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Mariposa sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills, gateway to Yosemite. Rural California pricing makes FHA a realistic entry point for first-time buyers here.
FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5%. That matters in a market where many buyers are stretching to get in the door.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
2 years required
Employment History
Up to 57%
Max DTI
FHA Loans in Mariposa
You need a 580 credit score for the 3.5% down option. Drop below 580 and you're looking at 10% down — still beatable, but a bigger ask.
FHA requires two years of employment history and a debt-to-income ratio under 57%. Most W-2 borrowers clear this without issue.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Mariposa.
Mariposa sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills, gateway to Yosemite. Rural California pricing makes FHA a realistic entry point for first-time buyers here.
FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5%. That matters in a market where many buyers are stretching to get in the door.
You need a 580 credit score for the 3.5% down option. Drop below 580 and you're looking at 10% down — still beatable, but a bigger ask.
Not every lender is comfortable with rural properties. Mariposa has well, septic, and acreage situations that trip up inexperienced underwriters.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Some specialize in rural FHA files. Matching your property type to the right lender is half the job.
FHA appraisals are stricter than conventional. Peeling paint, missing handrails, and roof issues will flag — especially on older Mariposa homes.
Get a pre-inspection before your FHA appraisal if the property is older. It saves deals. Sellers in this area often don't expect repair requests.
USDA loans have no down payment — and Mariposa County qualifies for USDA eligibility. If your income is under the limit, that's worth checking first.
FHA beats USDA on speed and flexibility. No income caps, no geographic restriction inside the county. It's the safer fallback when USDA doesn't fit.
Mariposa County is unincorporated in most areas. That means private roads, shared wells, and non-standard lot sizes. FHA can handle these — with the right lender.
Fire zone designations affect insurance costs here. FHA requires proof of hazard insurance at closing. Budget for higher premiums in high-risk zones.
FHA finances the home, not raw land. If there's a livable structure on the parcel, it can work. Pure land purchases don't qualify.
Most of Mariposa County is USDA-eligible. If your household income is under the USDA limit, check that program before committing to FHA.
FHA requires a water test and septic inspection. Both must pass before closing. Budget time and cost for those steps.
FHA loan limits are set by county. Check the current HUD limit for Mariposa County — it determines your maximum FHA loan amount.
FHA charges an upfront MIP of 1.75% and an annual MIP split into monthly payments. It stays for the life of the loan on most FHA files.
Standard FHA requires the home to be move-in ready. For rehab properties, ask about the FHA 203k loan — it wraps purchase and repairs together.