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Monterey County's ag-tech sector is expanding fast—Reservoir Farms just opened a 24-acre innovation hub in Salinas with 12 robotics startups. That kind of job growth matters for Seaside buyers financing homes here.
The county's median household income of $94,486 stretches to cover a $937,500 purchase with 20% down. That's the sweet spot for conforming loans in Seaside right now—no PMI, clean underwriting, and rates that compete with jumbo programs above the conforming...
5.875%
Interest Rate
$4,437
Monthly P&I
740
Minimum FICO
20% ($187,500)
Down Payment
No
PMI Required
30-45 days
Typical Close
Conforming Loans in Seaside
Conforming loans in Seaside start at 740 FICO and 20% down. That's the baseline for this price range. You'll need reserves—typically two months of housing payment in the bank after closing.
The county's $94,486 median household income buys roughly $425,000 in home value at standard DTI limits. Buyers stretching to $937,500 are earning well above median or have significant assets.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect conforming loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Seaside.
Monterey County's ag-tech sector is expanding fast—Reservoir Farms just opened a 24-acre innovation hub in Salinas with 12 robotics startups. That kind of job growth matters for Seaside buyers financing homes here.
The county's median household income of $94,486 stretches to cover a $937,500 purchase with 20% down. That's the sweet spot for conforming loans in Seaside right now—no PMI, clean underwriting, and rates that compete with jumbo programs above the conforming...
Conforming loans in Seaside start at 740 FICO and 20% down. That's the baseline for this price range. You'll need reserves—typically two months of housing payment in the bank after closing.
Conforming loans are the easiest to place in California. Banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers all carry them. Underwriting is standardized—FNMA and FHLMC rules apply everywhere.
Brokers have an advantage here because they shop multiple lenders at once. Retail banks lock you into their pricing. For a $750,000 loan in Seaside, a broker can pull quotes from five or six sources in one day and show you the real spread.
Conforming loans make sense in Seaside when you're putting 20% down and your income supports the payment. At $4,437 monthly, you need roughly $150,000+ household income to stay under 43% DTI.
The real win for conforming here is speed and certainty. No appraisal surprises, no mortgage insurance cancellation games, no waiting for disability ratings. You close in 30 days and own the home outright at 80% LTV.
FHA loans in Seaside run lower rates but carry mortgage insurance for life if you put down less than 10%. At 3.5% down, you're paying MIP forever—that's roughly $200 to $250 extra per month.
Conforming at 20% down costs more upfront but saves you that insurance drag. If you have the down payment, conforming wins. If you're stretching to buy and can only put 5% down, FHA is the only real option—but know the insurance never goes away unless you...
Navigator Charter Schools is launching three TK-12 campuses across Monterey County in 2026-27, with one coming to Marina/Seaside. That's new school capacity in your backyard—important if you're buying with kids.
Measure AA funding is delivering $9.5 million in road, park, and public-safety projects across the county. Better roads and parks don't just improve daily life—they anchor property values.
At 5.875% / 5.893% APR on a $750,000 conforming 30-year fixed, the principal and interest payment is $4,437 per month. Add property taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable.
Yes. At 20% down (80% LTV), there is no PMI and no rate penalty. Below 20% down, PMI is required and never cancels unless you refinance. Conforming loans don't have the flexibility of FHA, which allows 3.5% down with mortgage insurance.
740 FICO is the floor for conforming loans at this price point. Some lenders go down to 700 with compensating factors like large reserves or lower debt-to-income. Above 760, you get the best rates. Below 740, you'll pay more or face tighter terms.
Conforming loans typically close in 30 to 45 days. Underwriting is standardized—no appraisal surprises or overlays beyond FNMA/FHLMC rules. Rate locks hold for 30 to 60 days without extension fees, so you have time to shop and decide.
It depends on your down payment. If you have 20%, conforming wins—no PMI, faster close, cleaner underwriting. If you only have 3.5% to 5% down, FHA is your only option.