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Montclair sits in the western edge of San Bernardino County, where prices are lower than LA but demand stays steady.
FHA loans are a strong fit here. First-time buyers can get in with 3.5% down and credit scores conventional loans won't touch.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Minimum Down Payment
Up to 50%
Max DTI Ratio
Government-Insured
Loan Type
Full loan term
MIP Duration (< 10% down)
FHA Loans in Montclair
You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and FHA still works — at 10% down.
Debt-to-income ratios can go higher than conventional. Lenders often approve up to 50% DTI with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Montclair.
Montclair sits in the western edge of San Bernardino County, where prices are lower than LA but demand stays steady.
FHA loans are a strong fit here. First-time buyers can get in with 3.5% down and credit scores conventional loans won't touch.
You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and FHA still works — at 10% down.
Most retail banks offer FHA, but their overlays add restrictions the base FHA guidelines don't require.
SRK CAPITAL works with 200+ wholesale lenders. We find the ones with the most flexible overlays for your specific credit profile.
FHA's mortgage insurance never goes away if you put less than 10% down. That's the trade-off most buyers miss.
If your score is borderline, a 90-day credit push before applying can save you real money on the rate.
Conventional loans need 620+ credit and reward scores above 740. FHA doesn't punish you the same way for a 620.
VA beats FHA if you qualify — no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. No VA eligibility? FHA is the next best option.
San Bernardino County's FHA loan limit sets your ceiling. Confirm the current limit before targeting a price range.
Montclair has older housing stock. FHA appraisers flag deferred maintenance hard — budget for any required repairs before close.
Loan limits are set annually by HUD and vary by county. Confirm the current San Bernardino County limit before shopping for homes.
Yes. FHA allows 2-4 unit properties if you live in one unit. It's a solid strategy to offset your mortgage with rental income.
With less than 10% down, MIP lasts the full loan term. Put 10% or more down and it drops off after 11 years.
Yes, but FHA requires 2 years of self-employment history. Lenders will average your net income from two years of tax returns.
Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price toward your closing costs. Negotiate that into your offer from the start.
If your score is below 680, FHA usually wins on rate and flexibility. Above 720 with 10%+ down, conventional often costs less long-term.