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. I’ve helped many out-of-area buyers navigate the Marin relocation mortgage — the local market knowledge and lender relationships make a real difference. Call (800) 239-1103.
Relocating to Marin County from out of state or out of area comes with mortgage complications that local buyers don’t face: new job in a different industry, a home sale contingency on a property across the country, and lenders who may not know the local market. Here’s how to navigate relocation mortgage in Marin County without the common pitfalls.
New Job Relocation Mortgage
If you are relocating for a new job, conventional guidelines allow you to use an offer letter as income documentation — provided you will start within 90 days of closing and the job is in the same field you have worked in for 2+ years. FHA is more flexible, allowing offer letters for different fields as well. Remote workers keeping their existing job face none of these complications — your current income documents as-is, and Marin becomes just a location change, not a financing challenge.
Selling Your Current Home & Buying in Marin
If you are selling a home to fund your Marin County down payment, lenders need to see a ratified sales contract before counting the net proceeds. Bridge loans can cover the gap if your Marin closing happens before your home sale closes. I work with Bay Area bridge loan lenders who understand this timing and can structure the transaction so you don’t have to sell first, wait, then restart the buying process in Marin’s competitive inventory environment.
Renting First vs. Buying on Relocation
I generally recommend renting for 3–6 months before buying if you are relocating from outside California and have not spent significant time in Marin. The county has distinct micro-markets: the rain shadow west of Mount Tam, fire risk in the WUI zones, school district boundaries that affect resale value, and flood zone considerations near Richardson Bay. A short rental period lets you buy with conviction rather than guessing from a hotel room or Zillow.
Marin County Mortgage Programs for Relocation Buyers
Relocation buyers typically need conforming jumbo or portfolio jumbo financing for most Marin markets — the 2026 Marin conforming limit is $1,249,125, and many desirable Marin homes trade above this threshold. Portfolio lenders and jumbo-specific programs allow offer-letter income, bridge loan structures, and non-traditional documentation for relocating buyers. I match each relocation buyer to the lender with the right combination of income documentation flexibility and competitive jumbo pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Relocating to Marin County Mortgage
Can I get a mortgage in Marin County using a job offer letter?
Yes — conventional lenders allow offer letter income if you’ll start within 90 days of closing and the new job is in the same field you’ve worked in for 2+ years. FHA is more flexible on field changes. The offer letter must show your salary, start date, position, and be on company letterhead. I request these documents from relocation buyers upfront so there are no surprises when the file goes to underwriting. If you’re keeping a remote job and just changing your address to Marin, your current pay stubs and W-2s qualify you normally — no offer letter complexity at all.
How do bridge loans work for relocation buyers in Marin County?
A bridge loan lets you borrow against the equity in your current home to fund the down payment on your Marin purchase — before your current home sells. This allows you to offer non-contingently in Marin’s competitive market rather than submitting a contingent offer that sellers are reluctant to accept. The bridge loan is repaid when your current home closes. Typically requires 20–30% equity in your current home, and the combined carrying costs (both mortgages plus bridge) need to fit within your DTI. I model this scenario for every relocation buyer with equity in their departing property.
What should out-of-state buyers know about Marin County’s mortgage market?
Marin County is primarily a jumbo market — most single-family home purchases in Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Ross, and Belvedere require loans above the conforming limit, and many go well above $2M. Lenders unfamiliar with Marin’s micro-markets may have trouble with appraisals in areas with limited comps (particularly waterfront or hillside properties). Working with a local broker who knows which appraisers understand the market is critical. The fire zone issue is also Marin-specific — some lenders and insurers won’t write in certain WUI areas, which can affect financing availability. I know where these issues arise and address them before they become problems mid-escrow.
Talk to Michael Directly
DiVita Home Finance | Tiburon, CA | In lending since 2000, founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. Michael DiVita DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655. Company DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700.
💬 Text: (310) 849-9124
