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Larkspur sits in one of California's most expensive counties. Marin home prices push most buyers toward jumbo territory fast.
FHA loan limits cap what you can borrow. In a market like Larkspur, that ceiling matters more than almost anywhere else.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
Up to 57%
Max DTI (FHA)
Fixed or ARM
Rate Type
FHA Loans in Larkspur
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — most lenders won't go lower than that.
Debt-to-income ratio matters too. FHA allows up to 57% DTI in some cases, but strong files get better pricing.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Larkspur.
Larkspur sits in one of California's most expensive counties. Marin home prices push most buyers toward jumbo territory fast.
FHA loan limits cap what you can borrow. In a market like Larkspur, that ceiling matters more than almost anywhere else.
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — most lenders won't go lower than that.
Most retail banks offer FHA, but their overlays — extra requirements on top of FHA's rules — vary widely. One lender may cut off at 600, another at 580.
We shop FHA across 200+ wholesale lenders. That means we find who actually prices this loan well for your specific profile.
FHA has two mortgage insurance premiums. There's an upfront fee of 1.75% of the loan, plus an annual premium built into your monthly payment.
For most Larkspur buyers, that mortgage insurance makes FHA more expensive long-term than conventional. Run the comparison before you commit.
Conventional loans drop private mortgage insurance once you hit 20% equity. FHA mortgage insurance typically stays for the loan's life.
If your credit is above 680 and you can put 5% down, conventional often wins. FHA shines for lower scores and thinner down payments.
Larkspur's price point means the FHA loan limit may not get you into much. Marin is a high-cost area, so limits are higher than the national baseline — but still finite.
Condos in Larkspur must be FHA-approved for this program to work. Not every complex qualifies. Check the HUD approval list early.
Marin is a high-cost area, so FHA limits exceed the national baseline. Check current HUD guidelines — limits adjust annually.
Only if the condo complex is on HUD's approved list. Confirm approval status before writing an offer.
For most FHA loans with less than 10% down, mortgage insurance stays for the life of the loan. It does not auto-cancel like conventional PMI.
It depends on the purchase price. If you're near the FHA limit ceiling, a jumbo or conventional loan may be the only option.
FHA requires 580 for 3.5% down. Some lenders set their own minimums higher — we find lenders who work with your actual score.
Yes. FHA is not limited to first-time buyers, but it's popular with them due to the low down payment requirement.