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in San Juan Bautista, CA
San Juan Bautista sits in rural San Benito County. That geography matters a lot for which loan fits you.
Both FHA and USDA are government-backed. But they serve different buyers with different needs and trade-offs.
FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a 580 credit score. Drop to 500 and you need 10% down.
FHA has no income caps and no geographic restrictions. Any home in San Juan Bautista can qualify if it meets condition standards.
USDA loans are zero down — no down payment at all. That's a real advantage in a market where saving cash is hard.
The catch: the property must be in a USDA-eligible area, and your household income must fall under county limits.
The biggest split is down payment. USDA costs you nothing upfront. FHA costs 3.5% minimum.
USDA mortgage insurance runs cheaper over time than FHA's. But USDA disqualifies you if your income is too high — FHA never does that.
If San Juan Bautista falls within USDA eligibility and your income qualifies, USDA is almost always the stronger play.
If you're over the income cap, have a lower credit score, or want more flexibility, FHA is the right call. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
You need to verify eligibility on the USDA property map. San Benito County has rural areas that may qualify — confirm your specific address before applying.
USDA typically carries lower mortgage insurance fees than FHA. Over a 30-year loan, that difference adds up significantly.
Most USDA lenders want a 640 credit score. FHA is more flexible, accepting scores as low as 580 for 3.5% down.
Yes. Both FHA and USDA allow the seller to cover closing costs. This helps buyers stretch limited cash further.
USDA sets limits by household size and county. Check the USDA eligibility portal for current San Benito County thresholds.
FHA has a rehab option called the 203k loan. USDA loans generally require the home to be in move-in condition at closing.