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in Victorville, CA
Both FHA and USDA loans help buyers get into homes with little money down. The right choice depends on where the property sits and what you earn.
Victorville sits in San Bernardino County's high desert. Parts of the area qualify for USDA financing — but not all of it. That detail alone can decide which loan you're working with.
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Lenders require a 580 credit score for 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down.
FHA works on any eligible property inside city limits. You're not restricted to rural zones — which gives you more home options across Victorville.
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Zero down payment — that's the headline feature.
The catch: the property must be in a USDA-eligible area and your household income must fall under the county limit. Miss either requirement and USDA is off the table.
The biggest difference is down payment. USDA is zero down. FHA is 3.5% minimum. On a $400,000 home, that's $14,000 out of pocket with FHA.
Bankrate flagged rates at 6.19% this week due to market volatility. Both programs offer competitive rates, but USDA's mortgage insurance costs less over time than FHA's. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
If the home you want is in a USDA-eligible zone and your household income qualifies, USDA wins. Zero down and lower insurance costs are hard to beat.
If the property is in a non-eligible area, or your income exceeds USDA limits, FHA is the play. It's flexible, widely available, and works across all of Victorville.
Parts of Victorville and surrounding San Bernardino County areas qualify. Run the address on the USDA eligibility map before assuming either way.
FHA requires 580 for 3.5% down. Most USDA lenders want 640 or higher, though program minimums can vary.
USDA typically costs less monthly. Its mortgage insurance rate is lower than FHA's, which offsets the zero-down tradeoff over time.
No. USDA caps household income based on county and family size. Exceed the limit and you're out — FHA has no such cap.
Yes. Both FHA and USDA allow sellers to contribute toward closing costs. This can reduce your cash-to-close significantly.
FHA generally moves faster. USDA requires an extra approval step from the USDA office, which can add days to the timeline.