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Seaside sits right outside Fort Ord — one of California's most significant former military installations. That history means this city has one of the highest concentrations of veterans and active-duty families in Monterey County.
VA loans were built for exactly this community. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates make homeownership real here — not just theoretical.
0%
Down Payment Required
620
Typical Min Credit Score
None — Ever
PMI Required
1.25% – 3.3%
Funding Fee Range
Exempt
Disabled Vet Funding Fee
VA Loans in Seaside
To use a VA loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility. Most veterans with 90+ days of wartime service or 181+ days of peacetime service qualify.
Lenders typically want a 620 credit score, though some go lower. Debt-to-income ratios are flexible — VA looks at residual income, not just percentages.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Seaside.
Seaside sits right outside Fort Ord — one of California's most significant former military installations. That history means this city has one of the highest concentrations of veterans and active-duty families in Monterey County.
VA loans were built for exactly this community. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates make homeownership real here — not just theoretical.
To use a VA loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility. Most veterans with 90+ days of wartime service or 181+ days of peacetime service qualify.
Not every lender handles VA loans well. Some approve the borrower but fumble the appraisal or delay the COE. That kills deals in a competitive market.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders — several specialize in VA. We match your file to lenders who close VA loans fast and price them right. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
The VA funding fee catches people off guard. It runs from 1.25% to 3.3% of the loan — rolled into the balance. Disabled veterans are exempt. Know your status before closing.
Seaside sellers sometimes hesitate on VA offers due to appraisal myths. A strong pre-approval letter and an experienced agent can fix that. The loan itself is solid — seller education is the real work.
FHA loans require 3.5% down and charge mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. VA loans require zero down and no mortgage insurance — ever.
Conventional loans reward high credit scores with low rates. But at 5% down, you're paying PMI until you hit 20% equity. VA skips all of that from day one.
Monterey County's coastal market moves fast. VA loans with strong pre-approvals compete — but you need a lender who won't slow-walk the appraisal order.
As of April 2026, VA loan limits in California are tied to conforming limits by county. Monterey County's limit covers most Seaside price points. Jumbo VA is available for higher-priced homes.
No. VA loans are zero down for eligible borrowers. You may choose to put money down to reduce your funding fee.
Yes. Active-duty members qualify after 90 continuous days of service. Your orders and LES are your key documents.
It's an upfront fee rolled into your loan — typically 1.25% to 3.3%. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating are fully exempt.
Most will. Some have outdated concerns about VA appraisals. A strong pre-approval and an experienced agent address that fast.
Yes. If you've paid off a prior VA loan or sold the home, your entitlement restores. You can also have two VA loans at once in some cases.
No hard cap for full-entitlement borrowers. Monterey County conforming limits apply if you have remaining entitlement only.