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in San Anselmo, CA
San Anselmo sits in one of California's priciest counties. Your loan choice here isn't academic — it directly affects what you can buy.
FHA opens the door for buyers with limited savings. VA removes the down payment entirely for those who qualify.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500 and you still qualify — but you'll need 10% down.
The catch is mortgage insurance. FHA charges an upfront premium plus a monthly fee. It stays for the life of most FHA loans.
VA loans offer zero down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. For eligible borrowers, that's a significant cost advantage in high-price Marin.
You'll pay a one-time funding fee instead. It rolls into the loan. Some veterans with service-connected disabilities are exempt from it entirely.
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 San Anselmo.
San Anselmo sits in one of California's priciest counties. Your loan choice here isn't academic — it directly affects what you can buy.
FHA opens the door for buyers with limited savings. VA removes the down payment entirely for those who qualify.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500 and you still qualify — but you'll need 10% down.
VA wins on cost for qualified borrowers. No down payment and no monthly insurance beats FHA's structure almost every time.
FHA wins on access. No military service required. That makes it the only option for most buyers in San Anselmo.
If you served and have your eligibility, use your VA benefit. In Marin County, skipping the down payment and insurance saves real money.
If you're a civilian buyer with solid but imperfect credit, FHA is your path. It gets deals done that conventional loans won't touch.
No — you pick one per purchase. If you're VA-eligible, that's usually the stronger choice in a high-cost county like Marin.
VA removed standard loan limits for eligible borrowers with full entitlement. You can borrow more without a down payment than FHA allows.
Both close on similar timelines. VA appraisals can take slightly longer due to stricter property requirements.
On most FHA loans originated after 2013, mortgage insurance stays for the loan's life. Refinancing to conventional is the typical exit.
Yes. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected causes may qualify for VA loan benefits.
FHA goes down to 500 with 10% down. Most VA lenders set a 580–620 floor, though VA itself has no official minimum.