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National City sits in the southern edge of San Diego County, where $777K homes are typical for families looking to stay in the region. At 5.49%, a $750K FHA loan runs $4,254 monthly for principal and interest alone.
FHA lending in this price range has tightened slightly as rates stabilized. The county's median household income of $102,285 supports mortgages in the $650K–$750K range comfortably with standard debt ratios.
5.49%
Interest Rate
$4,254
Monthly P&I
580
FICO Minimum
3.5%
Down Payment
$750,000
Loan Amount
30 days
Lock Period
FHA Loans in National City
FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum, though lenders typically want 640+ for smooth approval. Down payments start at 3.5% of the purchase price—on a $777K home, that's roughly $27K.
Mortgage insurance (MIP) runs for the life of the loan when you put down less than 10%. At 3.5% down, you'll pay 1.75% upfront ($13,125 on a $750K loan) plus an annual 0.55% fee rolled into your payment.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in National City.
National City sits in the southern edge of San Diego County, where $777K homes are typical for families looking to stay in the region. At 5.49%, a $750K FHA loan runs $4,254 monthly for principal and interest alone.
FHA lending in this price range has tightened slightly as rates stabilized. The county's median household income of $102,285 supports mortgages in the $650K–$750K range comfortably with standard debt ratios.
FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum, though lenders typically want 640+ for smooth approval. Down payments start at 3.5% of the purchase price—on a $777K home, that's roughly $27K.
FHA loans in California are sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after closing, so rates are set by secondary-market demand, not individual lender appetite.
Underwriting timelines run 30–45 days for FHA in San Diego County. Appraisals are stricter than conventional—the property must meet FHA safety and livability standards.
FHA makes sense in National City when you're putting down 3–7% and your FICO is 640–720. The rate at 5.49% is competitive, and the lifetime MIP is the cost of entry. Conventional at 20% down would save the insurance but requires $155K down instead of $27K.
Where FHA breaks down: if you plan to refinance within five years, the upfront MIP cost ($13,125) doesn't get recouped. If your FICO is 760+, conventional rates drop below FHA's effective cost even with PMI. Run both scenarios with your actual numbers.
Conventional loans at 20% down ($155K) carry no mortgage insurance and no annual fee. The rate typically runs 0.125–0.25% higher than FHA, but the insurance savings often win over a 10-year hold. FHA wins if you can't put 20% down today.
VA loans for eligible veterans run zero down with no insurance at all. The funding fee replaces MIP but is a one-time cost, not annual. If you have a VA Certificate of Eligibility, VA almost always beats FHA on total cost.
National City's location on the U.S.–Mexico border makes it a gateway community with strong ties to cross-border commerce and family networks.
The county's $102,285 median household income reflects a working-class and middle-class base. FHA's 50% debt-to-income cap aligns well with local wage patterns, making qualification more achievable than conventional's tighter overlays.
Principal and interest run $4,254 per month. Add property taxes, insurance, and MIP (roughly $345/month), and your total housing payment lands around $5,100–$5,200 depending on the property.
Yes, if you put down less than 10%. MIP never cancels on FHA loans below 90% LTV. At 3.5% down, you're locked into the annual 0.55% fee for the life of the loan unless you refinance to conventional later.
FHA allows 580 FICO minimum, but lenders typically require 640+ for approval. At 620, you'll face overlays—higher rates, larger down payment, or both. Call to discuss your specific credit profile.
Upfront MIP is 1.75% of the loan amount ($13,125). Add closing costs (title, appraisal, underwriting) of $3,000–$5,000. Total out-of-pocket is roughly $16K–$18K plus your down payment of $27K.
FHA wins if you're putting down 3–7% and your FICO is 640–720. Conventional wins if you can put 20% down or your FICO is 760+. Run both with your actual numbers to see the true cost difference.