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FHA Loans in Fontana
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in Fontana?
FHA requires a minimum 580 FICO score. Most lenders prefer 640 or higher for better rates and terms. Your actual approval depends on income, debt, and reserves too.
01
Fontana's real estate market is active, with new dining and community spaces drawing residents to San Bernardino County. At 5.875%, an FHA loan on a $777,202 purchase carries a $4,437 monthly payment for principal and interest.
The county's median household income of $82,184 supports homes in this price range comfortably. FHA's 3.5% down requirement means less cash due at closing compared to conventional financing.
5.875%
Interest Rate
$4,437
Monthly Payment (P&I)
580
Minimum FICO
3.5%
Down Payment Min
$690,000
FHA Limit (2026)
17-21 days
Closing Timeline
02
FHA requires a 580 FICO score minimum, though lenders often prefer 640+. A 3.5% down payment is the floor, and you can go as high as 10% or more if you have the funds.
Mortgage insurance (MIP) runs for the life of the loan when down payment is under 10%. With 10% or more down, MIP cancels after 11 years. The county's median household income of $82,184 typically qualifies for loans in the $600,000 to $750,000 range.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Fontana.
Fontana's real estate market is active, with new dining and community spaces drawing residents to San Bernardino County. At 5.875%, an FHA loan on a $777,202 purchase carries a $4,437 monthly payment for principal and interest.
The county's median household income of $82,184 supports homes in this price range comfortably. FHA's 3.5% down requirement means less cash due at closing compared to conventional financing.
FHA requires a 580 FICO score minimum, though lenders often prefer 640+. A 3.5% down payment is the floor, and you can go as high as 10% or more if you have the funds.
Rate check
Tell us the price range, down payment and credit range you are working with. We compare every lender we work with and show you the options side by side.
03
FHA loans are available through most California lenders—banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers all originate them. The program is backed by HUD, so underwriting standards are consistent across lenders, though individual overlays vary.
Closing timelines typically run 17 to 21 days. FHA appraisals are stricter than conventional, focusing on property condition and safety. Rates are competitive because the government guarantee reduces lender risk.
04
FHA makes sense in Fontana when you have limited savings but solid income and credit. At 5.875%, the rate is competitive, and the 3.5% down keeps cash in your pocket for closing costs and reserves.
Above the 2026 FHA limit of $690,000, conventional or jumbo financing is required. For buyers under that cap with under 10% down, lifetime MIP is a real cost to weigh against conventional options.
05
Conventional loans typically require 5% to 10% down and a 620+ FICO, but they skip mortgage insurance at 20% down. FHA's 3.5% down is lower, but MIP stays for life unless you refinance.
The rate difference is usually small—conventional may run 0.125% to 0.25% higher at the same LTV. If you have 20% down, conventional eliminates insurance entirely. If you have 3.5% to 10%, FHA's lower down payment often wins.
06
Ontario International Airport's ONT BOLD expansion project is underway, bringing infrastructure investment to the region. New transit and commercial development support long-term property values for buyers in Fontana and surrounding areas.
The Inland Empire's craft beer and coffee scene is expanding—three breweries won recognition at the San Diego County Fair, and six new coffeehouses recently opened. These amenities add lifestyle appeal to the area.
07
FHA lending in California remains steady because the program serves first-time buyers and those with limited savings. San Bernardino County's median household income of $82,184 aligns well with FHA's debt-to-income flexibility.
Lenders compete actively on FHA rates because the government guarantee reduces risk. Closing timelines of 17 to 21 days are standard. Appraisal turnaround and property condition issues are the main delays.
FAQ
FHA requires a minimum 580 FICO score. Most lenders prefer 640 or higher for better rates and terms. Your actual approval depends on income, debt, and reserves too.
Yes — FHA allows as little as 3.5% down. You can put more down if you have the funds. The less you put down, the longer mortgage insurance runs.
At 5.875% interest with 3.5% down, principal and interest run $4,437 per month. Add property taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance to get your full payment. Rates and payments vary by scenario.
Yes — MIP cancels after 11 years if you put 10% or more down. Below 10% down, MIP runs for the life of the loan. Refinancing is the only way to drop it early.
FHA allows 3.5% down and lower credit scores. Conventional typically needs 5% to 10% down and 620+ FICO. At 20% down, conventional skips mortgage insurance entirely.
Programs for first-time buyers that allow lower down payments and more forgiving credit and income rules.
Explore refinancing options to lower your rate, tap equity, or switch loan terms.
SRK CAPITAL in San Bernardino County
Our team of licensed mortgage brokers works San Bernardino County every week. Tell us where you are in the process and we will map out the loan, the timeline and the money you need at closing, with no obligation.
What working with us looks like
Licensed mortgage brokers
You talk with a broker, not a call center, from the first question to closing day.
17-21 day typical close
Most purchase loans close in 17-21 days once your paperwork is in.
Every county in California
We work across the state, including San Bernardino County, so local limits and rules are already familiar.
Financing solutions for rental properties, fix-and-flip projects, and real estate portfolios.
Mortgage programs with alternative income documentation for business owners and freelancers.
Federally insured or guaranteed programs (FHA, VA, USDA) that let lenders accept lower credit scores and smaller down payments.
Traditional mortgage options meeting standard lending guidelines with various term structures.
Alternative lending programs for borrowers who need flexible documentation or unique loan structures.
Side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the right mortgage program.
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Mortgage rates, terms, and program availability can change and vary by borrower and property. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for guidance on your scenario.