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Fontana sits in San Bernardino County, where home prices are lower than coastal California. That gap makes FHA loans a real entry point for first-time buyers here.
FHA's low down payment requirement fits Fontana's buyer pool. Many households here have steady income but haven't built large cash reserves yet.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
43%
Max DTI (typical)
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
30–45 days
Typical Close Time
FHA Loans in Fontana
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and lenders require 10% down instead.
Debt-to-income ratio matters here. Most FHA lenders cap it at 43%, though some go higher with strong compensating factors like cash reserves.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Fontana.
Fontana sits in San Bernardino County, where home prices are lower than coastal California. That gap makes FHA loans a real entry point for first-time buyers here.
FHA's low down payment requirement fits Fontana's buyer pool. Many households here have steady income but haven't built large cash reserves yet.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and lenders require 10% down instead.
Not every lender prices FHA the same way. Mortgage insurance premiums are set by FHA, but interest rates vary by lender. Shopping matters.
At SRK CAPITAL, we run your file across 200+ wholesale lenders. You get the rate a retail bank won't show you. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
FHA allows gift funds for your entire down payment. If a family member can help, that changes who qualifies. Most conventional loans won't touch a 100% gifted down payment.
Watch for lender overlays. FHA's minimum is 500, but many lenders set their own floor at 580 or 620. We know which lenders go lower without killing your rate.
Conventional loans require 620+ credit and typically 5% down. FHA beats that for buyers with lower scores or thinner savings.
VA loans are cheaper if you qualify — no down payment, no monthly MIP. But FHA serves buyers without military service. USDA covers rural zones, and most of Fontana doesn't qualify.
Fontana is fully within San Bernardino County's FHA loan limits. As of April 2026, confirm current limits with us — they adjust annually and affect your max purchase price.
The Inland Empire market moves fast. Sellers sometimes resist FHA offers due to appraisal requirements. A strong pre-approval letter and clean offer terms help close that gap.
FHA requires 580 for 3.5% down. Some lenders set higher minimums, so working with a broker gives you more options.
Yes, FHA covers 2–4 unit properties if you live in one unit. It's a real path to house-hacking in the Inland Empire.
FHA charges an upfront MIP of 1.75% and an annual premium rolled into monthly payments. The rate depends on your loan term and down payment.
Yes. FHA limits vary by county and adjust each year. Contact us to confirm the current limit for Fontana purchases.
Yes. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% of the purchase price toward your closing costs. Negotiate it into your offer.
Most FHA loans close in 30–45 days. A complete file upfront keeps things moving — missing documents are the biggest delay.