Loading
in Rosemead, CA
Both FHA and USDA loans help buyers with limited cash get into homes. The catch: USDA eligibility in Rosemead depends on where exactly you're buying and what you earn.
FHA works almost anywhere in the city with 3.5% down. USDA requires zero down but restricts income and property location—most of Rosemead won't qualify as rural enough.
FHA loans let you buy with 580+ credit and 3.5% down. You'll pay mortgage insurance for life if you put down less than 10%, but approval is easier than conventional.
Los Angeles County FHA limits go up to $644,000 for single-family homes. That covers most starter homes and condos in Rosemead without hitting the ceiling.
USDA loans require zero down payment and offer lower mortgage insurance than FHA. The tradeoff: you must buy in an approved rural area and stay under income limits.
Most of Rosemead sits too close to downtown LA to qualify as rural. USDA also caps income at roughly $103,500 for a household—over that, you're out.
Down payment separates these fast: FHA needs 3.5%, USDA needs nothing. But USDA's location rules knock out most Rosemead properties before you even check income.
FHA mortgage insurance costs more monthly than USDA's guarantee fee. However, FHA won't disqualify you for earning too much or buying in the wrong zip code.
USDA rarely works in Rosemead because the city doesn't meet rural definitions. Check the USDA eligibility map first—if your target property qualifies and you're under income limits, zero down beats 3.5%.
FHA is the safer bet for most Rosemead buyers. You control where you shop, income doesn't disqualify you, and loan limits cover the local market. The extra cash at closing is worth the flexibility.
Very unlikely. Rosemead sits inside the LA metro core, which USDA defines as urban. Check the USDA eligibility map with specific addresses to confirm.
USDA charges a lower annual guarantee fee than FHA mortgage insurance. But both programs require upfront and monthly fees you can't avoid.
FHA yes, if the complex is FHA-approved. USDA no—condos almost never qualify under rural property guidelines.
FHA requires 580 minimum for 3.5% down. USDA typically wants 640+ though some lenders go lower with strong income.
USDA caps household income around $103,500 in LA County. FHA has no income ceiling—you just need enough to qualify for the payment.