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Shafter is one of Kern County's more affordable cities. FHA loans are a natural fit here — low down payment, flexible credit, real buying power.
Agriculture and logistics drive Shafter's economy. Many buyers here are first-timers or self-employed — exactly who FHA was built for.
500 (10% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5% at 580+
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
Up to 6%
Seller Concessions
30-45 days
Typical Close Time
FHA Loans in Shafter
You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you'll need 10% down — but you can still qualify.
FHA requires the home to be your primary residence. Investment properties and vacation homes don't qualify.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Shafter.
Shafter is one of Kern County's more affordable cities. FHA loans are a natural fit here — low down payment, flexible credit, real buying power.
Agriculture and logistics drive Shafter's economy. Many buyers here are first-timers or self-employed — exactly who FHA was built for.
You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you'll need 10% down — but you can still qualify.
Not every lender prices FHA loans the same. Retail banks often pad their margins. Wholesale lenders compete harder — that's where brokers earn their keep.
At SRK CAPITAL, we pull FHA pricing from 200+ wholesale lenders. Shafter buyers get options, not a single take-it-or-leave-it rate.
FHA has two mortgage insurance premiums. There's an upfront fee of 1.75% and an annual fee rolled into your monthly payment. Budget for both.
Sellers can cover up to 6% of closing costs on FHA deals. In a slower Shafter market, that's worth negotiating hard for.
Conventional loans need 620+ credit and typically 5% down. FHA beats that threshold for buyers with thinner credit files.
USDA loans offer zero down but require rural eligibility. Parts of Kern County qualify — worth checking before defaulting to FHA.
Shafter sits in the San Joaquin Valley. Home prices here stay well below Kern County's FHA loan limit — meaning most buyers won't hit a ceiling.
FHA appraisals are stricter than conventional. If a Shafter property has deferred maintenance or safety issues, the deal can stall. Know this before you make an offer.
Kern County falls under standard FHA limits for a single-family home. Check with SRK CAPITAL for the current figure — limits adjust annually.
Yes. FHA allows scores as low as 500. Below 580, you'll need 10% down instead of 3.5%.
On most FHA loans, annual MIP lasts the life of the loan. Refinancing into conventional is the main exit once you have enough equity.
Yes. FHA accepts seasonal and agricultural income with proper documentation — typically two years of tax returns and employment history.
Most FHA purchases close in 30-45 days. Appraisal and condition issues are the most common cause of delays in this area.
Yes. FHA allows 100% of the down payment to come from a gift. The donor must sign a letter confirming no repayment is required.