Mortgage Broker in Bakersfield CA — Dream House Lending
Dream House Lending is a licensed mortgage broker in Bakersfield, CA. Learn why working with a broker beats going to a bank, what loan programs we offer, and how to get started with Alfonso Garza, NMLS #1708922.
Alfonso Garza
Licensed Mortgage Broker · NMLS #1708922 · Dream House Lending
If you're searching for a mortgage broker in Bakersfield, CA, you want someone who knows the local market, has access to a wide range of lenders, and will actually be available when you have questions. That's exactly what Dream House Lending was built to provide. Founded by Alfonso Garza — a licensed mortgage broker with over six years of experience in the Bakersfield market — Dream House Lending has helped hundreds of Kern County families purchase and refinance homes with the right loan at the right time.
Broker vs. Bank — What's the Difference?
Most buyers start their mortgage search at a big bank or credit union because it's familiar. But there's a fundamental difference between working with a bank and working with a mortgage broker — and for most buyers, that difference matters.
- Banks are direct lenders: They lend their own money and offer only their own loan products. If their guidelines don't fit your situation, they decline you.
- Brokers are intermediaries: A mortgage broker works with dozens of lenders and investors, shopping your loan to find the best rate and program for your specific profile.
- More options = better outcomes: A broker can often find programs that a single bank can't offer — especially for self-employed borrowers, buyers with lower credit scores, or unique property types.
- Brokers are often faster: Without the internal queue of a large institution, a dedicated broker can move more quickly and communicate more directly.
- Same regulatory standards: Licensed mortgage brokers in California are regulated by the DFPI (Department of Financial Protection and Innovation) and held to the same professional standards as bank loan officers.
About Dream House Lending
Dream House Lending was founded in Bakersfield in 2022 with a simple mission: help local families navigate the mortgage process with clarity, speed, and integrity. We're a boutique brokerage — which means every client works directly with Alfonso, not a call center or junior processor. When you call us, you reach someone who knows your file.
- NMLS Company License: #2269316
- Alfonso Garza Personal NMLS: #1708922 (licensed since 2018)
- CA DFPI License: #60DBO-154707
- Office: 5301 Office Park Dr Suite #200, Bakersfield, CA 93309
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9AM–6PM, Saturday by appointment
- Phone: (661) 454-7700 | Cell/Text: (310) 415-1359
Loan Programs We Offer
As a mortgage broker, we have access to a broad range of loan products through our investor network. Here's what we regularly help Bakersfield buyers and homeowners with:
- FHA loans: 3.5% down, flexible credit requirements — ideal for first-time buyers and credit rebuilders
- VA loans: Zero down for eligible veterans and service members — no PMI, competitive rates
- Conventional loans: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac products for buyers with stronger credit and larger down payments
- USDA rural loans: Zero-down financing for eligible areas in Kern County
- CalHFA programs: State-backed down payment assistance for first-time buyers
- Bank statement loans: For self-employed borrowers who can't qualify using tax returns
- Jumbo loans: For purchase prices above conventional loan limits
- Refinance: Rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing for existing homeowners
The Bakersfield Market — Why Local Expertise Matters
Bakersfield has its own market dynamics that a national lender won't understand the way a local broker does. Property values vary significantly by neighborhood. Mello-Roos tax districts affect affordability in newer subdivisions. USDA eligibility covers parts of Kern County that most buyers don't know about. Appraisers, escrow officers, and real estate agents have established working relationships that a local broker can leverage on your behalf.
We know this market because we live and work here. When you work with Dream House Lending, you're not talking to someone in another state reading off a script — you're working with a Bakersfield mortgage broker who has closed loans in your neighborhood and knows what it takes to get deals done in this market.
What Our Clients Say
Dream House Lending has a 4.9-star average across 59 Google reviews. Our clients consistently highlight three things: fast communication, honest advice, and no surprises at closing. We don't believe in bait-and-switch rates or burying fees — every client receives a transparent Loan Estimate upfront so you know exactly what you're committing to before you sign anything.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple. Call or text us, schedule a free 15-minute discovery call, or use our online pre-approval application. We'll review your income, credit, and goals, and within 24–48 hours you'll have a clear picture of what you qualify for, which programs make sense, and what your next steps are. No pressure, no obligation — just straight answers from a licensed mortgage broker who works this market every day.
Questions? Let's Talk.
Get straight answers from a licensed mortgage broker who works the Bakersfield market every day — no pressure, no obligation.
Alfonso Garza · NMLS #1708922 · Dream House Lending NMLS #2269316
Licensed by the CA DFPI #60DBO-154707