Loading
Loading
Seaside sits in Monterey County's growing ag-tech corridor. Navigator Charter Schools just announced three new TK-12 campuses launching in 2026-27, including one in Marina/Seaside.
A $200,000 home at 6.125% on a USDA loan runs $1,215 monthly for principal and interest alone. Zero down means no savings required upfront—just income verification and USDA eligibility.
6.125%
Interest Rate
$1,215
Monthly P&I
640
Minimum FICO
$0
Down Payment
$108,659
Income Limit
45-60 days
Typical Timeline
USDA Loans in Seaside
USDA loans require a 640 FICO minimum and zero down payment. Income limits cap at 115% of Monterey County's median household income—that's roughly $108,659 for a family of four.
The property must sit in a USDA-eligible rural area. Seaside qualifies. You'll pay an upfront guarantee fee of 1% and an annual 0.35% fee rolled into your mortgage. No PMI, no funding fee—just those two USDA costs built into your loan.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect usda loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Seaside.
Seaside sits in Monterey County's growing ag-tech corridor. Navigator Charter Schools just announced three new TK-12 campuses launching in 2026-27, including one in Marina/Seaside.
A $200,000 home at 6.125% on a USDA loan runs $1,215 monthly for principal and interest alone. Zero down means no savings required upfront—just income verification and USDA eligibility.
USDA loans require a 640 FICO minimum and zero down payment. Income limits cap at 115% of Monterey County's median household income—that's roughly $108,659 for a family of four.
USDA loans move slower than conventional mortgages because USDA's guarantee process adds 2-3 weeks. Lenders in California handle them, but not all retail banks do—brokers often have better access to USDA-focused correspondents.
Underwriting is stricter than FHA on income verification and debt ratios. Lenders want to see stable employment and clean credit. Processing takes 45-60 days from application to clear-to-close.
USDA makes sense in Seaside if you're a first-generation buyer with stable income but limited savings. The zero-down structure removes the biggest barrier.
It doesn't work if you need to close in 30 days or if your income fluctuates. USDA's income verification is thorough—self-employed borrowers face extra scrutiny.
FHA also goes zero-down in Seaside, but with lifetime mortgage insurance if you put less than 10% down. USDA has no mortgage insurance at all—just the upfront and annual guarantee fees. Over 30 years, that's a real savings if you stay in the home.
FHA rates run slightly lower than USDA, but the insurance cost erases that advantage. USDA's structural edge is the absence of PMI. If you're comparing dollar-for-dollar, USDA wins on total cost of ownership in Seaside.
Monterey County just approved $9.5 million in Measure AA projects for roads, parks, and public safety. That infrastructure spending directly supports property values in Seaside.
The ag-tech hub opening in nearby Salinas signals job growth in the region. Navigator Charter Schools' new campuses launching in 2026-27 mean families have education options.
No. USDA loans require zero down payment. You pay only the upfront 1% guarantee fee and closing costs. The guarantee fee can be rolled into the loan, so you may not need cash upfront at all.
At 6.125% interest on a $200,000 USDA loan, principal and interest run $1,215 monthly. Add property taxes, insurance, and the 0.35% annual USDA fee. Total housing payment typically lands $1,450-$1,550 depending on taxes.
USDA requires a 640 FICO minimum. Most lenders prefer 660+. If you're at 640-660, expect tighter income verification and possibly a co-signer. Rates don't change based on credit score within USDA guidelines.
Yes. USDA income limits cap at 115% of Monterey County's median household income—roughly $108,659 for a family of four. A single borrower earning the county median of $94,486 qualifies easily. Income above the limit disqualifies you.
Plan 45-60 days from application to closing. USDA's guarantee process adds 2-3 weeks compared to conventional loans. If you need to close in 30 days, USDA probably won't work. Ask your lender upfront about their USDA timeline.