Bottom Line Up Front
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, featuring 3.5% minimum down, credit scores from 500, and lenient DTI standards. Especially popular with California first-time buyers and those with credit challenges.
Overview
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, featuring 3.5% minimum down, credit scores from 500, and lenient DTI standards. Especially popular with California first-time buyers and those with credit challenges.
Who Qualifies?
580+ for 3.5% down (500-579 with 10%). DTI ≤43% (50% with compensating factors). Owner-occupied only.
Key Benefits
- ✓3.5% down payment
- ✓Credit scores from 500
- ✓Flexible DTI
- ✓Gift funds for full down payment
- ✓Assumable mortgage
✅ Pros
- Low credit minimums
- Small down payment
- Flexible qualification
⚠️ Considerations
- MIP for life of loan (most cases)
- 1.75% upfront MIP
- Property condition requirements
- Primary residence only
California-Specific Information
California FHA limit matches conforming at $1,209,750 in high-cost areas. FHA appraisals include condition requirements affecting older homes.
Rates & Pricing
Competitive with conventional, especially for sub-720 scores. Total cost includes 0.55% annual MIP + 1.75% upfront.
Why Choose Save Financial for FHA Loans?
Save Financial is a trusted California mortgage broker (NMLS #377740) with 45 years of combined experience and relationships with 20+ wholesale lenders. We specialize in finding the best fha loans rates and terms for California borrowers. Our $500 price guarantee means if we can't beat another lender's offer, you get $500. We serve 60+ California cities from our offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey, and our team speaks English and Spanish.
Call (888) 703-1840 or get a free quote online — open 7 days a week, 9AM–8PM.
$500 Cash Loan Price Match Guarantee
Get a written offer from any lender. If Save Financial cannot beat it for the same product, we pay you $500 cash.
NMLS #377740 · DRE #01875766 · Call (888) 703-1840
| County | 1 Unit | 2 Units | 3 Units | 4 Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alameda | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Contra Costa | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| El Dorado | $763,600 | $977,500 | $1,181,400 | $1,468,275 |
| Fresno | $526,700 | $674,150 | $814,950 | $1,012,875 |
| Kern | $526,700 | $674,150 | $814,950 | $1,012,875 |
| Los Angeles | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Marin | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Monterey | $920,000 | $1,177,550 | $1,423,200 | $1,768,275 |
| Napa | $1,017,750 | $1,302,750 | $1,574,550 | $1,957,050 |
| Orange | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Placer | $763,600 | $977,500 | $1,181,400 | $1,468,275 |
| Riverside | $766,550 | $981,250 | $1,186,000 | $1,473,975 |
| Sacramento | $763,600 | $977,500 | $1,181,400 | $1,468,275 |
| San Bernardino | $766,550 | $981,250 | $1,186,000 | $1,473,975 |
| San Diego | $1,006,250 | $1,288,050 | $1,556,750 | $1,934,900 |
| San Francisco | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| San Mateo | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Santa Barbara | $838,750 | $1,073,650 | $1,297,800 | $1,612,975 |
| Santa Clara | $1,209,750 | $1,548,975 | $1,872,225 | $2,326,875 |
| Santa Cruz | $1,112,450 | $1,424,350 | $1,721,500 | $2,139,600 |
| Sonoma | $877,450 | $1,123,250 | $1,357,700 | $1,687,450 |
| Ventura | $1,059,300 | $1,355,900 | $1,638,750 | $2,036,475 |
Reviewed By
Mike Baasti, Licensed Mortgage Broker
Founder of Save Financial, Inc. (NMLS #377740) in Newport Beach, CA. 20+ years in residential and investment lending across conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, hard money, bank statement, and specialty mortgage programs.