Loading
Loading
in Chula Vista, CA
Chula Vista buyers choosing between conventional and VA loans face a fundamental trade-off: down payment versus rate. Conventional at 6.25% requires 20% down to avoid PMI. VA at 5.875% requires zero down and no mortgage insurance.
San Diego County's median household income is $102,285. The 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,104,000. Most Chula Vista purchases fall well below that ceiling, giving both programs room to work.
Conventional at 6.25% works when you have substantial savings. At 80% LTV the monthly payment is $4,618 with no PMI.
Underwriting wants documented income and two years of work history. Plan on holding reserves beyond the down payment.
VA at 5.875% is available to eligible veterans and active duty with a Certificate of Eligibility. Zero down means the full purchase price becomes the loan amount.
The funding fee replaces traditional PMI. On zero-down, expect 2.15% of the loan added to your balance. The monthly payment is $4,437.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh Conventional Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Chula Vista.
Chula Vista buyers choosing between conventional and VA loans face a fundamental trade-off: down payment versus rate. Conventional at 6.25% requires 20% down to avoid PMI. VA at 5.875% requires zero down and no mortgage insurance.
San Diego County's median household income is $102,285. The 2026 conforming loan limit is $1,104,000. Most Chula Vista purchases fall well below that ceiling, giving both programs room to work.
Conventional at 6.25% works when you have substantial savings. At 80% LTV the monthly payment is $4,618 with no PMI.
The rate gap favors VA by 0.375 percentage points. That translates to $181 monthly savings on P&I. However, VA requires a Certificate of Eligibility.
Down payment is the structural difference. Conventional demands 20% to avoid PMI; VA demands nothing. For limited savings, VA opens the door.
Choose conventional if you have 20% down saved and no military service. You'll skip PMI entirely and avoid the funding fee.
Choose VA if you're eligible and have limited down-payment savings. The zero-down structure and 5.875% rate make the monthly payment $4,437. Eligible veterans should always run the VA numbers first.
Yes. Active duty service members with a Certificate of Eligibility qualify for VA loans. You'll need proof of current service status. The zero-down benefit applies immediately.
No. At 80% LTV (20% down), conventional loans carry zero PMI. PMI is required only when LTV exceeds 80%. PMI cancels automatically at 78% LTV.
VA is $181 lower per month. Conventional at 6.25% on a $750,000 loan is $4,618. VA at 5.875% on a $750,000 loan is $4,437.
No. The funding fee is a one-time cost (2.15% for zero-down) added to your loan balance. PMI is an ongoing monthly charge. VA funding fee is typically cheaper over the loan's life.
Both programs require 740 FICO in this scenario. Conventional can go lower with compensating factors. VA typically requires 620 minimum, but lenders often set overlays at 640 or higher.