Marin Mortgage — Local Home Loan Experts Serving All of Marin County
If you’re searching for a Marin mortgage, you need a lender who understands this market — not a call center in another state. DiVita Home Finance has been helping Marin County buyers, homeowners, and investors finance their properties since 2007. We’re a licensed California mortgage broker with deep roots in the Bay Area, and we know what it takes to close loans in one of the most complex and competitive real estate markets in the country.
Marin County is unique. Home prices routinely exceed $1.5 million. Properties range from historic Victorian cottages in Sausalito to sprawling hilltop estates in Tiburon and Belvedere. Many buyers are self-employed executives, physicians, or entrepreneurs whose financial profiles don’t fit neatly into a bank’s underwriting box. That’s where we come in. As a mortgage broker, we shop your loan across dozens of wholesale lenders — including specialty jumbo and non-QM lenders — to find the best rate and terms for your specific situation.
Marin County Real Estate Market Overview (2026)
Marin County consistently ranks among the top five most expensive housing markets in the United States. Here’s what buyers and homeowners need to know about the current market:
- Median Home Price: Approximately $1.4–1.6 million countywide, with luxury enclaves like Belvedere and Tiburon averaging $3–5 million+.
- 2026 Conforming Loan Limit: $1,209,750 for a single-family home in Marin County (high-cost area ceiling set by FHFA).
- Jumbo Financing: The majority of purchases in Marin require a jumbo loan, which means specialized lenders and underwriting.
- Inventory: Marin remains an inventory-constrained market. Homes in top school districts (Mill Valley, Larkspur-Corte Madera, Ross Valley) routinely receive multiple offers.
- Interest Rates: Rates vary by loan type, credit score, down payment, and loan size. We shop live rates across our lender network daily to ensure you get the best available pricing.
Marin Mortgage Loan Programs
Every buyer’s situation is different. We offer a full spectrum of mortgage products tailored to Marin County’s unique market conditions:
Jumbo & Super-Jumbo Loans
The most common loan type in Marin County. We offer jumbo financing from $1,209,751 up to $4 million or more, with as little as 10% down in many cases. Our jumbo lenders underwrite to the actual file — not just a credit score — which means we can often approve buyers that big banks decline. We offer fixed and adjustable-rate jumbo products, and we work with lenders who specialize in luxury properties, non-warrantable condos, and high-rise buildings.
Conventional Conforming Loans
For purchases at or below $1,209,750, a conventional loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac typically offers the lowest rate. Down payments start at 3% for qualifying first-time buyers and 5% for repeat buyers. PMI can be eliminated at 20% equity. These loans are ideal for buyers in more affordable Marin communities like Novato, Fairfax, and parts of San Rafael.
FHA Loans in Marin County
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages with a minimum 3.5% down payment and more flexible credit requirements. In high-cost areas like Marin County, the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home is $1,209,750. FHA loans are a strong option for buyers with credit scores between 580–679 or limited down payment savings. The trade-off is mandatory mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for the life of most FHA loans.
VA Loans for Marin County Veterans
If you’re an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, a VA loan offers zero down payment financing with no PMI — even on jumbo amounts. With the elimination of VA loan limits for eligible borrowers with full entitlement, you can use your VA benefit to buy in any Marin community with no down payment required (subject to lender overlays). This is one of the most powerful benefits available and an incredibly valuable tool in an expensive market like Marin.
Bank Statement Loans — Ideal for Marin’s Self-Employed Buyers
A significant portion of Marin County’s high-income residents are self-employed — business owners, contractors, consultants, physicians, attorneys, and real estate investors. Standard mortgage underwriting requires two years of W-2 income and tax returns, but tax returns often understate income after deductions. Our bank statement loan programs qualify you based on 12–24 months of personal or business bank deposits instead. Loan amounts up to $3 million+, with rates that are competitive with traditional jumbo products.
Cash-Out Refinance & Home Equity
Marin homeowners have accumulated extraordinary equity over the past decade. A cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit (HELOC) lets you access that equity for home improvements, investment property purchases, college tuition, or debt consolidation. We offer cash-out refis up to 80% LTV on primary residences and can often structure these as jumbo loans when needed.
Marin County Cities We Serve
From the ferry docks of Sausalito to the ranch estates of Novato, our Marin mortgage team covers every corner of the county. Click any city below to explore local mortgage options, neighborhood highlights, and loan programs specific to each area:
| City | Typical Price Range | Loan Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tiburon | $2M – $6M+ | Jumbo / Super-Jumbo |
| Belvedere | $3M – $8M+ | Super-Jumbo / Luxury |
| Sausalito | $1.2M – $3.5M | Jumbo / Floating Home |
| Mill Valley | $1.4M – $3M | Jumbo / Conventional |
| Ross | $2.5M – $6M+ | Jumbo / Super-Jumbo |
| San Anselmo | $1.2M – $2.5M | Jumbo / Conventional |
| Fairfax | $900K – $1.8M | Conforming / Jumbo |
| Larkspur | $1.4M – $2.8M | Jumbo / Conventional |
| Corte Madera | $1.3M – $2.5M | Jumbo / Conventional |
| San Rafael | $900K – $2M | FHA / Conforming / Jumbo |
| Novato | $750K – $1.5M | FHA / Conforming / Jumbo |
Why Choose DiVita Home Finance for Your Marin Mortgage?
We’re not a bank. We’re a mortgage broker — and that difference matters. Here’s what that means for you:
- Access to dozens of lenders. We shop your loan across our wholesale lender network — including banks, credit unions, and private investors — to find the lowest rate and best terms available on any given day.
- Local expertise. We understand Marin’s appraisal landscape, its condo complexes, its HOA quirks, and the neighborhoods that can be tricky to finance. We’ve seen it all and know how to navigate it.
- Complex income, no problem. Many Marin buyers are self-employed, have RSU or stock compensation, multiple properties, or other income complexity. We specialize in these scenarios.
- Speed and availability. We work 7 days a week, including evenings. In a market where offers are due by Tuesday noon, you need a lender who picks up the phone.
- Transparent pricing. No hidden fees. We explain every line of the Loan Estimate so you know exactly what you’re paying and why.
- Experience since 2007. We’ve closed loans through the 2008 financial crisis, COVID volatility, and today’s rate environment. That experience protects you.
Marin Mortgage Tips for Buyers
Buying in Marin County requires preparation. Here are our top recommendations before you write an offer:
- Get fully underwritten pre-approved — not just pre-qualified. Sellers and their agents in Marin know the difference. A DU/LP approval with reviewed documents carries far more weight than a pre-qual letter.
- Know your jumbo limits. If your purchase price exceeds $1,209,750, you’re in jumbo territory. Start the conversation with us early — jumbo underwriting takes longer.
- Have reserves ready. Most jumbo lenders require 6–12 months of PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) in liquid reserves. Marin jumbo loans can mean you need $100,000+ in verifiable reserves on top of your down payment.
- Don’t make any major financial moves. No new credit cards, car loans, or large deposits from unusual sources in the 90 days before closing. These can derail your approval.
- Consider an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). If you plan to stay in the home 5–10 years, a 7/1 or 10/1 ARM may offer a significantly lower rate than a 30-year fixed — saving tens of thousands of dollars in a jumbo scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions — Marin Mortgage
What is the conforming loan limit in Marin County for 2026?
The 2026 conforming loan limit for a single-family home in Marin County is $1,209,750. This is the maximum amount eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Loans above this threshold are considered jumbo loans and require specialized lenders. Marin is a high-cost area, so this limit is significantly higher than the national baseline of $806,500.
How much down payment do I need to buy in Marin County?
It depends on the loan type and purchase price. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. Conventional loans start at 3–5% for conforming amounts. For jumbo loans — which cover most Marin purchases — lenders typically require 10–20% down depending on the loan amount. Super-jumbo loans ($2.5M+) may require 25–30% down. VA loans offer zero-down financing for eligible veterans, even in Marin. We’ll walk through every scenario based on your specific purchase price.
Can I get a Marin mortgage if I’m self-employed?
Absolutely. Many of our Marin County clients are self-employed — and we specialize in this. Through our bank statement loan programs, we can qualify you on 12–24 months of bank deposits rather than tax returns. This is particularly valuable for business owners whose tax returns show high deductions that reduce their apparent income. Loan amounts go up to $3M+ and rates are highly competitive.
How quickly can I get pre-approved?
Same-day pre-approvals are available when you submit a complete application with supporting documents (paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, ID). A full underwritten pre-approval — which carries significantly more weight with Marin sellers — typically takes 3–5 business days. We strongly recommend the full underwrite before you begin writing offers.
Are there first-time buyer programs in Marin County?
Yes. While Marin’s high prices put many first-time buyer programs out of reach, there are options. CalHFA offers down payment assistance programs that can be layered with FHA or conventional financing. In more affordable Marin cities like Novato and San Rafael, buyers using FHA loans may qualify for state assistance. We’re familiar with all current California first-time buyer programs and will help you identify what you qualify for.
What’s the difference between a mortgage broker and a bank for Marin loans?
A bank can only offer its own loan products at its own rates. A mortgage broker like DiVita Home Finance works with dozens of wholesale lenders and shops the market on your behalf — often finding lower rates, better terms, or programs that a single bank couldn’t offer. This is especially valuable in the jumbo and non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) space, where lender guidelines vary widely.
Ready to explore your Marin mortgage options? Apply online or contact us for a free, no-obligation rate quote today — and see why Marin County homebuyers have trusted DiVita Home Finance since 2007.
Ready to Get Started?
Get pre-approved today or speak with one of our local Marin mortgage experts. No cost, no obligation.
Or call us directly: 800-239-1103 — available 7 days a week.
