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in Union City, CA
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income is $126,240 and new restaurants keep opening across the East Bay. Buyers here often choose between FHA and VA loans when down payment savings matter most.
Both programs let you put down less than conventional lenders require. The real difference lies in who qualifies, what insurance costs, and how long you carry it.
FHA at 5.75% works when you have modest savings and a credit score above 580. The monthly payment on a $750,000 loan is $4,377 with just 3.5% down.
Mortgage insurance (MIP) runs for the life of the loan if you put down less than 10%. At 10% or more down, MIP drops after 11 years of payments.
VA at 5.75% offers zero down for eligible veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses with a Certificate of Eligibility. The same $750,000 loan carries the same $4,377 monthly payment.
A funding fee replaces traditional mortgage insurance. First-time VA users pay 2.15% of the loan amount; the fee rolls into the loan and is not due upfront.
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 Union City.
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income is $126,240 and new restaurants keep opening across the East Bay. Buyers here often choose between FHA and VA loans when down payment savings matter most.
Both programs let you put down less than conventional lenders require. The real difference lies in who qualifies, what insurance costs, and how long you carry it.
FHA at 5.75% works when you have modest savings and a credit score above 580. The monthly payment on a $750,000 loan is $4,377 with just 3.5% down.
FHA requires a down payment; VA does not. With FHA, you'd need roughly 3.5% to 10% saved. VA buyers with a Certificate of Eligibility put nothing down and keep full cash reserves.
MIP on FHA runs for the life of the loan at high LTVs. VA's funding fee is a one-time cost rolled into the loan balance. Over 30 years, the funding fee typically costs less than FHA's lifetime MIP.
FHA opens to any buyer with 580+ FICO and 3.5% down. VA is limited to veterans, active duty, and eligible spouses. If you don't have military service, FHA is your path.
Choose FHA if you're a first-time buyer without military service and have saved 3.5% to 10% for down payment. Your credit is above 580 and you want straightforward financing in Union City.
Choose VA if you're an eligible veteran or active duty service member with a Certificate of Eligibility. Zero down and no mortgage insurance make VA the strongest option when you qualify.
Yes. You must have a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Active duty, veterans, and surviving spouses can request one online through VA.gov. Your lender can help pull it during the application.
No. FHA requires a minimum FICO of 580 to qualify. Scores between 580 and 620 face tighter underwriting. Most lenders prefer 640 or higher for easier approval.
VA typically costs less. FHA's lifetime MIP on high-LTV loans adds up over time. VA's 2.15% funding fee is paid once and rolled into the loan balance.
Yes. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities can use VA benefits with a Certificate of Eligibility. You must apply through the VA.
Yes, both are priced at 5.75% on June 12, 2026. The monthly payment on a $750,000 loan is $4,377 for each. Your actual rate depends on your credit, down payment, and lock period.