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Rio Dell sits in Humboldt County where the median household income of $61,135 stretches across a market priced around $750,000 for a single-family home. At 5.5%, a zero-down VA loan on that purchase runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone.
Veterans with a Certificate of Eligibility can buy here with zero down and no PMI equivalent—the VA funding fee replaces that cost. The county's population of 135,418 includes a meaningful veteran population, many of whom have built careers in forestry,...
5.5%
Interest Rate
$4,258
Monthly P&I
620
Min FICO
$0
Down Payment
2.15% (first-time)
Funding Fee
30 days
Lock Period
VA Loans in Rio Dell
VA loans in Rio Dell require a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA—proof of service, discharge status, or active duty. Credit floor sits at 620 FICO, though most lenders prefer 740+.
A $750,000 purchase at 5.5% demands strong income verification. Humboldt County's median household income of $61,135 means most single-income buyers at this price need co-borrowers or substantial reserves.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Rio Dell.
Rio Dell sits in Humboldt County where the median household income of $61,135 stretches across a market priced around $750,000 for a single-family home. At 5.5%, a zero-down VA loan on that purchase runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone.
Veterans with a Certificate of Eligibility can buy here with zero down and no PMI equivalent—the VA funding fee replaces that cost. The county's population of 135,418 includes a meaningful veteran population, many of whom have built careers in forestry,...
VA loans in Rio Dell require a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA—proof of service, discharge status, or active duty. Credit floor sits at 620 FICO, though most lenders prefer 740+.
VA lending in California splits between retail banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. Retail lenders (Wells Fargo, Bank of America) move slower but offer in-house underwriting.
The VA guaranty makes these loans attractive to investors, so rates stay competitive with conventional financing. Lenders do impose overlays—minimum reserves, maximum LTV, income documentation—but the VA program itself has no prepayment penalty and allows...
VA loans make sense in Rio Dell when you're a veteran with stable income and a Certificate of Eligibility. The zero-down structure is the real win—conventional buyers at $750K need $150K+ down to avoid PMI, and FHA requires 3.5% down plus lifetime mortgage...
The catch: at $750,000, you're above the county's median income by a wide margin. If your household income is $100K-$120K, the payment-to-income ratio becomes tight.
Conventional loans at $750K in Rio Dell require 20% down ($150,000) to avoid PMI, or 5-10% down with PMI that never cancels. VA loans require zero down and no PMI—just a one-time funding fee.
FHA is another zero-down option, but it requires 3.5% down ($26,250) and charges mortgage insurance for the life of the loan unless you refinance. VA has no lifetime insurance cost.
Rio Dell's economy centers on timber, fishing, and county employment—industries where veteran hiring is strong. The South Fork Eel River runs through the city, and outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, boating) is a draw for families.
Housing inventory in Rio Dell is tight. Most sales are single-family homes in the $600K-$850K range. The VA program's zero-down structure is especially valuable here because cash reserves are often limited in working families.
Yes. You must have a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, which proves your service, discharge status, or active-duty status. Apply through VA.gov or your lender can request it. Without it, you cannot qualify for a VA loan.
At 5.5% APR on a $750,000 purchase with zero down, principal and interest run $4,258 per month. That's before property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. The rate shown is as of April 15, 2026.
Yes. If you have a 10% or higher VA disability rating, you're exempt from the funding fee. Purple Heart recipients and surviving spouses are also exempt. All other borrowers pay the fee upfront—2.15% on a first-time zero-down loan.
For eligible veterans, yes. VA requires zero down and no PMI. FHA requires 3.5% down and charges mortgage insurance for life unless you refinance. VA's funding fee is one-time; FHA's insurance never stops. VA wins on total cost.
Most lenders cap debt-to-income at 41-43%, so a $750K loan typically requires household income around $130,000+. Humboldt County's median is $61,135, so you'll likely need a co-borrower or substantial reserves to qualify at this price.