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Salinas sits in Monterey County, close to Fort Hunter Liggett and other military installations. That means a real veteran population here — and VA loans are one of the best tools available.
No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. For Salinas buyers with VA eligibility, this loan is hard to beat.
620
Typical Min Credit Score
0%
Down Payment Required
41%
Max DTI (typical)
1.25% – 3.3%
VA Funding Fee Range
30–45 days
Typical Close Time
VA Loans in Salinas
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to use a VA loan. Active-duty members, veterans, and surviving spouses all qualify — service length requirements vary by era.
Most lenders want a 620 credit score, though some VA lenders go lower. Debt-to-income ratio matters too. VA caps it at 41%, but exceptions exist with strong residual income.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Salinas.
Salinas sits in Monterey County, close to Fort Hunter Liggett and other military installations. That means a real veteran population here — and VA loans are one of the best tools available.
No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. For Salinas buyers with VA eligibility, this loan is hard to beat.
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to use a VA loan. Active-duty members, veterans, and surviving spouses all qualify — service length requirements vary by era.
Not every lender handles VA loans well. Some treat them like conventional loans and slow the process down. You want a lender who closes VA deals regularly.
At SRK CAPITAL, we work with 200+ wholesale lenders. Several specialize in VA loans and close faster with fewer conditions. We shop them all to find your best fit.
The VA funding fee trips people up. It's an upfront cost — typically 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan — rolled into your loan balance. Disabled veterans are exempt.
Sellers in Salinas sometimes hesitate on VA offers due to appraisal requirements. A good broker gets ahead of that. We frame the offer correctly and keep deals together.
FHA requires 3.5% down and monthly mortgage insurance. VA requires neither. For eligible borrowers, VA almost always wins on monthly payment.
Conventional loans need 20% down to avoid PMI. USDA has geographic restrictions. VA is the only zero-down option with no ongoing mortgage insurance for eligible buyers.
Salinas is an agricultural hub with a mix of price points. VA loan limits were removed in 2020 for borrowers with full entitlement — you can borrow what you qualify for.
Monterey County properties must meet VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Older homes or those needing repairs can complicate appraisals. Know this before you make an offer.
No. With full VA entitlement, zero down payment is required. You still pay closing costs unless negotiated with the seller.
It's an upfront fee — typically 1.25% to 3.3% — rolled into your loan. Disabled veterans are exempt from paying it.
Yes, but the condo complex must be VA-approved. Check the VA condo database before making an offer.
VA has no mortgage insurance and no required down payment. FHA requires both — VA is cheaper monthly for eligible borrowers.
Not for borrowers with full entitlement. The 2020 Blue Water Navy Act removed county-level loan limits for most VA borrowers.
Typically 30 to 45 days with an experienced VA lender. The appraisal is often the longest step — order it early.