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in Antioch, CA
Antioch homebuyers often qualify for government-backed loans that lower barriers to homeownership. Both FHA and USDA loans offer affordable paths to buying in Contra Costa County, but they serve different needs.
FHA loans work anywhere in Antioch with flexible credit and low down payments. USDA loans require zero down payment but only work in eligible areas and have income limits.
Understanding which program matches your financial situation and target neighborhood helps you move forward with confidence.
FHA loans let you buy anywhere in Antioch with as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher. Borrowers with scores between 500-579 need 10% down.
The Federal Housing Administration insures these loans, which means lenders accept higher debt-to-income ratios and past credit issues. You pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium plus monthly premiums.
FHA loans work for all property types in any Antioch neighborhood. Your debt-to-income ratio can go up to 50% in many cases, making qualification easier for buyers with student loans or car payments.
USDA loans require zero down payment for eligible Antioch properties in designated rural areas. Some parts of Antioch qualify while others do not, based on USDA rural development maps.
Your household income cannot exceed 115% of the area median income for Contra Costa County. The program targets low to moderate income families buying in less densely populated areas.
USDA charges a smaller upfront guarantee fee than FHA and lower monthly premiums. Credit requirements are flexible, though you need a 640 score for automated underwriting approval.
Down payment creates the biggest split between these programs. USDA eliminates the down payment entirely while FHA requires 3.5% minimum, which means different upfront costs for your Antioch purchase.
Location eligibility differs significantly. FHA works everywhere in Antioch, but USDA only covers properties in eligible rural development zones that you must verify before shopping.
Income limits only apply to USDA loans, capping who qualifies regardless of credit strength. FHA has no income ceiling, making it accessible to higher earners who need flexible underwriting.
Mortgage insurance costs less with USDA over the loan lifetime. FHA premiums remain in place for 11 years minimum or the full loan term depending on your down payment.
Choose USDA if you have limited savings for a down payment and your target property falls in an eligible area of Antioch. Verify your household income stays within program limits before applying.
FHA makes more sense when you want to buy anywhere in Antioch without location restrictions. It also works better if your income exceeds USDA limits or the property you want sits outside eligible zones.
Buyers with lower credit scores often find FHA more accessible since it accepts scores as low as 500. USDA prefers 640 or higher for streamlined approval, though manual underwriting allows lower scores.
No. USDA loans only work in designated rural development areas. Some Antioch neighborhoods qualify while others do not. Check the USDA property eligibility map before house hunting.
USDA typically costs less monthly due to lower mortgage insurance premiums. However, rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions, so compare personalized quotes for both programs.
Yes. Both FHA and USDA serve first-time and repeat buyers. Neither requires first-time buyer status, though USDA does impose income limits regardless of buying experience.
FHA accepts scores as low as 500 with 10% down or 580 with 3.5% down. USDA prefers 640 for automated approval but considers lower scores through manual underwriting.
You can refinance between programs if you meet current eligibility requirements. USDA refinances must still meet location and income limits even if your original loan was FHA.