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in Dublin, CA
Dublin's housing market is moving fast. The city just approved a 113-unit senior affordable housing project on Regional Street, signaling strong local investment.
Both programs let you borrow up to $1,249,125 in 2026—the same conforming limit that applies across Alameda County. The real difference isn't the ceiling; it's how you get there. FHA requires mortgage insurance.
FHA loans are the entry point for buyers with modest savings. You need just 3.5% down, and your credit floor sits around 580 FICO—though 620 or higher gets better pricing.
In Dublin, where median household income runs $126,240 countywide, FHA lets you stretch that income further. You can qualify with a debt-to-income ratio up to 50%, meaning a household earning that median can carry meaningful monthly obligations.
VA loans eliminate the down-payment barrier entirely. If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse, you can borrow the full purchase price with no down payment.
Your credit floor is typically 580 FICO, and the VA doesn't set a debt-to-income cap—lenders do. In practice, you'll find approval paths up to 60% DTI with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh FHA Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Dublin.
Dublin's housing market is moving fast. The city just approved a 113-unit senior affordable housing project on Regional Street, signaling strong local investment.
Both programs let you borrow up to $1,249,125 in 2026—the same conforming limit that applies across Alameda County. The real difference isn't the ceiling; it's how you get there. FHA requires mortgage insurance.
FHA loans are the entry point for buyers with modest savings. You need just 3.5% down, and your credit floor sits around 580 FICO—though 620 or higher gets better pricing.
Down payment is the first fork. FHA requires 3.5% minimum; VA requires zero. For a buyer with limited savings, VA's zero-down path is a real advantage. For a buyer without VA eligibility, FHA is the only option in this comparison.
The second difference is insurance cost. FHA charges mortgage insurance monthly for the life of the loan (if under 10% down). VA charges a one-time funding fee at closing.
County limits don't separate them—both reach $1,249,125 in 2026. The third difference is flexibility. FHA allows any borrower who meets credit and income tests. VA is restricted to eligible veterans and service members.
FHA is right for you if you're not VA-eligible but have at least 3.5% saved. A buyer earning the Alameda County median of $126,240 with modest credit (620 FICO) and limited down-payment funds will find FHA approval straightforward.
VA is right if you're a veteran or active-duty service member. Zero down means you keep your cash reserves intact. The one-time funding fee is cheaper than years of FHA mortgage insurance.
Yes, but only if you put down 10% or more. At 10% down, FHA mortgage insurance drops after 11 years. Below 10%, it stays for the life of the loan. VA has no mortgage insurance at all.
No. The funding fee is a one-time cost at closing (1.4%–3.6% depending on down payment and prior VA use). Mortgage insurance is a monthly charge. VA's upfront fee typically costs less over time than FHA's ongoing insurance.
Both programs typically start at 580 FICO, but 620 or higher gets better rates. Lenders may require 640+ for automated approval. Check with your lender—overlays vary.
Yes. Both FHA and VA reach the 2026 Alameda County limit of $1,249,125. Your approval depends on income and debt-to-income ratio, not the program's ceiling.
FHA typically closes in 30–45 days. VA can take 45–60 days because the VA appraisal process is stricter. Both are slower than conventional, but faster than jumbo.