The East Bay spans two counties — Alameda and Contra Costa — and offers one of the most diverse real estate markets in the Bay Area. From Oakland condos under $600K to Danville estates above $3 million, getting the right East Bay mortgage means finding a lender who understands the full spectrum of the market.
East Bay Real Estate Market in 2026
The East Bay continues to attract buyers priced out of San Francisco and Marin while offering its own draws: strong school districts in Lamorinda and the Tri-Valley, walkable urban neighborhoods in Oakland and Berkeley, and suburban communities in Walnut Creek, Danville, and San Ramon. Home prices range dramatically by city and neighborhood, which means loan program selection matters.
East Bay Mortgage Rates in 2026
East Bay buyers benefit from both conforming and jumbo loan options depending on price point. The 2026 high-balance conforming limit for Alameda and Contra Costa counties is $1,209,750 — meaning many East Bay purchases qualify for conventional financing with competitive rates. For properties above that threshold, jumbo loan rates from portfolio lenders remain attractive for well-qualified borrowers.
Mortgage Programs for East Bay Homebuyers
Conventional loans: For purchases up to the high-balance limit, conventional financing offers the lowest rates and most flexible terms.
FHA loans: Oakland and other East Bay cities have significant first-time buyer activity. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% and are more flexible on credit scores.
VA loans: Veterans and active-duty military buying anywhere in the East Bay can use their VA benefit with no down payment required.
Jumbo loans: For East Bay luxury purchases in Piedmont, Danville, Alamo, or Orinda, we offer jumbo financing up to $4 million.
Bank statement loans: The East Bay’s growing tech and entrepreneurial community includes many self-employed buyers who benefit from bank statement loan programs that qualify based on deposits rather than tax returns.
Cities We Serve in the East Bay
DiVita Home Finance serves buyers and homeowners throughout the East Bay, including Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville, Piedmont, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, and Castro Valley.
Start Your East Bay Mortgage
Call DiVita Home Finance at 800-239-1103 or visit our East Bay mortgage page for a free rate quote. We’re a licensed California mortgage broker serving the East Bay since 2007.
