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Blue Lake sits in Humboldt County where a $750,000 home on a VA loan runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone. That's the baseline for a veteran or active-duty buyer with a 740 FICO and zero down.
The county's median household income of $61,135 means most VA buyers here are stretching into the $600K–$800K range. At 5.5%, that payment pencils out cleanly for households with stable military income or dual earners.
5.5%
Interest Rate
$4,258
Monthly P&I
620
Min. FICO
$0
Down Payment
2.15%
Funding Fee
30 days
Lock Period
VA Loans in Blue Lake
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA — that's your first step. Credit floor sits around 620 FICO, though most lenders prefer 740+. Zero down is the signature feature. You bring a valid COE and proof of service; the lender handles the rest.
Humboldt County's median household income of $61,135 means a $750,000 purchase stretches the typical buyer here. But VA loans don't require a down payment, so income-to-debt ratio is what matters. Most lenders cap your total debt at 41% of gross income.
The funding fee is 2.15% on a zero-down first-time use loan. That's $16,125 on a $750K purchase, rolled into the loan amount. If you're a disabled veteran rated 10% or higher, Purple Heart recipient, or surviving spouse, the funding fee is waived entirely.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Blue Lake.
Blue Lake sits in Humboldt County where a $750,000 home on a VA loan runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone. That's the baseline for a veteran or active-duty buyer with a 740 FICO and zero down.
The county's median household income of $61,135 means most VA buyers here are stretching into the $600K–$800K range. At 5.5%, that payment pencils out cleanly for households with stable military income or dual earners.
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA — that's your first step. Credit floor sits around 620 FICO, though most lenders prefer 740+. Zero down is the signature feature. You bring a valid COE and proof of service; the lender handles the rest.
VA lending in California is split between retail banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. Retail lenders (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase) move slower but have deep VA expertise.
The VA doesn't set rates; lenders do. Your rate depends on your FICO, the loan amount, and market conditions. Brokers typically offer the same rates as retail but with faster underwriting.
Most lenders in California will go up to the VA conforming limit of $832,750 with a 740+ FICO and stable income. Appraisals take 7–10 days.
VA loans make sense in Blue Lake when you're buying a primary residence under $832,750 and have stable income. The zero-down feature is the real win — you keep cash reserves for repairs, property taxes, and insurance.
Where VA loans don't pencil: investment properties, condos in most cases, and properties that fail VA appraisal standards. If you're buying a fixer-upper or a condo, conventional or FHA might move faster.
Conventional loans at 20% down require $150,000 cash upfront on a $750,000 purchase. VA requires zero. That $150,000 stays in your bank account for repairs, taxes, and emergencies.
FHA loans go lower on down payment — 3.5% — but the mortgage insurance never cancels if you put down less than 10%. VA has no mortgage insurance at all. Over 30 years, that's tens of thousands in savings.
Blue Lake is a quiet community in southern Humboldt County with strong ties to the timber and fishing industries. Many residents have military backgrounds or family in the armed forces.
The county's median household income of $61,135 means most buyers are working families, not investors. A VA loan lets you buy a primary residence without draining savings on a down payment.
No. VA loans require zero down. You bring your Certificate of Eligibility and proof of income. The funding fee (2.15% on first-time zero-down use) rolls into the loan. Disabled veterans rated 10% or higher are exempt from the funding fee entirely.
Principal and interest run $4,258 per month at 5.5% (5.518% APR) on a $750,000 loan, 30-year term, 740 FICO, primary residence. Add property taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable. The rate shown is as of April 16, 2026, with a 30-day lock.
No. VA loans are for primary residences only. You must occupy the home as your main residence. Investment properties, vacation homes, and rental properties don't qualify. Condos also have restrictions — most lenders won't finance them on VA loans.
The VA doesn't set a minimum, but most lenders require 620 FICO. Competitive rates start at 740+. If you're below 620, some lenders will work with you, but expect a higher rate or stricter terms. Call to discuss your specific score.
No. The funding fee is a one-time cost (2.15% on zero-down first-time use) rolled into your loan. PMI is monthly and never cancels on FHA loans. VA has no PMI at all. The funding fee is cheaper over 30 years and disappears after closing.