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Shafter sits in Kern County, where home prices run well below coastal California. That works in your favor with a conforming loan.
The 2026 conforming loan limit for most counties is $832,750. Shafter properties will almost always fall under that ceiling. You get standard rates without jumbo headaches.
$832,750
2026 Loan Limit
620
Min Credit Score
3% (first-time)
Min Down Payment
Fixed or ARM
Rate Type
~45%
Max DTI
Conforming Loans in Shafter
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set the rules. You need a 620 minimum credit score, though 740+ gets you the best pricing.
Down payment starts at 3% for first-time buyers. Repeat buyers need 5% minimum. Debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debts divided by gross income — should stay under 45%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Shafter.
Shafter sits in Kern County, where home prices run well below coastal California. That works in your favor with a conforming loan.
The 2026 conforming loan limit for most counties is $832,750. Shafter properties will almost always fall under that ceiling. You get standard rates without jumbo headaches.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set the rules. You need a 620 minimum credit score, though 740+ gets you the best pricing.
Conforming loans trade on the secondary market. That means hundreds of lenders compete for your business. Rates move together, but pricing differences still exist.
We shop your file across 200+ wholesale lenders. A quarter-point difference on rate saves real money over 30 years. Don't take the first quote you see.
HousingWire flagged that 30-year fixed rates hit 6.57% recently, pushing applications down over 10% week-over-week. That rate sensitivity matters for Shafter buyers on tight budgets.
ARM demand is rising as fixed rates stay elevated. A 5/1 or 7/1 ARM could make sense if you plan to move or refinance within that window. Know your timeline before choosing.
FHA loans allow lower credit scores and higher DTI. But FHA charges mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conforming PMI drops off at 80% loan-to-value.
Jumbo loans kick in above $832,750. Shafter buyers rarely need them. If you do, expect stricter reserves and higher rates. Conforming is almost always the cheaper path here.
Shafter's economy ties closely to agriculture and logistics. Lenders will scrutinize seasonal or self-employed income carefully. Document your income thoroughly before applying.
Properties in rural pockets around Shafter may face appraisal challenges. Comps can be sparse. A lender familiar with Kern County appraisals is worth the search.
The 2026 limit is $832,750 for a single-unit property. Most Shafter homes price well below that.
Yes, 620 is the minimum. Expect higher rates at that tier. Scores above 740 get the best pricing.
First-time buyers can put down 3%. Repeat buyers need at least 5%. Less than 20% requires PMI.
Yes. Once you hit 20% equity, you can request PMI removal. It's automatic at 22% by federal law.
Yes, conforming loans work for most Shafter properties. Rural addresses may need extra appraisal review.
We shop your file across 200+ wholesale lenders. That competition typically beats what retail banks offer.