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Corte Madera sits in Marin County — one of the most expensive real estate markets in California. FHA loan limits here reflect that reality.
Marin County falls under the high-cost area FHA ceiling. That gives buyers more purchasing power than FHA offers in cheaper markets.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
Up to 57%
Max DTI
Government-Insured
Loan Type
2 Years Required
Employment History
FHA Loans in Corte Madera
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — most lenders won't go below 500.
Debt-to-income ratio matters too. FHA allows up to 57% DTI with strong compensating factors. Most approvals land between 43% and 50%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Corte Madera.
Corte Madera sits in Marin County — one of the most expensive real estate markets in California. FHA loan limits here reflect that reality.
Marin County falls under the high-cost area FHA ceiling. That gives buyers more purchasing power than FHA offers in cheaper markets.
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — most lenders won't go below 500.
Most retail banks offer FHA but price it poorly. Wholesale lenders — the channel we work in — routinely beat retail FHA rates.
We shop your file across 200+ wholesale lenders. In a high-cost market like Corte Madera, even 0.25% matters on a large loan balance.
FHA's mortgage insurance never drops off if you put less than 10% down. That's the deal-breaker most buyers don't find out until closing.
In Corte Madera, many buyers use FHA to get in, then refinance to conventional once they hit 20% equity. Plan for that from day one.
Conventional loans require 620+ credit and stronger reserves. FHA wins on credit flexibility — not necessarily on total cost.
VA beats FHA for eligible veterans every time. No down payment, no mortgage insurance. If you qualify for VA, skip FHA entirely.
Corte Madera's condo market needs scrutiny. FHA has strict condo approval requirements. Not every building qualifies.
Marin sellers sometimes resist FHA offers. A strong pre-approval letter and clean file help close that gap with listing agents.
Marin County is a high-cost area with elevated FHA limits. Ask us for the current ceiling — it changes annually and affects what you can buy in Corte Madera.
Only if the condo project is FHA-approved. Check the HUD approval list before you make an offer — not every building qualifies.
Only if you put 10% or more down — then MIP drops after 11 years. Below 10% down, it stays for the life of the loan.
FHA is easier to qualify for but carries mortgage insurance. Conventional costs less long-term if your credit is 700+ and you have 20% down.
Some sellers prefer conventional, but a strong pre-approval and clean terms win deals. Your offer structure matters as much as loan type.
580 gets you 3.5% down. Some lenders require 620 as an overlay even though FHA allows 580. We find lenders that match your score.