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McFarland sits in Kern County's agricultural core. Home prices here stay well below California's coastal markets, which makes conventional financing very achievable.
HousingWire flagged that the 30-year fixed hit 6.57% recently, pushing applications down sharply. For McFarland buyers, locking a rate now beats waiting on further movement. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
6.57% (Apr 2026)
30-Year Fixed Rate
620
Min Credit Score
3%
Min Down Payment
20% equity
PMI Eliminated At
45–50%
Max DTI (typical)
Conventional Loans in McFarland
Conventional loans require a minimum 620 credit score. Most lenders prefer 680 or higher to get competitive rates without paying extra in pricing adjustments.
You need at least 3% down for a primary residence. Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely — that saves real money each month.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conventional loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in McFarland.
McFarland sits in Kern County's agricultural core. Home prices here stay well below California's coastal markets, which makes conventional financing very achievable.
HousingWire flagged that the 30-year fixed hit 6.57% recently, pushing applications down sharply. For McFarland buyers, locking a rate now beats waiting on further movement. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Conventional loans require a minimum 620 credit score. Most lenders prefer 680 or higher to get competitive rates without paying extra in pricing adjustments.
Retail banks in McFarland give you one rate. We shop across 200+ wholesale lenders to find pricing that fits your exact profile.
Conventional guidelines are set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. But how lenders price those loans varies widely. That gap is where a broker earns your business.
Most McFarland deals fall well inside conforming loan limits. That keeps you in the cleanest loan program with the most lender competition.
Watch your debt-to-income ratio. Conventional loans cap DTI at 45-50% depending on the lender. Carrying a car payment into a home purchase can flip an approval.
FHA loans accept lower credit scores but charge mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional PMI drops off once you hit 20% equity.
ARMs start lower than fixed rates. But in a volatile rate environment, most McFarland buyers choose the predictability of a 30-year fixed conventional loan.
Agricultural income is common in McFarland. Lenders will average your last two years of farm or seasonal income to qualify you. Inconsistent years can reduce your qualifying amount.
Kern County appraisals reflect a tight local comp pool. Appraisal gaps are real here. Getting pre-approved before you offer protects you from surprises.
You need at least 620 to qualify. Scores of 680 or higher get you better pricing and fewer lender overlays.
Yes. Lenders average your last two years of farm income from tax returns. One bad year can lower your qualifying amount.
As little as 3% on a primary home. Put down 20% and you eliminate private mortgage insurance completely.
Only if you put down less than 20%. PMI cancels automatically once you reach 20% equity in the home.
FHA accepts lower credit scores but charges mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional PMI eventually goes away.
We shop your file across 200+ wholesale lenders. One bank gives you one rate — we find the best fit for your profile.