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. San Rafael is one of the most diverse real estate markets in Marin — and I know every corner of it. Call (800) 239-1103.
Understanding San Rafael CA home prices in 2026 is essential before you start searching or refinancing. As Marin County’s largest city and county seat, San Rafael offers the widest price range of any community in the county — from Canal condos under $500K to Dominican estates over $3M — making it accessible to buyers at nearly every budget level.
San Rafael CA Home Prices by Neighborhood (2026)
Dominican / Country Club: $1.5M–$3M+ for large single-family homes with hillside views, many requiring jumbo financing. Gerstle Park: $1.2M–$2M for charming craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes near downtown San Rafael. Sun Valley / Bret Harte: $900K–$1.4M in family-oriented neighborhoods with solid school access. Terra Linda / Lucas Valley: $800K–$1.3M — among San Rafael’s more accessible areas, popular with move-up buyers and first-timers with strong income. Canal District: $400K–$700K for condos and smaller homes — the most affordable entry point in San Rafael and viable for FHA financing. The breadth of this market is one reason I find San Rafael one of the most interesting to work in — there’s a realistic path to homeownership here for a much wider range of buyers than anywhere else in Marin.
What Mortgage Do You Need for San Rafael?
The right loan depends on which part of San Rafael you’re targeting. Canal and entry-level Terra Linda: FHA loans (3.5% down) or conventional low-down programs — the 2026 FHA limit for Marin County is $1,209,750, which covers most of these purchases. Most single-family home purchases in mid-range neighborhoods: conventional conforming — the 2026 conforming limit for Marin County is $1,249,125, one of the highest in the country. Dominican, Gerstle Park, and premium properties: jumbo loans for loan amounts above $1,249,125. Veterans and active military: VA loans with zero down payment are available sitewide. I’ll tell you in the first conversation exactly which program makes sense for your target neighborhood and purchase price.
San Rafael Market Conditions in 2026
San Rafael’s market has remained competitive due to persistent inventory shortages across all of Marin County. Desirable single-family homes are selling in under two weeks — often in multiple offers for well-priced listings. Buyers with fully underwritten pre-approvals and flexible close timelines win more deals. The condo and townhome segment has seen increasing demand from buyers priced out of single-family homes, and it’s proven to be a viable entry strategy that builds equity faster than continued renting at Marin County rents.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Rafael CA Home Prices & Mortgages
What is the median home price in San Rafael CA in 2026?
The citywide median in San Rafael typically hovers around $900K–$1.1M depending on the mix of sales, but that average obscures the wide range across neighborhoods. Canal condos sell under $600K; Dominican estates sell above $2M. The number that matters for your mortgage is the price of the specific property you’re buying, not the citywide median. I’ll give you a pre-approval based on your target neighborhood and price point — call (800) 239-1103.
Are there still affordable homes to buy in San Rafael CA?
Yes. The Canal District and portions of Terra Linda offer entry points under $700K that are viable for FHA financing with as little as 3.5% down. These areas have seen consistent appreciation over the past decade and remain active markets. For buyers who need affordability now with a path to build equity, Canal and Terra Linda are real options worth exploring. I can model what your monthly payment would look like on specific properties in those areas.
How much income do I need to buy in San Rafael CA?
It depends on the neighborhood and loan type. For a $700K Canal purchase with 3.5% FHA down, your monthly payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and MIP) would run approximately $4,800–$5,200/month. To qualify under 43% DTI, you’d need gross monthly income of roughly $11,000–$12,000 ($132,000–$144,000/year). For a $1.2M Terra Linda home with 20% down, the conventional payment is approximately $6,500–$7,200/month, requiring $180,000–$200,000+ annual income. I’ll give you a precise number for your specific purchase price and down payment in the first conversation.
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
