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Ukiah is Mendocino County's largest city. It's a smaller, rural market where VA buyers can move without competing against all-cash investors.
VA loans are built for this kind of market. No down payment, no PMI — that matters when you're buying in a town where prices are real but wages aren't Bay Area.
0%
Down Payment
620 (typical)
Min Credit Score
None
Mortgage Insurance
2.15% of loan
Funding Fee (1st use)
30-45 days
Est. Close Time
VA Loans in Ukiah
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — proof from the VA that you served. Most lenders want a 620 credit score, though some go lower.
VA has no debt-to-income hard cap, but most lenders want to see you under 41%. Steady income matters more than a perfect number.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Ukiah.
Ukiah is Mendocino County's largest city. It's a smaller, rural market where VA buyers can move without competing against all-cash investors.
VA loans are built for this kind of market. No down payment, no PMI — that matters when you're buying in a town where prices are real but wages aren't Bay Area.
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — proof from the VA that you served. Most lenders want a 620 credit score, though some go lower.
Not every lender handles VA loans well. Big banks often have slow timelines and rigid overlays — rules stricter than VA actually requires.
Wholesale lenders we work with are VA-approved and close faster. That matters in Ukiah, where sellers aren't always patient.
The VA funding fee trips people up. Most first-time VA buyers pay 2.15% of the loan amount upfront — but it rolls into the loan. Disabled veterans are exempt.
VA appraisals in rural areas like Ukiah can be slow. Order it early. A delayed appraisal has killed more deals than a bad credit score.
FHA requires 3.5% down and charges mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. VA has neither. For eligible borrowers, VA wins almost every time.
USDA is also zero-down and fits Ukiah's geography — but income limits and property eligibility rules are strict. VA has no income cap.
Mendocino County has rural pockets. VA will fund a home outside city limits — but the property must be move-in ready. Fixer-uppers need a rehab loan, not a standard VA.
Ukiah's market is slower-paced than Southern California. That gives VA buyers time to get their COE in order and pick the right lender without losing deals overnight.
No. VA loans require zero down payment for eligible borrowers. That's one of the biggest financial advantages this program offers.
Most VA lenders want a 620 score. Some go lower, but your rate improves significantly above 680.
Yes, as long as the property meets VA minimum property requirements. It must be move-in ready and structurally sound.
It's a one-time fee — typically 2.15% for first-time VA buyers. It rolls into your loan. Disabled veterans are fully exempt.
Rural appraisals can add time. Expect 30-45 days. Order your appraisal the day you go under contract.
VA has no income limits and no mortgage insurance. If you're eligible, VA is usually the stronger choice over USDA.