Loading
Loading
San Juan Capistrano sits in one of Orange County's pricier corridors. FHA loans give buyers a real foothold here with just 3.5% down.
The FHA loan limit for Orange County is set at the high-cost ceiling. That matters in a market where entry-level homes push well past conforming thresholds.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
6% of purchase price
Max Seller Concession
Primary residence only
Property Use
Required on all FHA loans
Mortgage Insurance
FHA Loans in San Juan Capistrano
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580, and lenders require 10% down instead.
Your debt-to-income ratio — total monthly debt divided by gross income — should stay under 43%. Some lenders go higher 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 San Juan Capistrano.
San Juan Capistrano sits in one of Orange County's pricier corridors. FHA loans give buyers a real foothold here with just 3.5% down.
The FHA loan limit for Orange County is set at the high-cost ceiling. That matters in a market where entry-level homes push well past conforming thresholds.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580, and lenders require 10% down instead.
Most retail banks offer FHA loans, but their overlays — internal rules stricter than FHA minimums — can kill deals. Wholesale lenders we work with often have fewer restrictions.
Shopping one lender means you see one rate. We run your file across 200+ wholesale sources to find who actually wants your deal at the best price.
FHA's mortgage insurance never goes away if you put less than 10% down. That's the detail most buyers miss — and it affects your payment for the life of the loan.
In San Juan Capistrano, sellers sometimes resist FHA offers. A strong pre-approval letter and clean terms can close that gap fast.
Conventional loans at 5% down look similar, but they require a higher credit score and charge PMI differently. FHA wins when your credit is in the 580–660 range.
VA loans beat FHA if you have military service — no mortgage insurance, no down payment. If you qualify for VA, use it over FHA every time.
San Juan Capistrano has a mix of older homes and newer developments. FHA appraisers flag deferred maintenance — chipped paint, exposed wood, missing handrails — so condition matters.
As of April 2026, Orange County's high-cost FHA limit gives buyers here more room than most California counties. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Orange County qualifies for high-cost FHA limits. Check HUD's current limit table before you set your purchase price.
Only if the condo complex has FHA approval. Search HUD's condo approval database before you make an offer.
Not if you put less than 10% down — it stays for the loan's life. Put 10% or more down, and it drops after 11 years.
Yes. FHA allows seller concessions up to 6% of the purchase price. This is a real negotiating tool in slower markets.
580 gets you the 3.5% down option. Below that, you need 10% down. Most lenders want to see a clean 12-month payment history.
FHA wins on credit flexibility. Conventional wins on long-term cost if your score is above 700 and you can put more down.