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Huntington Beach sits in one of California's priciest coastal counties. Orange County home prices push many buyers toward FHA financing just to get in the door.
FHA loans cap out at the county loan limit. In Orange County, that limit is high enough to cover a meaningful share of entry-level inventory.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
Up to 57%
Max DTI Ratio
2 years required
Employment History
FHA Loans in Huntington Beach
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — most lenders won't go below 500.
Your debt-to-income ratio matters more than most borrowers expect. FHA allows up to 57% DTI with strong compensating factors, but most approvals land under 50%.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach sits in one of California's priciest coastal counties. Orange County home prices push many buyers toward FHA financing just to get in the door.
FHA loans cap out at the county loan limit. In Orange County, that limit is high enough to cover a meaningful share of entry-level inventory.
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — most lenders won't go below 500.
Most retail banks offer FHA, but their overlays tighten the real requirements. A 620 minimum score is common at big banks, even though FHA allows 580.
Wholesale lenders we access often hold closer to FHA guidelines. That means more borrowers actually qualify instead of getting turned away on overlays.
FHA mortgage insurance never goes away if you put less than 10% down. That's a real cost — factor it into your monthly budget before you commit.
In competitive Huntington Beach offers, FHA can feel like a handicap. Sellers know FHA appraisals are stricter. A strong pre-approval letter and fast close timeline help offset that perception.
Conventional loans beat FHA once your score hits 680 or higher. Private mortgage insurance on conventional drops off at 20% equity — FHA's doesn't.
VA loans are a better deal for eligible veterans in Huntington Beach. No down payment, no mortgage insurance. If you served, start there before looking at FHA.
Huntington Beach condos need to be FHA-approved. Many HOA buildings in the city aren't on the approved list. Check condo approval status before you fall in love with a unit.
Coastal properties sometimes trigger FHA appraisal red flags — deferred maintenance, older electrical, or seismic concerns. Budget for repairs that come up in the appraisal.
Orange County qualifies for a higher FHA limit as a high-cost area. Confirm the current limit with us before you set your home search budget.
Yes, but the condo complex must be on HUD's approved list. Many HB condo buildings aren't approved, so check early.
FHA charges an upfront premium of 1.75% plus an annual premium split into monthly payments. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Yes. FHA allows 100% of your down payment to come from a documented gift. The donor can't expect repayment — lenders verify that.
It depends on where you're shopping. Entry-level inventory fits within FHA limits, but mid-range and luxury properties will push you toward jumbo financing.
Yes. Once you build enough equity, refinancing into a conventional loan removes the FHA mortgage insurance. That's a common exit strategy we plan for upfront.