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in Victorville, CA
Victorville buyers choosing between conventional and VA loans face a real trade-off: down payment flexibility versus no down payment at all. Both programs reach the 2026 conforming limit of $832,750, so price ceiling isn't the issue.
Conventional loans dominate the market here because most buyers aren't military-connected. But for those with VA eligibility, the zero-down option changes the math entirely.
Conventional loans are the default choice for most Victorville buyers because they don't require military service. You'll put down 3% to 20% depending on your credit and savings. PMI applies until you hit 20% equity, then it drops off automatically.
Lenders compete hard on conventional rates, so shopping around pays. Credit scores above 620 qualify, though better rates start around 680.
VA loans let eligible veterans and service members buy with zero down and no PMI. Instead, you pay a one-time funding fee rolled into the loan—typically 2.3% for first-time users. That fee replaces what conventional buyers pay in PMI over years.
The 2026 VA limit in San Bernardino County is $832,750, matching the conforming ceiling. VA loans don't require a minimum credit score by federal rule, though lenders set their own floors around 620.
The biggest gap is down payment. VA buyers close with zero cash down; conventional buyers need at least 3%, often 5% to 10% to avoid PMI. On a typical Victorville purchase, that's a meaningful chunk of savings staying in your account with VA.
PMI versus funding fee is the second difference. Conventional PMI runs 0.5% to 1.5% annually until you reach 20% equity—that's years of payments. VA's upfront funding fee is a one-time cost, lower in total dollars for most buyers.
Pick conventional if you don't have VA eligibility or you're putting down 20% or more. Conventional also makes sense if you want to avoid the funding fee and you have strong savings.
VA is right for you if you've served and want to preserve cash. Zero down means you keep your full savings for closing costs, repairs, or emergencies. Even with the funding fee, VA buyers walk away from closing with more liquidity.
Yes. VA eligibility has no limit on how many times you use it. You can buy multiple properties with VA loans as long as you maintain your service-connected status or honorable discharge.
Yes — PMI cancels automatically once you reach 20% equity in the home. You can also request removal at 20% if you've paid on time. After that, it's gone for good.
No. First-time VA users pay around 2.3%. Repeat users pay 3.6%. If you're disabled and receive VA compensation, the fee may be waived entirely. Check your eligibility with the VA.
Both do in 2026. Conventional conforming and VA both cap at $832,750 in San Bernardino County. Anything above that requires a jumbo loan with stricter rules.
No. Conventional loans typically require 620 FICO minimum; better rates start around 680. VA has no federal credit floor, though lenders set their own around 620. Both are accessible with fair credit.