Buying a Home in Fairfax CA — 2026 Mortgage Guide

I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. I’ve been in California mortgage lending since 2000 and founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. Fairfax is a community I know well — I’ve helped buyers finance homes there across multiple rate environments and price ranges. Call (800) 239-1103.

Considering buying a home in Fairfax, CA in 2026? You’re looking at one of Marin County’s most beloved communities — a place where redwood canyons meet local coffee shops, hiking trails start at the edge of town, and neighbors actually know each other. The mortgage landscape in Fairfax has some specific nuances worth understanding before you start making offers.

The Fairfax Real Estate Market in 2026

Fairfax is a small town (population approximately 7,500) with limited inventory and consistent demand. There are only a handful of homes on the market at any given time, which means desirable properties attract multiple offers and sell close to or above asking price. The housing mix includes charming craftsman and Victorian homes near downtown, mid-century ranches in the hills, wooded properties with significant privacy, and a smaller selection of condos and townhomes. Given Fairfax’s small size and mountain setting, there’s almost no new construction — making existing inventory even more valuable and competitive.

Fairfax Home Prices in 2026

Entry-level single-family homes — smaller footprints or properties needing updates — run $900K–$1.2M. Mid-range single-family homes with good lots and updates run $1.2M–$1.8M. Premium properties — larger footprints, renovated, or exceptional settings — start at $1.8M and run to $3M+. Condos and townhomes are the most accessible entry point at $600K–$900K. Price-per-square-foot typically runs $600–$900, reflecting the premium buyers place on Fairfax’s character even for older homes.

Financing Options for Fairfax Buyers

Marin County’s 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,249,125 — which means more Fairfax purchases qualify for conventional agency pricing than buyers realize. A $1.3M purchase with 20% down produces a $1.04M loan — still conforming, with better rates than a traditional jumbo product. For purchases above the conforming limit, I offer fixed and adjustable-rate jumbo programs, including 90% LTV jumbo up to $2.5M for qualified borrowers. Bank statement loans are particularly popular in Fairfax given the high proportion of self-employed buyers — 12- and 24-month programs qualify on deposit history rather than tax returns.

What Makes Fairfax Special

Fairfax residents consistently cite the same reasons they chose this town over other Marin communities: a genuine small-town feel distinct from more polished Marin enclaves, direct trailhead access to Mount Tamalpais and Cascade Canyon, the Ross Valley School District (well-regarded in Marin), a walkable main street with real character, and relative value compared to Ross or Kent Woodlands. Buyers who want Marin’s lifestyle without Marin’s most extreme price premiums tend to find Fairfax.