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Hollister sits in San Benito County, where the median household income of $108,289 supports homes across a wide price range. Portfolio ARMs offer flexibility for buyers who plan to refinance or sell within five to seven years.
The 2026 conforming limit for San Benito County is $1,249,125. Investors and owner-occupants alike use ARM products when rate certainty matters less than initial affordability.
620
Minimum FICO
5% to 20%
Down Payment Range
30 to 45 days
Broker Close Time
$108,289
County Median Income
Portfolio ARMs in Hollister
Portfolio ARMs typically require a 620 FICO minimum, though 640+ is preferred. Down payments range from 5% to 20% depending on the lender and loan structure.
Lenders evaluate your ability to carry the payment after the initial rate period ends. Most require 6 to 12 months of reserves in the bank. Self-employed borrowers need two years of tax returns and a CPA letter.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect portfolio arms eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Hollister.
Hollister sits in San Benito County, where the median household income of $108,289 supports homes across a wide price range. Portfolio ARMs offer flexibility for buyers who plan to refinance or sell within five to seven years.
The 2026 conforming limit for San Benito County is $1,249,125. Investors and owner-occupants alike use ARM products when rate certainty matters less than initial affordability.
Portfolio ARMs typically require a 620 FICO minimum, though 640+ is preferred. Down payments range from 5% to 20% depending on the lender and loan structure.
Portfolio ARMs are offered by both retail banks and mortgage brokers in California. Brokers typically close these loans in 30 to 45 days. Retail lenders may take 45 to 60 days due to internal processing.
Pricing varies by lender, lock period, and rate adjustment caps. Most lenders offer 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 ARM structures. Brokers can shop multiple lenders to find the best fit for your timeline and budget.
Portfolio ARMs make sense in Hollister when you plan to sell or refinance within the fixed-rate period. If you're staying 10+ years, a 30-year fixed is safer. The initial savings disappear if rates spike after adjustment.
Investors buying rental properties in San Benito County often use 5/1 ARMs because cash flow matters more than payment stability. Owner-occupants should ask themselves honestly: will I still own this home in year six?
A 30-year fixed mortgage locks your rate for the entire loan. An ARM starts lower but adjusts after the initial period. Fixed payments are predictable; ARM payments can rise sharply after year five.
Choose fixed if you plan to stay in Hollister long-term and want payment certainty. Choose ARM if you're confident you'll refinance or sell before the adjustment period begins.
San Benito County is home to agricultural land, vineyards, and growing residential communities. Hollister's location between San Jose and Monterey makes it attractive to commuters and investors seeking affordable entry points.
The county's population of 66,056 keeps the market smaller and less competitive than coastal Bay Area cities. That can mean faster closings and more negotiating room for buyers.
Your payment increases based on the index plus margin. A 5/1 ARM might jump 2% to 3% after year five. Plan for the worst-case scenario — a 5% total increase — to ensure you can afford it.
Yes. Most borrowers refinance into a fixed-rate loan before the adjustment period. Rates must be favorable and you must have sufficient equity. Plan this move 6 to 12 months ahead.
No. Portfolio ARMs accept 5% down, though 10% to 15% is more common. Lower down payments mean PMI applies until you reach 20% equity or refinance into a conventional loan.
Yes, if you plan to sell or refinance within five to seven years. No, if you're staying 10+ years — a fixed-rate mortgage is safer. Discuss your timeline with a broker before committing.
Most lenders require 620 FICO minimum. Scores of 640+ get better pricing. Self-employed borrowers may need 660+ and two years of tax returns.