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in Calexico, CA
Calexico buyers have two strong low-down-payment options. FHA and USDA both carry government backing — but they work very differently.
One lets you buy anywhere in town. The other requires the property to sit in an eligible rural zone. That difference alone can decide which loan you use.
FHA loans need just 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500-579 and you'll need 10% down instead.
There's no income cap and no geographic restriction. If the property is in Calexico, FHA can work.
USDA loans offer 100% financing — no down payment at all. That's a real advantage for buyers short on cash.
The catch: the property must be in a USDA-eligible area, and your household income must fall under the program's limits for Imperial County.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh FHA Loans and USDA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Calexico.
Calexico buyers have two strong low-down-payment options. FHA and USDA both carry government backing — but they work very differently.
One lets you buy anywhere in town. The other requires the property to sit in an eligible rural zone. That difference alone can decide which loan you use.
FHA loans need just 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500-579 and you'll need 10% down instead.
The biggest split is down payment. FHA asks for 3.5%. USDA asks for nothing. For a buyer with limited savings, that gap is significant.
USDA mortgage insurance costs less over time than FHA's. But USDA adds eligibility hurdles — location, income, and property type — that FHA doesn't.
If the property sits in a USDA-eligible zone and your income qualifies, USDA wins. Zero down and lower mortgage insurance is hard to beat.
If you're buying in a non-eligible area, have credit below 640, or exceed the income limits — go FHA. It has fewer restrictions and still offers a low entry point.
Parts of Calexico may qualify, but not all. Check the USDA eligibility map before assuming the property works.
USDA typically has lower mortgage insurance costs. FHA's monthly MI runs higher, especially with smaller down payments.
Yes. FHA charges upfront and monthly MIP. USDA charges a guarantee fee and annual fee — generally lower than FHA.
Most USDA lenders want 640 or higher for automated approval. FHA goes down to 580 for the 3.5% down option.
FHA loan limits apply by county. USDA doesn't set a hard loan limit but caps eligibility by income instead.