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. Call (800) 239-1103.
San Anselmo, California sits in the heart of Marin County’s picturesque Ross Valley — a community known for its walkable downtown, Victorian architecture, excellent schools, and genuine town feel. With a median home price around $1.6–$1.7 million in 2026, San Anselmo sits at the interesting intersection of high-balance conforming loans and the lower end of jumbo territory. Structuring that correctly matters — whether you stay in conforming territory or cross into jumbo territory changes your rate, your underwriting requirements, and your reserve needs. I’ve been helping Marin County buyers navigate exactly this boundary for over 25 years. See also: Marin County mortgage hub and San Anselmo mortgage broker page.
San Anselmo Real Estate Market in 2026
San Anselmo remains one of the most desirable mid-Marin communities, drawing buyers who want genuine town character — independent shops, Creek Trail access, Ross Valley schools — at prices more accessible than Ross or Belvedere. Key market stats: median sale price ~$1.6M; sale-to-list price ratio 111.9% (homes regularly sell above asking); average days on market ~36 days; active listings typically ~42, with median asking around $1.72M. The fact that homes sell at 112% of list tells you all you need to know: San Anselmo is competitive, and buyers without strong financing lose deals.
Loan Programs for San Anselmo Buyers
High-Balance Conforming Loans (Up to $1,249,125)
Marin County’s 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,249,125. For buyers purchasing at San Anselmo’s median of $1.6M with 20% down ($320,000), the loan is $1,280,000 — technically into jumbo territory. But for buyers who can put down 22% ($352,000), the loan drops to $1,248,000, which stays within high-balance conforming guidelines. High-balance conforming loans carry Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac backing, which generally means better rates and more flexible guidelines than jumbo products for comparable loan sizes. That conforming/jumbo boundary decision is worth real money.
Jumbo Loans
For buyers with lower down payments or purchasing above median, jumbo financing is the path. I work with dozens of jumbo lenders to find competitive rates — whether you need a $1.3M loan or a $2M loan. Unlike a single bank, I can shop the wholesale market to find the lender most competitive at your specific loan size and profile.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are available up to Marin County’s $1,249,125 conforming limit with 3.5% minimum down. While this covers a smaller portion of San Anselmo homes than other markets, it can be useful for first-time buyers purchasing condos or smaller homes in the $800K–$1.2M range.
VA Loans for Veterans
VA loans have no loan limit for eligible veterans with full entitlement — making them one of the most powerful tools for military buyers in this market. A VA loan at $1.5M with no down payment is possible for a qualified veteran. Learn more about VA loans in California.
Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Buyers
Many San Anselmo buyers are self-employed professionals — architects, consultants, tech executives, small business owners — whose tax returns understate their actual earnings after business deductions. Bank statement loan programs use 12–24 months of bank deposits as income documentation instead of W-2s or tax returns, often qualifying on 2–3x the income that a tax return shows.
San Anselmo Neighborhoods
Downtown San Anselmo’s walkable historic district has condos and smaller SFRs priced below the median. Red Hill is a hillside neighborhood with views where homes command premium prices. Creek-adjacent properties require flood zone awareness — lenders require flood insurance for properties in designated SFHA zones, which adds to your monthly payment estimate. San Anselmo is also adjacent to Fairfax and Ross, giving easy access to the broader Ross Valley community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a San Anselmo home purchase a conforming or jumbo loan?
It depends on your down payment and purchase price. Marin County’s 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125. At a $1.6M median-priced home, 20% down ($320,000) leaves a $1,280,000 loan — technically jumbo. But 22% down ($352,000) brings the loan to $1,248,000, staying within high-balance conforming. The conforming-to-jumbo threshold decision carries real financial weight — conforming loans typically have lower rates and more flexible reserve requirements than equivalent jumbo loans. I run this calculation for every San Anselmo buyer to identify whether slightly adjusting the down payment amount delivers a materially better rate.
How competitive is the San Anselmo market and how does financing affect offers?
Very competitive. San Anselmo homes sell at 111.9% of list price on average — meaning the typical home sells well above asking. In this environment, your financing presentation matters as much as your offer price. A fully underwritten pre-approval (where your income, assets, and credit have already been reviewed by an underwriter) carries far more weight than a basic pre-qualification. Sellers and their agents in Marin County know the difference. I provide fully underwritten pre-approvals that give your offers the credibility that online lender letters typically don’t have.
Can a VA loan work for a San Anselmo home purchase?
Yes, and it’s one of the strongest tools available for eligible veterans in this market. VA loans have no loan limit for veterans with full entitlement — meaning a qualified veteran can purchase a $1.6M San Anselmo home with zero down payment, no PMI, and a VA interest rate that’s typically below conventional jumbo rates. The funding fee (1.25–3.3% depending on service history and down payment) applies but can be financed into the loan. For San Anselmo’s price range, the combination of no down payment and no PMI represents a savings of $300,000+ in cash at closing compared to a 20% down conventional loan. I work with VA loans regularly and can walk any veteran through the full eligibility and process.
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
