not stuck with the stricter requirements that come with jumbo territory.

Who's Buying in Windsor

Two types of buyers dominate Windsor. First-timers with dual incomes who've been saving and are ready to skip the starter home entirely. And move-up buyers selling in other parts of Sonoma County or the Bay Area, bringing $150K-$300K in equity to the table. Median household income here is $128,115, so you're surrounded by professionals who can actually afford what they're buying. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. People aren't renting here temporarily. They're buying and staying. Families want the small-town vibe with decent Bay Area access, and they're willing to stretch their budget to get it. If you're coming in without serious income or a pile of equity from your last sale, this market will feel tough.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans win at this price point. You're under conforming limits, so you get the sharpest rates and the most flexibility. FHA works technically, but the upfront mortgage insurance and monthly premiums eat into your budget when you don't need them. Veterans should absolutely use VA loans here. Zero down, no PMI, and you're buying a $865K home without draining your savings. Here's what actually makes sense:
  • Conventional with 10-20% down gets you the best rates and avoids PMI at 20%
  • VA loans are perfect if you qualify. Don't leave that benefit on the table
  • FHA only if your credit is rough or you're truly stretched on down payment, but even then conventional often beats it
  • USDA loans might work on Windsor's outskirts if you're looking at more rural properties
Don't get talked into FHA just because a lender pushes it. Run the numbers side by side.

Down Payment & Refinance in Windsor

Already own here? You've probably got serious equity even if prices haven't moved much lately. Rate-and-term refis make sense if you bought when rates were higher. Dropping from 6.5% to 5.5% on an $700K loan saves you real money every month. Cash-out refis are popular with Windsor owners who want to remodel, pay off high-interest debt, or buy a second property. If you put down less than 20% originally and you're still paying PMI, get that removed once you hit 20% equity. It's not automatic. You have to request it, and appraisals in Windsor have been holding steady so you've got a good shot. Don't just sit on equity and ignore it.

Get Started

Down payment reality: you're looking at $43K if you go 5% down, $87K at 10%, or $173K at 20%. First-time buyers with strong incomes usually land around 5-10% down. Move-up buyers? They're bringing $150K-$250K from their last sale and putting 20%+ down to avoid PMI entirely. Gift funds are common here. Parents help, relatives chip in, and that's normal at this price level. If you've got zero saved, look at our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not a loan, not a grant you have to pay back. It just gets you in the door when you've got the income but not the cash pile yet. And honestly, in Windsor's stable market, getting in sooner beats waiting another two years to save.

Local Windsor Expertise

Start with preapproval. Not prequalification, actual preapproval with docs reviewed and credit pulled. Sellers in Windsor aren't entertaining offers from buyers who haven't done their homework. You're competing with people bringing huge down payments and clean financing. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through what you actually qualify for, what your monthly payment looks like, and whether conventional or VA or something else makes sense for your situation. Our team knows Sonoma County inside and out. We close deals in Windsor every month, and we'll tell you straight what works and what doesn't. Don't waste time with lenders who've never financed a home here.

Popular Windsor Neighborhoods

Downtown Windsor • Shiloh area

Zip Codes We Serve

95492

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

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

Windsor Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Windsor Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $1,249,125
FHA 3.5% minimum 580+ First-time buyers with limited savings
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military, surviving spouses
Jumbo 15-20% 680+ Properties exceeding $1,249,125
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed buyers who write off business expenses
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Rental income properties, real estate investors
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Homeowners 62+ tapping equity without payments

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

Best Home Purchase Loans in Windsor

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Windsor buyers. Most homes under $897K with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

Strong FHA option in Windsor. Low down payment gets you into most properties here.

VA Loans

$0 down for Windsor veterans. VA loans cover all properties with no PMI required.

Bank Statement Loans

Windsor business owners qualify on deposits. Tax write-offs reduce income on paper. Bank statements show reality.

Calhfa Programs

CalHFA programs popular in Windsor. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Jumbo Loans

Premium Windsor homes over $897K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

Windsor sellers can buy first with bridge loans. Short-term financing until sale closes.

LLC Funding Programs

LLC financing options for Windsor investors. Buy rentals in entity names.

Best Refinance Options in Windsor

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Windsor homeowners. Best rates for loans under $897K.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline refinance for Windsor. Easiest way to lower your existing FHA rate.

VA Loans Refinance

VA streamline refi for Windsor veterans. Fastest way to reduce your mortgage payment.

Cash Out Refinance

Turn Windsor home equity into cash. Refinance at competitive rates for home improvements or debt.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC available for Windsor homeowners. Access equity without replacing first mortgage.

Home Equity Refinance

Windsor owners can get home equity loans. Fixed rate for predictable payments.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Windsor

DSCR Loans

DSCR loans work for Windsor investment properties. Cash flow analysis replaces income docs.

Fix And Flip Loans

Fix-and-flip available for Windsor projects. Short-term financing for value-add investments.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily options for Windsor investors. Finance apartment buildings with commercial loans.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Windsor investors use hard money for quick closes. Higher rate but fast funding.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Windsor

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 Windsor buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs popular in Windsor. State assistance helps with down payment and closing costs.

Local Down Payment Programs

Windsor has local down payment programs. Combine with CalHFA for maximum assistance.

Elite Grant Program

Elite grant available for Windsor buyers. Down payment assistance with no repayment.

Gift of Equity

Windsor family sales can use gift of equity. Equity difference becomes down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Windsor purchases. Family member income boosts 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

Why Windsor is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Windsor sits in Sonoma County wine country, about 60 miles north of San Francisco. Population is 26,320, median household income $128,115. The homeownership rate here is 75.7%, one of the highest in the Bay Area, and that tells you something important. At $865K median home price, you're paying a premium to be in Sonoma County, but you're getting space, schools, and small-town living that's nearly impossible to find closer to SF at this price point.

Schools & Family Appeal

The school situation is a big part of why families stretch their budgets to buy here. Windsor High, Windsor Middle, and Brooks Elementary all serve the community through Windsor Unified School District. The schools are solid and the district is stable, which matters when you're thinking about whether your property will hold value over a 30-year mortgage. That 75.7% homeownership rate means your neighbors are invested long-term, not transient renters. Families who buy here tend to stay, which creates the kind of neighborhood stability that supports property appreciation.

  • Windsor High School
  • Windsor Middle School
  • Brooks Elementary School

The Neighborhood Feel

Here's the thing about Windsor. The market is pretty consistent across neighborhoods, with most properties hovering around that $865K median. Downtown Windsor gives you walkability to shops, restaurants, and the Town Green, which adds lifestyle value that can justify conventional jumbo financing for buyers who want that small-town vibe. The Shiloh area offers more residential quiet on the east side of town, same price range, mostly single-family homes on decent lots. You're not going to find FHA-friendly entry points here like you would in the Central Valley. Most buyers are coming in with 10-20% down on conventional loans, often dual-income professional couples or families moving up from starter homes in less expensive areas.

  • Downtown Windsor
  • Shiloh area

Getting Around

The commute to San Francisco runs about 77 minutes, Oakland 70 minutes. San Jose is 114 minutes, Palo Alto 107 minutes. Those drives are why Windsor costs $865K instead of $1.5M like similar towns closer to the Peninsula. If you're commuting to a Bay Area tech job three days a week and working remote the rest, this can work. If you're doing it five days, you'll burn out fast. Local transit exists but most people drive. The real win here is for people who work in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or locally in Sonoma County, where you get wine country quality of life without the Healdsburg price tag.

Jobs & Economy

Windsor Unified School District is the largest employer, followed by the Town of Windsor and Sonoma County government offices. Local wineries and vineyards provide another employment layer, though those jobs vary by season. The job base is stable but not massive, which is why many buyers here commute south to bigger employment centers. The income level at $128K median tells you most households have at least one professional salary, often two. When you're underwriting at this price point, lenders want to see that income documented and stable, because you're looking at a $5,500-$6,500 monthly payment depending on your down payment and rate.

  • Windsor Unified School District
  • Town of Windsor
  • Sonoma County government offices
  • Local wineries and vineyards

Windsor Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Windsor 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor?

Typical Windsor 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 Windsor?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Windsor?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Windsor 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 Windsor with no money down?

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

What are the loan limits in Windsor?

2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Windsor properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Windsor?

For Windsor'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 Windsor. 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Windsor. 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 Sonoma 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 Windsor?

Closing costs in Windsor 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor?

You have several low down payment options in Windsor: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many Windsor 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 Windsor. 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 Sonoma 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 Windsor?

Closing costs in Windsor 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 Windsor?

Typical Windsor 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor?

2026 Sonoma County limits: FHA $897,000, Conventional $897,000. Any loan above $897,000 is a jumbo loan. Most Windsor properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Windsor?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified Windsor 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 Windsor with no money down?

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Windsor?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Windsor. 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 Windsor?

For Windsor'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 Windsor?

The FHA loan limit in Windsor is $897,000 for 2026, which covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $865,000. This higher limit means you can use FHA financing with just 3.5% down on the majority of Windsor properties. FHA loans are popular here among first. time buyers because of the lower down payment and more flexible credit requirements.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Windsor?

Most Windsor buyers don't need a jumbo loan since the conforming loan limit is $897,000 and the median home price is $865,000. You'll only need jumbo financing if you're buying above $897,000, which represents the higher end of the Windsor market. The majority of homes here fall comfortably within conventional and FHA loan limits.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Sonoma County?

For 2026, Sonoma County loan limits are $897,000 for conforming, FHA, and VA loans. These limits apply throughout the county including Windsor and cover most home purchases in the area. The higher limits reflect Sonoma County's elevated housing costs compared to many other California markets.

Can I get a VA loan in Windsor?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in Windsor with a loan limit of $897,000, which covers most homes in the area. Veterans and active military can buy with $0 down and no mortgage insurance, making it one of the best financing options available. With Windsor's median price at $865,000, VA loans work well for the majority of properties here.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Windsor?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership more accessible in Windsor's market. CalHFA programs provide down payment and closing cost assistance with options like the MyHome Assistance Program offering deferred. payment junior loans. Sonoma County also offers local DPA programs for first. time buyers and moderate. income households, which can be particularly helpful given the $865,000 median home price.

What down payment do I need for a Windsor home?

Down payments in Windsor vary by loan type: conventional loans typically require 3% to 5% ($25,950 to $43,250 on the median $865,000 home), FHA loans need 3.5%, and VA loans offer $0 down for eligible veterans. With the area's balanced market and strong buyer pool, having at least 5% down gives you more options and competitive positioning.

What credit score do I need to buy in Windsor?

Most Windsor buyers need a credit score of at least 620 for conventional loans, though FHA loans can work with scores as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). Given Windsor's median income of $128,115 and competitive market, having a score of 680 or higher will give you access to better rates and more loan options. VA loans are also flexible with credit scores for eligible military buyers.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Choose a lender experienced with Windsor's balanced market who can offer multiple loan options including conventional, FHA, and VA products. Look for competitive rates, clear communication, and knowledge of local down payment assistance programs that can help with the area's $865,000 median price point. A lender familiar with Sonoma County will understand the market dynamics and help you close on time in this moderately competitive environment.

Get Started with Your Windsor Mortgage
Get in Contact With Us

Fill out the form below and we'll reach out to discuss your Windsor mortgage options.

We respond within 24 hours

Call