Question 1

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in San Diego County?

Accepted Answer

The conforming limit for 2026 is $1,104,000. Loans above that are jumbo and require stricter qualification. Most National City purchases stay under this ceiling.

Question 2

Is San Diego County an FHA high-cost area in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes. San Diego County is a high-cost area for FHA loans in 2026. FHA limits match the conforming ceiling at $1,104,000.

Question 3

Can I get a VA loan with zero down in National City?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VA loans allow zero down for eligible veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses with a Certificate of Eligibility. A funding fee replaces PMI.

Question 4

What is the VA funding fee at zero down?

Accepted Answer

The funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount on first VA use with zero down. It rolls into the loan. Subsequent VA loans cost 3.3% at zero down.

Question 5

Do I need a VA disability rating to skip the funding fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A 10% or higher VA disability rating exempts you from the funding fee. Without that rating, the fee applies at zero down.

Question 6

What is the FHA down payment minimum?

Accepted Answer

FHA requires 3.5% down minimum with a 580+ credit score. Upfront mortgage insurance is 1.75% of the loan amount and rolls into your loan.

Question 7

How long does FHA mortgage insurance last?

Accepted Answer

If you put down less than 10%, insurance runs for the life of the loan. With 10%+ down, it cancels after 11 years of on-time payments.

Question 8

Do I need 20% down to avoid PMI on a conventional loan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. At 20% down (80% LTV), you skip PMI entirely. Below 20%, PMI applies until you reach 78% LTV or request cancellation at 80%.

Question 9

What credit score do I need for a conventional loan?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders want 620+ for conventional loans. Scores of 740+ access better rates. Some lenders go lower, but expect higher rates below 620.

Question 10

How does San Diego County's housing growth affect National City?

Accepted Answer

Low-income housing construction is at a 40-year high in the county. This increases rental supply and may ease affordability pressure in the region.

Question 11

What is the difference between FHA and VA loans?

Accepted Answer

VA allows zero down; FHA requires 3.5% minimum. VA has no PMI (funding fee instead). FHA insurance lasts longer unless you put 10%+ down.

Question 12

Can I get a jumbo loan in National City?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jumbo loans exceed the $1,104,000 conforming limit. Expect 20%+ down, 700+ credit, and 6-12 months of reserves. Rates run 0.125% to 0.5% above conforming.

Question 13

How much income do I need to qualify for a home here?

Accepted Answer

Lenders typically cap debt-to-income at 43-50%. With San Diego County's $102,285 median income, households at that level support loans around $400,000 to $500,000 depending on other debts.

Question 14

What is the timeline from offer to closing?

Accepted Answer

Conventional loans typically close in 30-45 days. FHA and VA take 40-50 days due to appraisal and inspection requirements. Jumbo loans may stretch to 45-60 days.

Question 15

Do National City neighborhoods have HOA fees?

Accepted Answer

Some National City neighborhoods have HOA fees; others don't. Ask the listing agent and factor HOA costs into your monthly budget. Lenders count HOA fees toward debt-to-income.

National City mortgage FAQ for San Diego County buyers