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Corte Madera sits in one of California's priciest zip codes. Marin County prices routinely push buyers past conforming loan limits.
HousingWire flagged a 10.4% drop in mortgage applications as the 30-year fixed hit 6.57%. ARM demand is shifting — and portfolio ARMs are drawing serious attention from Marin buyers.
680+
Typical Min Credit Score
5, 7, or 10 years
Common Fixed Periods
12+ months typical
Reserves Required
Non-QM
QM Status
Typically lower
Rate vs. 30-Yr Fixed
Portfolio ARMs in Corte Madera
Portfolio ARMs are non-QM loans. Lenders write their own rules since they keep these loans on their books.
Strong assets and a solid credit profile matter most. Lenders want to see reserves — often 12 months or more of payments in the bank.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect portfolio arms eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Corte Madera.
Corte Madera sits in one of California's priciest zip codes. Marin County prices routinely push buyers past conforming loan limits.
HousingWire flagged a 10.4% drop in mortgage applications as the 30-year fixed hit 6.57%. ARM demand is shifting — and portfolio ARMs are drawing serious attention from Marin buyers.
Portfolio ARMs are non-QM loans. Lenders write their own rules since they keep these loans on their books.
These loans don't trade on the secondary market. That means each lender prices them differently — sometimes dramatically so.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. On portfolio ARMs, that access is the difference between a rate that works and one that kills the deal.
Most Corte Madera buyers asking about portfolio ARMs are high earners with complex income. W-2 borrowers rarely need them.
The sweet spot: a 5/1 or 7/1 ARM for someone who plans to sell or refinance within seven years. Paying for a 30-year fixed you won't keep is expensive.
A conventional ARM gets sold to Fannie or Freddie. That limits flexibility. A portfolio ARM stays with the lender — so the terms are their call.
Bank statement loans cover income documentation. DSCR loans work for investment properties. Portfolio ARMs solve the rate and term problem when conforming products don't fit.
Corte Madera buyers are often coming from equity-rich positions. They're trading up, relocating, or buying a second home in Marin.
Properties here hold value. Portfolio lenders know that. A strong asset profile in this zip code often gets better treatment than the same deal elsewhere in California.
Portfolio ARMs stay on the lender's books. That means more flexible terms, but also more variation in pricing and guidelines.
Not perfect — but strong. Most portfolio lenders want 680+ and solid reserves. Your full financial picture matters more than one number.
Yes. Portfolio lenders often accept bank statements or asset-based income. This is one of the few loan types built for complex earners.
Most portfolio ARMs offer 5, 7, or 10-year fixed periods. After that, the rate adjusts based on an index plus a margin.
Rate caps limit how much your payment can jump. Know your periodic and lifetime caps before you sign — they vary by lender.
It can be, but DSCR loans are often cleaner for pure rentals. Portfolio ARMs shine most for primary or second-home purchases.