Loading
San Juan Bautista sits in San Benito County — a quieter Central Coast market than its neighbors. FHA loans are often the sharpest tool here for buyers without large down payments.
San Benito County home prices stay below many coastal California markets. That keeps FHA loan limits relevant and usable for most buyers in this area.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
57%
Max DTI (some cases)
Required on all FHA
Mortgage Insurance
45 days
Suggested Escrow
FHA requires a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and you need 10% down — and fewer lenders will touch it.
Your debt-to-income ratio matters more than most borrowers expect. FHA allows up to 57% DTI in some cases, but most approvals land under 50%.
Most retail banks offer FHA, but wholesale lenders often price it better. A broker with access to 200+ lenders will find tighter spreads than a single bank can offer.
FHA mortgage insurance is required on every loan. Shopping lenders matters because the base rate — not the MIP — is where the real differences show up.
San Juan Bautista is a small, historic town. Appraisals can be tricky when comparable sales are thin. Get a broker who knows how to structure the deal before ordering the appraisal.
FHA has strict property condition rules. Older homes in this area may need repairs before closing. Know that going in — or negotiate a seller credit to cover it.
USDA loans are worth checking if the property qualifies. San Benito County has rural-designated areas — USDA offers zero down, which beats FHA's 3.5%.
Conventional loans require better credit and higher down payments. If your score is under 680, FHA usually wins on rate and total cost.
San Juan Bautista's housing stock skews older. FHA minimum property standards flag deferred maintenance, chipped paint, and roofing issues. Budget for this.
The town's small transaction volume means slower appraisal timelines. Build extra days into your escrow — 45 days is safer than 30 for FHA here.
FHA loan limits are set by county and updated annually. Check HUD's current limit for San Benito County before assuming your purchase price qualifies.
Yes — the FHA 203k rehab loan wraps the purchase price and repair costs into one loan. It's built for older homes like those common in this area.
If you put less than 10% down, MIP stays for the life of the loan. Put 10% or more down and MIP drops off after 11 years.
FHA allows up to 4 units if you occupy one as your primary residence. That can work well in smaller markets where rental income helps qualify.
Parts of San Benito County qualify for USDA rural loans. Confirm the specific property address on the USDA eligibility map before committing to FHA.
FHA Loans in San Juan Bautista