Loading
Fairfax is one of Marin County's more affordable pockets — but affordable is relative here. Marin prices still push well above FHA loan limits for most of California.
FHA sets county-level loan limits. Marin County's limit matters more than statewide averages when you're shopping in Fairfax.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
Required (all loans)
Mortgage Insurance
Primary residence only
Loan Purpose
Fixed or adjustable
Rate Type
FHA Loans in Fairfax
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580, and lenders require 10% down instead.
Debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debts divided by gross income — matters too. Most FHA lenders cap it at 43-50%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Fairfax.
Fairfax is one of Marin County's more affordable pockets — but affordable is relative here. Marin prices still push well above FHA loan limits for most of California.
FHA sets county-level loan limits. Marin County's limit matters more than statewide averages when you're shopping in Fairfax.
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580, and lenders require 10% down instead.
Not every lender overlays the same requirements on FHA. Some require 620+ scores even though FHA allows 580. Shopping matters.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Some have more flexible overlays for Marin borrowers than others — that spread affects your approval.
FHA mortgage insurance never goes away if you put less than 10% down. That's a real cost — plan for it over the life of the loan.
In Fairfax, FHA works well for condos — if the complex is FHA-approved. Many Marin HOA buildings are not. Check approval status before you fall in love with a unit.
Conventional loans hit 3% down for strong borrowers. If your credit is above 700, conventional often beats FHA on total cost.
VA loans beat FHA for eligible veterans — no mortgage insurance, no down payment required. If you served, run that comparison first.
Fairfax has a mix of older craftsman homes and hillside properties. FHA appraisers flag deferred maintenance hard — chipping paint, roof wear, and exposed wood all trigger repairs.
Sellers in Marin know FHA appraisals can kill deals. Some listing agents advise sellers against accepting FHA offers. A broker who can frame your offer well makes a difference here.
Marin County qualifies for higher FHA limits as a high-cost area. Contact us for the current limit — it changes annually and directly affects what you can buy in Fairfax.
Yes, but the condo complex must be on HUD's FHA-approved list. Many Marin HOA communities are not approved, so verify before making an offer.
With less than 10% down, FHA mortgage insurance stays for the life of the loan. You'd need to refinance into a conventional loan to remove it.
Some won't. Marin is competitive and some sellers prefer conventional financing. A well-structured offer and strong pre-approval letter improve your odds.
FHA allows 580 for 3.5% down, but individual lenders may require 620 or higher. We match you with lenders whose overlays fit your actual score.
It depends on the property price and Marin's FHA limit. FHA works best on lower-priced Fairfax homes — jumbo-priced properties will exceed the limit.