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Concord sits in the middle of Contra Costa County's housing market. Properties range from starter homes to established single-family neighborhoods.
Conventional loans dominate here because most homes fall within conforming limits. Borrowers with solid credit get better rates than government-backed options.
You need 620 minimum credit, though 680+ gets you competitive pricing. Debt-to-income ratio caps at 50% with most lenders.
Down payment starts at 3% for first-time buyers, 5% for repeat buyers. You'll pay PMI below 20% down, but it drops off when you hit that equity threshold.
We shop 200+ wholesale lenders for conventional loans. Rate spreads between best and worst lenders hit 0.5% on identical borrower profiles.
Some lenders price aggressively for high credit scores. Others offer better terms for lower down payments. This is where broker access matters.
Most Concord buyers default to FHA when they shouldn't. If you have 650+ credit and 5% down, conventional beats FHA on monthly cost every time.
The PMI difference is significant. Conventional PMI costs less and cancels. FHA mortgage insurance stays for the loan life on 3.5% down deals.
FHA requires 3.5% down but charges 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance plus annual premiums. Conventional skips the upfront fee entirely.
Jumbo loans kick in above $832,750 in Contra Costa County. If you're borderline, conventional conforming offers better rates and easier approval.
Concord has diverse property types from condos to single-family homes. Conventional loans work for all of them, though condo financing requires HOA approval.
Multiple offers remain common here. Conventional loans signal strength to sellers because they close reliably and appraise cleanly.
Minimum is 620, but you need 680+ for competitive rates. Most approved borrowers in Contra Costa County have 700+ credit scores.
First-time buyers can put down 3%, repeat buyers need 5% minimum. You'll pay PMI below 20% down until you reach that equity level.
Conventional wins with 5%+ down and 650+ credit. Lower PMI costs and no upfront mortgage insurance fee make it cheaper monthly.
The conforming limit is $1,249,125 for 2026. Above that amount, you need a jumbo loan with different requirements and pricing.
Yes, PMI cancels automatically at 78% loan-to-value. You can request removal at 80% with an appraisal showing sufficient equity.
Conventional Loans in Concord