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

Main Street Historic District - Winters, CA

Mortgage broker serving Winters, 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 Winters Homebuyers Choose Us

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

Winters buyers compete in a market where strong financing and quick pre-approval win offers.

  • Downtown Winters and East Winters both median at $704K, fitting comfortably within the $833K conforming limit for conventional or FHA financing.
  • Hospitality workers with tip income need 12-24 months of documentation, while seasonal agriculture employees qualify better through bank statement programs.
  • Self-employed agriculture business owners with tax write-offs should use bank statement loans that qualify on gross deposits rather than reduced taxable income.

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

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

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in Winters

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

1-2 Days
Market Insights

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

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

Winters sits in that sweet spot where you're still within reach of Sacramento but paying way less than Davis or Vacaville. The median home price is $704K, totally flat over the past year. That stability matters because you're not chasing a moving target or trying to time a crashing market. The conforming loan limit is $833K, which means almost every home here qualifies for conventional financing with the best rates and terms. FHA limit is $765K. You've got full access to every loan program without getting pushed into jumbo territory. And because this is Yolo County with actual agricultural land around it, USDA loans are on the table for qualifying properties outside city limits. Zero down, no PMI, income limits apply but it's worth checking.

Who's Buying in Winters

First-time buyers and young families are the core of this market. Household income here is $128,679, so you're looking at dual-income professional couples or families who work remotely or commute into Sacramento. The 70.3% homeownership rate tells you people aren't just passing through. They're buying and staying. You'll also see relocators from the Bay Area who finally got tired of the $1.5M starter home insanity and decided an hour drive was worth cutting their housing cost in half. Some investors are picking up properties too, especially SFRs they can rent to families who want good schools without Sacramento density. Real talk, if you're making under $100K as a single buyer, you'll need serious down payment help or a co-borrower. The math is tight otherwise.

Your Loan Fit

Conventional loans win at this price point unless you're putting down less than 5%. FHA can work if you're scraping together 3.5%, but the upfront mortgage insurance and monthly PMI eats into your buying power. Most buyers here go conventional with 5-10% down and skip the FHA headaches. Veterans should absolutely use VA loans because you're well under the limit and zero down with no PMI is unbeatable.
  • Conventional with 5% down gets you the best rate and you can drop PMI once you hit 20% equity
  • FHA at 3.5% down works for borderline credit or higher DTI situations, just know you're paying MIP for the loan life
  • VA is the obvious play if you qualify because $704K with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance is a massive advantage
  • USDA loans for eligible rural properties outside city limits because zero down and no PMI beats everything if you qualify income-wise

Down Payment & Refinance in Winters

If you already own here, refinancing is pretty straightforward right now. Rate-and-term refis make sense if you bought when rates were higher and can shave a point or more off your payment. Cash-out refis are popular for kitchen and bathroom updates or adding solar since you've probably got decent equity even with flat appreciation this year. You can pull cash at better rates than a HELOC in most cases. If you bought FHA originally and you're past 20% equity, refinancing into conventional kills that monthly mortgage insurance permanently. Investors with rentals should look at DSCR loans for cash-out or rate-term refis because they qualify based on the property's rent income, not your personal tax returns. Way cleaner if you've got multiple properties or complicated income.

Get Started

Down payment reality is $25K to $70K for most people, depending on how much you put down. FHA at 3.5% is about $25K. Conventional at 5% is roughly $35K. Get to 10% and you're looking at $70K but your rate improves and PMI drops significantly. Most first-timers are cobbling together savings, gift money from parents, and maybe selling a car or cashing out investments. If you sold a condo in the Bay Area, you're bringing $150K-$200K in equity and buying with 20%+ down easy. If you're starting from scratch with no equity, look at our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not a grant, it's a second lien that sits behind your first mortgage, but it gets you in the door without waiting three more years to save. Down payment assistance programs through the county or state might apply too, especially for first-timers under certain income thresholds.

Local Winters Expertise

Start with preapproval so you know exactly what you can afford and sellers take you seriously. Winters moves slower than Sacramento but good houses still go fast when they're priced right. We'll walk you through conventional vs FHA vs VA math with your actual numbers, not generic online calculators that don't account for Yolo County specifics. Schedule a free call and we'll map out what makes sense for your situation. Our team knows this market and we close loans here regularly. Don't wait until you find a house to figure out financing because that's when mistakes happen and deals fall apart.

Popular Winters Neighborhoods

Downtown Winters • East Winters

Zip Codes We Serve

95694

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

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

Winters Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

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

Quick Compare: Winters Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, stable income. Max: $832,750
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 $832,750
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 Winters

Conforming Loans

Standard option for Winters buyers. Most homes under $833K with competitive rates.

FHA Loans

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

VA Loans

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

Bank Statement Loans

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

Calhfa Programs

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

Jumbo Loans

Premium Winters homes over $833K require jumbo loans. Less common but available for luxury properties.

Bridge Loans

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

LLC Funding Programs

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

Best Refinance Options in Winters

Conforming Refinance

Conforming refinance for Winters homeowners. Best rates for loans under $833K.

FHA Loans Refinance

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

VA Loans Refinance

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

Cash Out Refinance

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

HELOC Refinance

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

Home Equity Refinance

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

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in Winters

DSCR Loans

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

Fix And Flip Loans

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

Multifamily Loans

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

Commercial Hard Money Loans

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

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for Winters

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 Winters buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

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

Local Down Payment Programs

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

Elite Grant Program

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

Gift of Equity

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

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Add a co-borrower for Winters 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 Winters is a Great Place to Buy a Home

Winters sits in Yolo County about 30 miles west of [Sacramento](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-sacramento-ca), right where I-505 meets SR-128. Population is just 7,270, but here's what catches your eye: median household income is $128,679 with a homeownership rate of 70.3%. At $704K median home price, you're looking at a small town where incomes can actually support the mortgage payments. That income-to-price ratio is why families stay here instead of renting in Davis or Vacaville.

Schools & Family Appeal

The whole town feeds into one district, which means your kids stay with the same group from Waggoner Elementary through Winters High. That continuity matters when you're planning to stay put for the full 30-year mortgage. The district serves about 1,600 students total, so class sizes stay manageable and parents know the teachers. Winters High and Shirley Rominger Intermediate anchor the system, with Winters Middle filling the gap. The schools aren't pulling perfect 10 ratings, but the small-town environment means your property taxes support your own kids' classrooms, not some sprawling metro district. Families who buy here tend to value that local control and the tight-knit community over chasing test score rankings.

  • Winters High School
  • Winters Middle School
  • Waggoner Elementary School
  • Shirley Rominger Intermediate School

The Neighborhood Feel

With only 7,270 people, Winters doesn't have the kind of subdivision-by-subdivision price variance you'd see in bigger cities. Downtown Winters runs around $704K for the historic core where you get walkable Main Street access and older homes with character. East Winters hits that same $704K median, but you're more likely to find newer construction and standard suburban layouts. The loan picture here is pretty straightforward: most buyers use conventional financing since that $704K price point sits comfortably below the conforming loan limit. You won't see much FHA activity because the buyers who can afford a $128K household income typically have the down payment saved. If you're looking at properties pushing $800K or above, you might need a jumbo loan, but the median keeps most deals in conventional territory.

  • Downtown Winters
  • East Winters

Getting Around

Sacramento is 37 minutes east via I-505 and I-80, which makes Winters viable for state workers or private sector folks in the capital. [Roseville](/mortgage-loans-and-refinance-in-roseville-ca) runs 53 minutes if your job is in that direction. The commute times are manageable enough that you're not bleeding two hours a day, but you're far enough out to dodge Sacramento's $500K starter home problem. SR-128 runs west toward Napa Valley, and while you won't commute that way for work, it's nice for weekends. Local transit exists but let's be real, you'll drive. The location works if you want space and small-town life without completely isolating yourself from job centers.

Jobs & Economy

Winters Joint Unified School District is the anchor employer, which gives the town that public sector stability lenders like to see on mortgage applications. The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation runs Cache Creek Casino Resort just outside town, employing hundreds in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. Local agriculture and farming operations still drive part of the economy since you're in prime Yolo County farmland. City of Winters itself provides municipal jobs. The mix of education, tribal gaming, ag, and government work creates diverse income sources, which keeps the housing market steadier than single-industry towns. That $128K median income tells you plenty of residents either commute to higher-paying Sacramento jobs or work locally in management and professional roles.

  • Winters Joint Unified School District
  • Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation (Cache Creek Casino Resort)
  • Local agriculture/farming operations
  • City of Winters

Winters Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from Winters 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 Winters?

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 Winters?

Typical Winters 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 Winters?

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

What down payment assistance programs are available in Winters?

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

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

What are the loan limits in Winters?

2026 Yolo County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Winters properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in Winters?

For Winters'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 Winters. 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 Winters?

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 Winters?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Winters. 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 Yolo 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 Winters?

Closing costs in Winters 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 Winters?

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 Winters?

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

Closing costs in Winters 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 Winters?

Typical Winters 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 Winters?

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 Winters?

2026 Yolo County limits: FHA $764,750, Conventional $832,750. Any loan above $832,750 is a jumbo loan. Most Winters properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Winters?

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

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

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in Winters?

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

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in Winters. 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 Winters?

For Winters'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 Winters?

The FHA loan limit in Winters is $765,000 for 2025. This covers most homes in the area since the median price is around $704K, making FHA loans a solid option for first. time buyers who want lower down payment requirements.

Do I need a jumbo loan in Winters?

Most buyers in Winters won't need a jumbo loan since the conforming limit is $833,000 and the median home price is $704K. You'll only need a jumbo loan if you're purchasing a home above $833K, which represents the higher end of the local market.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Yolo County?

For 2026, Yolo County's conforming and VA loan limits are $833,000, while the FHA limit is $765,000. These limits give buyers in Winters plenty of financing options for homes in the typical $600K to $900K range.

Can I get a VA loan in Winters?

Yes, VA loans work great in Winters with a loan limit of $833,000, which covers virtually all homes in the area. If you're a qualified veteran or active military, you can purchase with $0 down and no PMI, making it one of the best financing options available.

What down payment assistance programs are available in Winters?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership immediately accessible. You can also explore CalHFA programs and Yolo County housing assistance, which offer grants and low. interest loans to help with down payments and closing costs.

What down payment do I need for a Winters home?

Down payments in Winters typically range from 0% to 5% depending on your loan type. VA loans and USDA loans offer $0 down, FHA requires just 3.5%, and conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first. time buyers or 5% for others.

What credit score do I need to buy in Winters?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 580 for FHA loans and 620 for conventional financing in Winters. With the area's median income of $128,679, many buyers qualify easily, though higher scores above 680 will get you better interest rates.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender with strong experience in Yolo County who can explain all your options for Winters's $600K to $900K market. Compare rates, but also consider responsiveness and whether they offer programs like FHA, VA, and down payment assistance that match your specific situation.

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