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Susanville is a small high-desert city in Lassen County. Home prices here run well below coastal California norms.
FHA loan limits in Lassen County sit below the state's pricier metros. That still covers most homes in this market.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
43%
Max DTI (typical)
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
2 years required
Employment History
FHA Loans in Susanville
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down to qualify.
Your debt-to-income ratio — monthly debts divided by gross income — should stay under 43%. Some lenders go higher with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Susanville.
Susanville is a small high-desert city in Lassen County. Home prices here run well below coastal California norms.
FHA loan limits in Lassen County sit below the state's pricier metros. That still covers most homes in this market.
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down to qualify.
Susanville is rural. Most big retail banks have limited local presence. That means fewer FHA options on the shelf.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders, including several that specialize in rural California FHA deals. Geography doesn't limit your options with us.
FHA appraisals are stricter than conventional. The home must meet HUD minimum property standards. Older homes in Susanville sometimes flag issues.
Budget for mortgage insurance — MIP. FHA charges it upfront and monthly. On a 30-year loan with less than 10% down, it sticks for the life of the loan.
If you're a veteran, VA loans beat FHA in almost every way. No down payment, no MIP, and typically lower rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
USDA loans are worth checking for Susanville buyers. Much of Lassen County qualifies for USDA's zero-down rural program — that's a direct competitor to FHA.
Susanville's economy ties heavily to government employment and corrections. Stable W-2 income from those jobs is solid for FHA qualification.
The local housing stock skews older. FHA appraisers will flag peeling paint, roof issues, and exposed wiring. Know what you're buying before you write an offer.
Lassen County falls under the standard FHA conforming limit for lower-cost areas. Check current HUD tables — limits adjust annually.
FHA covers most single-family homes in Susanville. Properties with large acreage or agricultural use can trigger extra appraisal scrutiny.
Yes. Government employment is viewed favorably by FHA lenders. Consistent W-2 income and two years on the job makes qualification straightforward.
As of April 2026, FHA charges 1.75% upfront MIP plus an annual premium around 0.55% on most 30-year loans. Your exact rate depends on loan size and term.
If the property qualifies for USDA, that program usually wins — zero down and no monthly MIP. We check USDA eligibility on every Lassen County deal.
Most lenders want 580 or above for the 3.5% down option. Some wholesale lenders we access will go down to 560 with strong income and reserves.