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Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income of $126,240 supports homes in the $800,000 to $1,100,000 range. New Filipino, burger, and Mexican restaurants opened recently, signaling neighborhood investment.
A Portfolio ARM locks your rate for an initial period—typically three, five, or seven years—then adjusts annually based on market conditions.
3, 5, or 7 years
Initial Lock Period
620 (680+ preferred)
Minimum FICO
$1,249,125
2026 Conforming Limit
5% to 20%
Down Payment Range
30–45 days
Underwriting Timeline
Portfolio ARMs in Union City
Portfolio ARMs require a minimum 620 FICO score, though 680+ is standard for better pricing. Down payments typically range from 5% to 20%.
Lenders evaluate your ability to handle the payment after the rate adjusts. They stress-test at the fully indexed rate—usually the initial rate plus the margin and index.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect portfolio arms eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Union City.
Union City sits in Alameda County where the median household income of $126,240 supports homes in the $800,000 to $1,100,000 range. New Filipino, burger, and Mexican restaurants opened recently, signaling neighborhood investment.
A Portfolio ARM locks your rate for an initial period—typically three, five, or seven years—then adjusts annually based on market conditions.
Portfolio ARMs require a minimum 620 FICO score, though 680+ is standard for better pricing. Down payments typically range from 5% to 20%.
California's ARM market is dominated by portfolio lenders and jumbo specialists. These lenders hold loans in-house rather than selling them, giving them flexibility to offer non-standard terms.
Underwriting timelines run 30–45 days for portfolio ARMs because lenders verify your ability to absorb payment shock. Documentation is standard: pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements. Rate locks typically run 30–60 days, though longer locks cost more.
Portfolio ARMs make sense in Union City for buyers with a clear exit strategy. If you're planning to sell within five years or refinance when rates drop, the lower initial rate saves real money.
The math works when your initial payment is 15–20% lower than a 30-year fixed. That savings compounds over the fixed-rate period. But if you're uncertain about your timeline, the fixed-rate option removes the guesswork.
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage runs higher from day one but never changes. Your payment stays the same for 30 years, making budgeting predictable.
Choose the ARM if you're selling or refinancing within the fixed-rate period. Choose fixed if you're staying long-term and want payment certainty. The ARM's lower initial rate is real savings only if you execute your exit plan.
Alameda County's affordable housing push—including Dublin's new 113-unit senior housing project—signals long-term neighborhood stability. Buyers with a five-year horizon benefit from this infrastructure investment.
The restaurant boom across the East Bay, with new Filipino and Mexican spots opening in Union City's orbit, reflects demographic growth. Neighborhoods with active dining and retail scenes hold value better during downturns.
Your rate adjusts annually based on the index plus the lender's margin. Payments typically rise $150–$400 per month, depending on market rates. Most ARMs cap annual increases at 2% and lifetime increases at 5–6%.
No. ARMs suit buyers with a clear exit plan—selling or refinancing within 5–7 years. If you're staying 10+ years, a fixed-rate mortgage removes rate-shock risk and simplifies budgeting.
Portfolio ARMs typically start 0.25% to 0.5% below a 30-year fixed. The exact difference depends on the initial lock period and current market conditions. Call for today's rate comparison.
The minimum is 620 FICO, but 680+ qualifies for the best rates and terms. Lenders also stress-test your ability to handle the payment after the rate adjusts.
Yes. Refinancing is an option if rates fall or your situation changes. Most ARM buyers plan to refinance before the adjustment period begins, locking in a new fixed rate if it's favorable.