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in Tiburon, CA
Tiburon is one of Marin County's most expensive zip codes. Both FHA and VA loans offer government backing — but they serve very different borrowers.
FHA is open to almost anyone who qualifies. VA is exclusive to veterans and active-duty service members. Your eligibility decides the starting point.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500 and you'll need 10% down — lenders get stricter at that floor.
Every FHA loan carries mortgage insurance. You pay an upfront premium plus monthly MIP. That cost stays until you refinance out of FHA.
VA loans require no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. For a high-cost area like Tiburon, that saves serious cash at closing.
Eligible borrowers include veterans, active-duty members, and qualifying surviving spouses. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility before you apply.
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 Tiburon.
Tiburon is one of Marin County's most expensive zip codes. Both FHA and VA loans offer government backing — but they serve very different borrowers.
FHA is open to almost anyone who qualifies. VA is exclusive to veterans and active-duty service members. Your eligibility decides the starting point.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500 and you'll need 10% down — lenders get stricter at that floor.
The biggest gap is mortgage insurance. VA has none. FHA charges it every month, regardless of your equity or loan size.
VA loans also tend to carry lower interest rates than FHA. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions, but VA borrowers typically come out ahead on rate.
If you served, use your VA benefit. In a market like Tiburon, skipping the down payment and avoiding mortgage insurance is a real financial advantage.
If you're a civilian buyer with limited savings and a credit score above 580, FHA is your most accessible path into a competitive Marin County market.
Yes, if you have full VA entitlement and qualify. Tiburon's price range is high, so confirm your entitlement covers the purchase price.
Yes. Marin County is a high-cost area, so FHA limits are higher than the national baseline — but there is still a cap.
VA typically wins. No mortgage insurance means a lower monthly payment, assuming similar loan amounts and rates. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
580 gets you 3.5% down. Below 580, you'll need 10% down — and many lenders won't go below 620 in practice.
Yes, a VA funding fee is due at closing. First-time VA users pay less than repeat users. The fee can be rolled into the loan.
Both have limits, but VA is generally more flexible on debt-to-income ratios. FHA is stricter about appraisal conditions on older or distressed homes.