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Aliso Viejo sits in one of Orange County's pricier zip codes. FHA loans can still work here — but you need to know the limits before you shop.
Orange County's FHA loan limits are set well above the national baseline. That matters for first-time buyers trying to compete in this market.
580
Min Credit Score (3.5% down)
3.5%
Min Down Payment
43%
Max DTI (standard)
See current rates
Rates vary by profile
2 years required
Employment History
FHA Loans in Aliso Viejo
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down — that's a big difference at Aliso Viejo price points.
Debt-to-income ratio caps at 43% for most FHA approvals. Some lenders go higher with strong compensating factors like cash reserves.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Aliso Viejo.
Aliso Viejo sits in one of Orange County's pricier zip codes. FHA loans can still work here — but you need to know the limits before you shop.
Orange County's FHA loan limits are set well above the national baseline. That matters for first-time buyers trying to compete in this market.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down — that's a big difference at Aliso Viejo price points.
Most retail banks offer FHA, but their overlays can be strict. Overlays are lender-added rules on top of FHA minimums — they can kill a deal a broker could close.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. That means we find the FHA lender whose guidelines actually fit your file — not just the one with the flashiest ad.
FHA condo approval is a real issue in Aliso Viejo. Many HOA communities here aren't on FHA's approved list — check that before you fall in love with a unit.
Mortgage insurance on FHA never goes away unless you refinance. At current price points, that monthly MIP adds up fast. Run the math before committing.
Conventional loans at 5% down are competitive with FHA for buyers above 680 credit. Below that score, FHA usually wins on rate and approval odds.
VA loans beat FHA for eligible veterans — no down payment, no MIP. If you've served, VA is almost always the better call in a high-cost market like this.
Aliso Viejo is heavily condo and townhome territory. FHA has strict rules for condo associations — budget, reserves, owner-occupancy ratios all get reviewed.
As of April 2026, Orange County's competitive market means sellers sometimes prefer conventional offers. Your agent needs to know how to position an FHA offer.
Only if the condo project is FHA-approved. Many Aliso Viejo HOAs aren't on the list — confirm approval status before making an offer.
Orange County qualifies for a higher FHA limit than the national baseline. Ask us for the current figure — limits adjust annually.
Not on most FHA loans originated after 2013. You'd need to refinance into a conventional loan to drop MIP.
Below 680 credit, FHA usually offers better rates and easier approval. Above 680, conventional often wins on total cost.
They can, but it rarely makes sense. VA has no down payment and no MIP — that's a significant cost advantage in Orange County.