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Escondido's median home price sits around $750,000 — well within reach for VA borrowers with zero down. At 5.5%, a $750,000 VA loan runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone.
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 supports this price range comfortably. Most VA buyers here are purchasing their first home after military service. The zero-down structure means you keep cash for closing costs, inspections, and reserves.
5.5%
Interest Rate
$4,258
Monthly P&I
$750,000
Loan Amount
740
FICO (Scenario)
$0
Down Payment
30 days
Lock Period
VA Loans in Escondido
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility proving military service. Credit floor is typically 620, though most lenders prefer 740+. You need zero down — that's the whole point.
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 means a $750,000 purchase is achievable for dual-income military families or single borrowers with solid income. The VA doesn't impose income limits.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Escondido.
Escondido's median home price sits around $750,000 — well within reach for VA borrowers with zero down. At 5.5%, a $750,000 VA loan runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone.
San Diego County's median household income of $102,285 supports this price range comfortably. Most VA buyers here are purchasing their first home after military service. The zero-down structure means you keep cash for closing costs, inspections, and reserves.
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility proving military service. Credit floor is typically 620, though most lenders prefer 740+. You need zero down — that's the whole point.
VA lending in California is competitive. Retail banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers all offer VA loans. The VA doesn't set rates — lenders do. You'll find brokers often beat bank rates because they shop multiple wholesale lenders.
Closings typically run 30-45 days. The VA appraisal process adds a week or two compared to conventional. Lenders must follow VA underwriting rules: no prepayment penalties, no yield-spread premiums, no junk fees. That protection is built into the program.
VA loans make sense in Escondido when you're a veteran with stable income and a 740+ credit score. At $750,000, the zero-down structure saves you $150,000 in cash at closing. That's real money for reserves, inspections, or repairs.
They don't make sense if your credit is below 620 or your debt-to-income ratio exceeds 50%. Some lenders tighten overlays during rate volatility. Call early to confirm your lender will go to 100% LTV at your credit score.
Conventional loans at 20% down ($150,000) run a similar rate to VA at zero down. But conventional requires that $150K upfront. FHA loans let you put 3.5% down ($26,250) with a lower rate, but mortgage insurance never cancels — you'll pay it for life unless...
VA's funding fee (2.15% of the loan, about $16,125 rolled into the mortgage) is a one-time cost. FHA's annual insurance is forever. Over 30 years, FHA costs more. If you're eligible for VA, it's the strongest option at this price point in Escondido.
Escondido's job market centers on healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Palomar Medical Center is the largest employer. That stability matters for VA buyers — lenders want to see steady employment history.
The city's proximity to San Diego's downtown (30 minutes south) and Temecula wine country (45 minutes north) appeals to military families rotating through Camp Pendleton. Schools like Escondido High and Coronado Elementary serve military families well.
Principal and interest run $4,258 per month at 5.5% on a $750,000 loan. Add property taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable. The funding fee (0.197 points, about $1,478) is rolled into the loan balance, not paid upfront.
Yes. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA proving military service. Active duty, veterans, National Guard, and surviving spouses qualify. The VA website lets you request it online — takes 5-10 business days.
Yes, technically. The VA allows 620 FICO. Most lenders prefer 740+ for the best rates and fastest approval. Below 620, expect tighter scrutiny and possibly higher rates. Call your lender to confirm their floor.
No. Funding fee is a one-time cost (2.15% at zero down, about $16,125) rolled into your loan. PMI on a conventional loan is annual and never cancels unless you refinance. VA's funding fee is cheaper over time.
If you're rated 10% or higher by the VA, you're exempt from the funding fee. Purple Heart recipients and surviving spouses are also exempt. That saves you $16,125 on a $750,000 loan.