Loading
in Larkspur, CA
Larkspur sits in one of California's priciest counties. Your loan choice here has real consequences for your monthly payment and cash at closing.
FHA works for most buyers with modest credit and limited savings. VA is exclusively for veterans and service members — but it's a significantly better deal when you qualify.
FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Lenders will go down to 500, but then you need 10% down.
Every FHA loan carries mortgage insurance. You pay it upfront and monthly — for the life of the loan in most cases.
VA loans require no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. That combination is hard to beat in a high-cost market like Marin.
You do pay a one-time VA funding fee at closing. First-time VA users pay 2.15% of the loan amount. Disabled vets are exempt.
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 Larkspur.
Larkspur sits in one of California's priciest counties. Your loan choice here has real consequences for your monthly payment and cash at closing.
FHA works for most buyers with modest credit and limited savings. VA is exclusively for veterans and service members — but it's a significantly better deal when you qualify.
FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Lenders will go down to 500, but then you need 10% down.
The biggest gap is monthly cost. VA borrowers skip mortgage insurance entirely. FHA borrowers pay MIP every month, often for 30 years.
Eligibility is the other major divide. FHA is open to anyone who meets credit and income requirements. VA requires a Certificate of Eligibility from military service.
If you served, use your VA benefit. Skipping the down payment and mortgage insurance in Larkspur saves serious money over time.
If you're a civilian buyer with decent credit and some savings, FHA is a solid path into a tough market. It's not as cheap as VA, but it works.
Yes. VA loans have no down payment requirement. Eligible veterans can finance 100% in Marin County.
Yes, FHA sets county-level loan limits. Marin County qualifies for a higher limit as a high-cost area.
VA typically wins. No mortgage insurance premium means a lower monthly payment at the same loan amount. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
No. You choose one loan type per transaction. If you qualify for VA, there's almost no reason to choose FHA.
VA itself sets no minimum. Most lenders want 620 or higher. Some go lower depending on the full borrower profile.
Yes, unless you have a service-connected disability rating. The fee can be rolled into the loan amount.