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San Dimas buyers lean conventional because the city's mix of single-family neighborhoods and newer developments attracts borrowers with solid credit. These loans dominate the market here—no government backing needed when you've got a 620+ score and 3% down.
Most San Dimas properties fall under conforming limits, making conventional the cleanest path to financing. You avoid mortgage insurance faster than FHA and get better rates than jumbo programs.
Conventional Loans in San Dimas
Lenders want 620+ credit, though 740+ unlocks the best rates. You'll need two years of steady income and a debt-to-income ratio under 43% in most cases.
Down payment starts at 3% for first-time buyers, 5% for repeat purchases. Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely—saves $150-300 monthly on a typical San Dimas home.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conventional loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Dimas.
San Dimas buyers lean conventional because the city's mix of single-family neighborhoods and newer developments attracts borrowers with solid credit. These loans dominate the market here—no government backing needed when you've got a 620+ score and 3% down.
Most San Dimas properties fall under conforming limits, making conventional the cleanest path to financing. You avoid mortgage insurance faster than FHA and get better rates than jumbo programs.
Lenders want 620+ credit, though 740+ unlocks the best rates. You'll need two years of steady income and a debt-to-income ratio under 43% in most cases.
We shop 200+ wholesale lenders to find conventional pricing that retail banks can't match. Rate spreads hit 0.5% between lenders on identical borrower profiles—that's $90 monthly on a $500K loan.
Some lenders waive appraisal requirements on San Dimas refinances if you've got equity and clean credit. Others specialize in 3% down programs with reduced mortgage insurance costs.
San Dimas borrowers with 15-19% down often overpay. A smart broker runs scenarios: sometimes paying PMI at 15% down beats stretching to 20% if it drains your reserves or forces a higher rate to buy down.
Watch points versus rate tradeoffs. On a 30-year loan you're keeping 7+ years, buying a quarter point down makes sense. Selling in three years? Take the higher rate and skip upfront costs.
FHA requires mortgage insurance for the loan's life. Conventional drops it at 20% equity—massive difference over time. If your credit clears 680, conventional costs less monthly and long-term.
Jumbo loans kick in above conforming limits with stricter requirements. Most San Dimas buyers stay conventional unless targeting premium hillside properties that push past $832,750.
San Dimas sits in a strong school district zone, which affects appraisals and resale value. Lenders view this favorably—stable neighborhoods mean lower risk and sometimes better pricing flexibility.
Properties near the historic downtown or newer Via Verde developments appraise cleanly with solid comps. Hillside homes sometimes need specialized appraisers familiar with terrain premiums.
Minimum 620, but 740+ gets you the best rates. The difference between 680 and 740 can be 0.375% in rate—about $50 monthly on a $400K loan.
3% for first-time buyers, 5% for repeat purchases. Put down 20% to eliminate private mortgage insurance and reduce your monthly payment by $150-300.
Automatically at 78% loan-to-value, or request removal at 80%. FHA requires it for life, making conventional cheaper long-term for most San Dimas buyers.
Yes, but expect 15-25% down and higher rates than primary residences. Lenders also scrutinize rental income documentation more carefully on investor loans.
With 680+ credit, conventional beats FHA on monthly costs. Below 660, FHA's upfront and monthly insurance sometimes costs less despite higher rates.