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in Yucaipa, CA
Yucaipa buyers comparing FHA and VA loans face two government-backed paths. The 2026 FHA loan limit is $690,000. The 2026 VA loan limit is $832,750, and VA requires zero down for eligible veterans.
San Bernardino County's median household income is $82,184. FHA requires 3.5% down with 580+ FICO. VA requires zero down with no credit minimum for eligible service members.
FHA at 5.875% works for buyers with limited savings and moderate credit. The program requires mortgage insurance for the life of the loan above 90% LTV. At 3.5% down, you keep more cash for closing costs and repairs.
FHA underwriting accepts non-traditional credit history. The upfront mortgage insurance premium is 1.75% of the loan amount. Monthly insurance costs depend on your loan-to-value ratio.
VA at 5.875% offers zero-down financing for qualified veterans and active-duty service members. There is no mortgage insurance and no minimum credit score. The funding fee replaces traditional PMI and is 2.15% at zero down.
VA loans have no prepayment penalty and allow assumability. The funding fee exemption requires a VA disability rating of 10% or higher. Eligible borrowers include veterans, active-duty personnel, and surviving spouses.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh FHA Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Yucaipa.
Yucaipa buyers comparing FHA and VA loans face two government-backed paths. The 2026 FHA loan limit is $690,000. The 2026 VA loan limit is $832,750, and VA requires zero down for eligible veterans.
San Bernardino County's median household income is $82,184. FHA requires 3.5% down with 580+ FICO. VA requires zero down with no credit minimum for eligible service members.
FHA at 5.875% works for buyers with limited savings and moderate credit. The program requires mortgage insurance for the life of the loan above 90% LTV. At 3.5% down, you keep more cash for closing costs and repairs.
FHA caps at $690,000 in 2026, while VA reaches $832,750. This matters if you're buying above the FHA limit. VA's higher ceiling gives eligible buyers more purchasing power.
FHA requires mortgage insurance that stays for the life of the loan above 90% LTV. VA has a one-time funding fee instead. Over 30 years, the total cost difference can be substantial.
FHA accepts borrowers with 580+ FICO. VA has no credit floor at all. If your credit is under 620, VA is the only path forward.
FHA makes sense for buyers with limited savings and moderate credit. Your purchase price must stay under $690,000. The straightforward underwriting and lower down payment offset the lifetime mortgage insurance cost.
VA is the clear choice for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. Zero down means no savings requirement at all. The one-time funding fee is far cheaper than FHA's lifetime mortgage insurance.
Yes. VA loans have no minimum credit score requirement. Lenders may have overlays, but the VA program itself does not set a credit floor. FHA requires 580 or higher.
On a $750,000 loan at 5.875% interest, both payments are $4,437 for principal and interest. FHA adds mortgage insurance; VA adds the funding fee to the loan balance. Total monthly cost depends on your down payment.
Yes. The 2026 FHA loan limit for Yucaipa is $690,000. If you're buying above that amount, you'll need VA, conventional, or jumbo financing. VA's 2026 limit is $832,750.
No. VA funding fee is a one-time cost rolled into the loan. Mortgage insurance (FHA) is a monthly payment for the life of the loan above 90% LTV. VA funding fee is typically cheaper over 30 years.
Yes. Having VA eligibility doesn't prevent you from using FHA. But VA is almost always the better choice because it offers zero down, no mortgage insurance, and a higher loan limit.