I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. Call (800) 239-1103.
The pattern is now familiar: a software engineer or product manager in San Francisco decides the commute is optional, the city is expensive for the space offered, and Marin County offers better schools, more square footage, and faster access to trails — all without sacrificing the Bay Area network or the SF-sized salary. Financing a Marin County home as a tech worker is one of our most common transactions.
What Does a Marin County Home Cost vs. San Francisco?
Marin County median home prices range from $1.2M in Novato to $3M+ in Tiburon, Belvedere, and Ross. San Francisco medians run $1.3M–$1.8M for similar square footage. The difference: Marin offers significantly more land, better schools (Mill Valley, Tamalpais Union, Lagunitas), and a fundamentally different lifestyle at roughly comparable price points.
Can I Use My SF Tech Salary for a Marin Mortgage?
Yes. Your qualifying income is based on what you earn, not where you live or work. A senior engineer earning $220,000 base + $80,000 in average RSU vesting qualifies for a purchase price of approximately $1.8M–$2.2M in Marin, depending on down payment and monthly debts.
RSU Income Counting in Marin County Jumbo Loans
Most Marin County purchases require jumbo financing — Marin’s 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125, and most homes price above that. Jumbo underwriters typically require 2 years of RSU vesting history before counting it as qualifying income. If you are in your first year at a new company, we can sometimes use the vesting schedule letter to document expected future income with certain portfolio lenders.
Relocation Mortgage Timeline
Plan 45–60 days from first contact to close on a standard purchase. Pre-approval takes 3–5 business days with complete documentation. Marin County is competitive — most offers include a pre-approval letter from a local lender who knows the market. That matters to Marin listing agents, and it’s one reason buyers choose DiVita Home Finance over a bank they’ve never heard of.
Working With a Local Marin County Mortgage Broker
I’ve been placing mortgages in Marin County for nearly 20 years — since 2007. I know the neighborhoods, the price ranges, the lenders who move quickly, and the nuances that matter in a competitive Marin offer situation. DiVita Home Finance is based in Tiburon, which means when I call a Marin listing agent to vouch for your file, they know who I am. I’m available on weekends during an active search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tech worker use RSU income to qualify for a Marin County mortgage?
Yes, but most jumbo lenders require 2 years of documented RSU vesting history before counting it as qualifying income. If you’re in your first year at a new company, certain portfolio lenders can sometimes use your vesting schedule letter to document expected future income. Call DiVita Home Finance to discuss your specific situation — RSU structures vary significantly across employers.
What is the conforming loan limit in Marin County in 2026?
Marin County’s 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,249,125. Most Marin County home purchases price above this threshold, making them jumbo loans with different underwriting requirements. Jumbo lenders typically require stronger reserves, higher credit scores, and more detailed income documentation than conventional lenders.
How long does it take to get a mortgage when relocating from SF to Marin?
Plan 45–60 days from first contact to close on a standard Marin County purchase. Pre-approval with complete documentation takes 3–5 business days. In Marin’s competitive market, starting the process before you begin seriously touring homes is critical — sellers expect offers backed by a local lender’s pre-approval letter, not a bank printout.
Does working remotely affect my ability to get a Marin mortgage?
Generally no — lenders qualify you based on income, not location of employment. Remote tech workers with W-2 income, RSUs, and stock awards qualify the same way as in-office employees. The key is having 2 years of employment history and consistent income documentation. Self-employed or contract workers may need bank statement loans or additional documentation.
See all Marin County mortgage services at DiVita Home Finance
Talk to Michael Directly
DiVita Home Finance | Tiburon, CA | Licensed since 2007. Michael DiVita DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655. Company DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700.
💬 Text: (310) 849-9124
