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in Larkspur, CA
Larkspur sits in one of California's most expensive counties. Your loan choice here carries real weight.
Veterans have a powerful option most buyers can't access. Civilians need to know exactly what it takes to compete.
Conventional loans aren't backed by the government. Lenders set their own standards, but most follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
You'll typically need a 620 credit score minimum. Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely.
Conforming loan limits apply in Marin County. High-balance conventional loans let you borrow above the standard limit without going jumbo.
VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible borrowers include veterans, active-duty members, and surviving spouses.
Zero down payment is the headline benefit. No private mortgage insurance ever — that saves real money on a Larkspur-priced home.
VA loans do charge a funding fee upfront. That fee varies by down payment and whether you've used VA benefits before.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh Conventional Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Larkspur.
Larkspur sits in one of California's most expensive counties. Your loan choice here carries real weight.
Veterans have a powerful option most buyers can't access. Civilians need to know exactly what it takes to compete.
Conventional loans aren't backed by the government. Lenders set their own standards, but most follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines.
Down payment is the biggest gap. VA buyers can put $0 down. Conventional buyers without 20% pay PMI monthly.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% recently — VA rates typically run lower than conventional. That spread matters on a high-dollar Marin purchase.
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility. Conventional loans have no military service requirement at all.
If you've served and have full VA entitlement, use it. Zero down on a Larkspur home is a serious financial advantage.
Conventional makes sense if you have strong credit, solid savings, and no VA eligibility. It's also the only path for non-military buyers.
Some veterans still choose conventional — usually when they want to preserve VA entitlement for a future purchase or already have 20% down.
Yes, if you meet VA eligibility. Marin County has no VA loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement.
No. Eligible borrowers with full entitlement can purchase with zero down, regardless of the purchase price.
VA rates typically run below conventional rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
It's a one-time fee paid to the VA at closing. The amount depends on your down payment and prior VA loan use.
Yes, if you put less than 20% down. PMI drops off once you reach 20% equity in the home.
Absolutely. Some veterans prefer conventional to preserve VA entitlement or avoid the funding fee.