San Rafael Mortgage Broker — Serving Marin County’s Most Diverse Market
San Rafael is Marin County’s county seat and its most diverse real estate market — offering everything from starter condos in downtown to luxury estates in Lucas Valley and Dominican. With a 2026 price range spanning roughly $650,000 to $4M+, San Rafael is where more borrowers qualify for conventional financing than anywhere else in Marin, while still offering jumbo opportunities at the high end. DiVita Home Finance has closed hundreds of loans in San Rafael across every loan type and neighborhood.
San Rafael Real Estate: 2026 Market Overview
San Rafael’s market is defined by its neighborhoods. Terra Linda offers newer construction and more attainable pricing, typically $850K–$1.4M for a single-family home. Downtown and the Canal District have strong condo inventory often in the $500K–$900K range — the most accessible entry point in Marin. Dominican, Glenwood, and Lucas Valley command $1.5M–$3.5M for larger homes on larger lots. Understanding which loan type fits each neighborhood is essential to structuring a competitive offer.
- Downtown/Canal: $500K–$900K — Conventional, FHA, condo financing
- Terra Linda: $850K–$1.4M — Conventional, first-time buyer programs
- Dominican / Glenwood: $1.5M–$3M — Conventional to low jumbo
- Lucas Valley / Sun Valley: $2M–$4M+ — Jumbo, self-employed programs
Mortgage Options for San Rafael Buyers
Conventional Loans: With Marin County’s 2026 conforming limit at $1,149,825, many San Rafael purchases qualify for conventional financing — including 3% and 5% down options for first-time buyers.
FHA Loans: San Rafael’s condo market includes FHA-approved buildings in and around downtown. FHA allows 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score, making it a strong option for buyers in the Canal and downtown neighborhoods.
Jumbo Loans: For Dominican, Lucas Valley, and Sun Valley purchases above the conforming limit, we arrange jumbo financing through portfolio and institutional lenders with competitive Bay Area pricing.
Self-Employed / Bank Statement Loans: San Rafael has a high concentration of self-employed professionals — consultants, contractors, medical and legal practices. We specialize in bank statement loans and 1099/P&L programs that don’t require tax returns.
First-Time Buyer Programs: Terra Linda and downtown San Rafael are common first-time buyer markets. We offer CalHFA down payment assistance, Dream For All programs, and low-down conventional options for eligible buyers.
DiVita Home Finance — San Rafael’s Local Lender Since 2007
Michael DiVita has served the San Rafael market for nearly two decades. His team understands the appraisal dynamics across San Rafael’s diverse neighborhoods, maintains relationships with Marin-based real estate agents, and provides pre-underwritten approval letters that carry weight with listing agents who have seen too many deals fall through at the loan level.
We turn same-day loan scenarios on most programs and can typically close in 21–30 days, or faster when needed for competitive situations.
Frequently Asked Questions — San Rafael Mortgage
What is the conforming loan limit for San Rafael?
Marin County’s 2026 conforming limit is $1,149,825. Purchases priced below this may qualify for conventional financing. Purchases above require a jumbo loan.
Are there FHA-approved condos in San Rafael?
Yes. Several condo complexes in downtown San Rafael and surrounding areas have FHA approval or can obtain spot approvals. We check FHA eligibility as part of every condo transaction review.
I’m self-employed and my taxes show low income. Can I still qualify?
Yes. We offer 12- and 24-month bank statement loans specifically designed for self-employed borrowers with write-offs. We use your actual deposits — not your tax return — to calculate qualifying income.
What’s the minimum down payment for a San Rafael home?
As low as 3% down for conventional loans (first-time buyers), 3.5% for FHA, and 0% for VA-eligible veterans. Jumbo purchases typically require 20% down.
Can DiVita Home Finance close quickly if I need to compete?
Yes. We offer pre-underwritten approval and can close in as few as 14 days for purchase transactions when documentation is complete. We also communicate directly with listing agents to address lender-related concerns about offer strength.
📞 Call or Text: (800) 239-1103 | Text: (310) 849-9124
Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655 | Company DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700
