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Corte Madera sits in one of California's priciest counties. Your loan choice matters more here than almost anywhere else.
FHA and VA loans both carry government backing. But they serve very different borrowers with very different terms.
FHA loans are open to almost any buyer. You need a 580 credit score for the 3.5% down option.
The catch is mortgage insurance. You pay it upfront and monthly — for the life of the loan in most cases.
VA loans are reserved for veterans, active-duty members, and eligible surviving spouses. No down payment required.
There's no monthly mortgage insurance. That saves real money on a Marin County purchase price.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh FHA Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Corte Madera.
Corte Madera sits in one of California's priciest counties. Your loan choice matters more here than almost anywhere else.
FHA and VA loans both carry government backing. But they serve very different borrowers with very different terms.
FHA loans are open to almost any buyer. You need a 580 credit score for the 3.5% down option.
The biggest gap is mortgage insurance. VA has none. FHA borrowers pay MIP every month, which adds up fast at Marin price points.
VA loan limits in high-cost counties are generous. FHA limits in Marin are higher than national baseline but still cap what you can borrow. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
If you have VA eligibility, use it. No down payment and no mortgage insurance is a hard combination to beat in Corte Madera.
FHA makes sense if you don't qualify for VA and need a low down payment with a credit score under 680. It's a solid path — just know the insurance cost.
Yes. VA loans work countywide. High-cost area limits in Marin give you solid purchasing power.
On most FHA loans with less than 10% down, yes. MIP stays for the life of the loan.
No. You pick one. VA-eligible borrowers almost always benefit more from the VA program.
VA has no official minimum, but most lenders want at least 580-620. Stronger scores get better rates.
It ranges based on down payment and usage. You can roll it into the loan — and it beats monthly MIP long-term.
Both can close in 30 days with a prepared borrower. VA appraisals sometimes take slightly longer.
in Corte Madera, CA