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Garden Grove sits in Orange County — one of California's priciest housing markets. FHA loans give buyers a real path in when conventional financing feels out of reach.
FHA's low down payment requirement makes entry possible here. You're not waiting years to save 20% while prices move against you.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
43–50%
Max DTI (typical)
High-Cost County
Loan Limit Area
FHA Loans in Garden Grove
FHA requires a 580 credit score for the 3.5% down option. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and you'll need 10% down instead.
Debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debts divided by gross income — must generally stay under 43%. Some lenders stretch to 50% with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Garden Grove.
Garden Grove sits in Orange County — one of California's priciest housing markets. FHA loans give buyers a real path in when conventional financing feels out of reach.
FHA's low down payment requirement makes entry possible here. You're not waiting years to save 20% while prices move against you.
FHA requires a 580 credit score for the 3.5% down option. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and you'll need 10% down instead.
Not every lender offers the same FHA terms. Big retail banks often add credit overlays — internal rules stricter than FHA's own guidelines.
We shop FHA across 200+ wholesale lenders. That means more options, less friction, and rates that retail branches can't match. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
FHA has two mortgage insurance charges. There's an upfront premium of 1.75% rolled into the loan, plus an annual premium paid monthly.
Most FHA borrowers keep mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. If you put 10% down, it drops off after 11 years. That's a detail worth knowing before you close.
Conventional loans drop private mortgage insurance once you hit 20% equity. FHA usually doesn't — that's the real cost comparison to make.
VA loans beat FHA on pricing if you qualify. No mortgage insurance, no down payment required. If you've served, check VA first before going FHA.
Orange County is a designated high-cost area. That means FHA loan limits here are higher than the national baseline — giving you more buying power than in lower-cost counties.
Garden Grove's housing stock includes condos, which FHA will finance — but only in FHA-approved condo projects. Always verify approval status before you fall in love with a unit.
Orange County is a high-cost area, so FHA limits exceed the national baseline. Check HUD's current limit table — it updates annually.
Yes, but the condo project must be on FHA's approved list. Verify approval before making an offer.
3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or above. You need 10% down if your score is between 500 and 579.
Yes. FHA allows the full down payment to come from a gift. The donor must provide a signed gift letter.
For most FHA loans, mortgage insurance stays for the life of the loan. Put 10% down and it drops after 11 years.
FHA is generally more flexible on credit and down payment. But property condition requirements are stricter — FHA appraisers flag issues that conventional appraisals often pass.