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Tehachapi sits in Kern County where the median household income of $67,660 stretches to cover homes in the $750K–$850K range. At 5.875%, a $750,000 conforming loan runs $4,437 monthly in principal and interest alone.
The Kern River Parkway Trail is expanding northward with a 6-mile extension breaking ground soon. Infrastructure investment like that signals stability for long-term buyers in the area.
5.875%
Interest Rate
$4,437
Monthly P&I
740
Min FICO
$750,000
Loan Amount
20% ($187,500)
Down Payment
30 days
Lock Period
Conforming Loans in Tehachapi
Conforming loans in Tehachapi require a 740 FICO minimum and 20% down to avoid PMI. At that loan size and down payment, you're looking at an 80% LTV — the threshold where mortgage insurance cancels entirely.
Kern County's median household income of $67,660 supports a $750,000 purchase with room to spare if your income runs above that average. If you're at the county median, a $500K–$600K home pencils out more comfortably.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Tehachapi.
Tehachapi sits in Kern County where the median household income of $67,660 stretches to cover homes in the $750K–$850K range. At 5.875%, a $750,000 conforming loan runs $4,437 monthly in principal and interest alone.
The Kern River Parkway Trail is expanding northward with a 6-mile extension breaking ground soon. Infrastructure investment like that signals stability for long-term buyers in the area.
Conforming loans in Tehachapi require a 740 FICO minimum and 20% down to avoid PMI. At that loan size and down payment, you're looking at an 80% LTV — the threshold where mortgage insurance cancels entirely.
California's conforming market is dominated by retail banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. Rates are set by secondary market demand — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set the rules, not individual lenders.
Conforming loans carry the tightest underwriting in California. No overlays, no surprises. If you hit the FHFA guidelines, you're approved. That speed and certainty is why conforming is the default choice for most Tehachapi buyers in this price range.
Conforming makes sense in Tehachapi if you're putting 20% down and your FICO is 740+. The math is simple: no PMI, no rate penalty, and you lock a fixed 5.875% for 30 years. That's the cleanest path to ownership at $750K.
It doesn't make sense if you're below 20% down and can't stomach PMI. At 10% down, PMI runs roughly $200–$250 monthly on a $750K loan. If that stings, FHA might pencil better — lower rate, lifetime insurance, but you'd need to call for FHA pricing.
VA loans in Tehachapi go zero-down with no PMI, but the funding fee (2.15% on first-time use) replaces mortgage insurance. That's roughly $16,125 rolled into the loan amount.
Conforming at 20% down avoids both PMI and a funding fee. You pay nothing extra for insurance. If you have VA eligibility and zero-down appeals to you, the VA math works. If you have 20% saved and want the simplest path, conforming wins.
Downtown Bakersfield is getting new restaurants — Hoagies from Pismo Beach and fresh spots at The Marketplace. That's 30 minutes from Tehachapi and signals the region is attracting investment.
The Kern River Parkway Trail expansion is a bigger signal. A 6-mile extension breaks ground soon and will complete within two years. Outdoor infrastructure like that draws families and retirees to the region.
At 5.875% on a $750,000 loan, principal and interest run $4,437 monthly. Add property taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable. The rate shown is as of April 9, 2026, on a 30-year fixed, 80% LTV, $937,500 purchase, 740 FICO, primary residence.
Yes. At 20% down (80% LTV), there is no PMI and no rate penalty. Below 20% down, PMI kicks in and runs until you hit 78% LTV or refinance. At 10% down, expect $200–$250 monthly in insurance on a $750K loan.
740 FICO is the floor for conforming loans at this loan amount. Some lenders go as low as 680, but rates climb and overlays tighten. 740+ gets you the best pricing and fastest underwriting.
A broker typically closes in 30–45 days. Retail banks run 45–60 days. Conforming loans have no overlays, so if you hit the FHFA guidelines, underwriting moves fast. Appraisal and title are the real variables.
Yes. Conforming loans accept 3% down, but PMI is required. At 10% down on $750K, you'd pay roughly $200–$250 monthly in insurance. At 15% down, it drops to $100–$150. Call for exact quotes at your down payment level.