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Santee sits in San Diego County where the median household income of $102,285 stretches across a market running $700K–$850K for single-family homes. At 5.5% interest, a $750,000 VA purchase runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone.
VA loans dominate the military-heavy neighborhoods here because zero down means qualified veterans skip the conventional 20% down requirement entirely. No PMI, no waiting to save — just a funding fee rolled into the loan and you're in.
5.5%
Interest Rate
$4,258
Monthly P&I
620
Min FICO
$0
Down Payment
$750,000
Loan Amount
VA Loans in Santee
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility proving active duty, veteran status, or surviving spouse status. Credit floor sits at 620 FICO, though most lenders prefer 680+. This scenario shows 740 FICO — well above the floor.
Zero down is the defining feature. You borrow the full purchase price with no equity injection. San Diego County's $102,285 median household income supports $750K purchases comfortably when the rate is fixed and the down payment is zero.
Funding fee runs 2.15% on first-time use with zero down — about $16,125 on a $750K loan. Disabled veterans rated 10% or higher, Purple Heart recipients, and surviving spouses are exempt from this fee entirely.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Santee.
Santee sits in San Diego County where the median household income of $102,285 stretches across a market running $700K–$850K for single-family homes. At 5.5% interest, a $750,000 VA purchase runs $4,258 monthly for principal and interest alone.
VA loans dominate the military-heavy neighborhoods here because zero down means qualified veterans skip the conventional 20% down requirement entirely. No PMI, no waiting to save — just a funding fee rolled into the loan and you're in.
VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility proving active duty, veteran status, or surviving spouse status. Credit floor sits at 620 FICO, though most lenders prefer 680+. This scenario shows 740 FICO — well above the floor.
VA lending in California splits between retail banks, credit unions, and mortgage brokers. Retail lenders (Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America) offer VA loans but often carry overlays — tighter credit, higher reserves, longer timelines.
The VA loan market is competitive. Most lenders close in 30–45 days. San Diego County sees high VA volume because of military presence in the region. Expect straightforward underwriting if your Certificate of Eligibility is clean and your credit is solid.
Appraisals run VA-specific. The VA appraisal protects you by ensuring the property value supports the loan. If the appraisal comes in low, you don't have to make up the difference — the seller must lower the price or you walk.
VA loans pencil in Santee when you're eligible and the rate environment favors fixed-rate borrowing. At 5.5%, the zero-down advantage is real — you avoid the $150K down payment a conventional buyer would need on a $750K purchase.
The trade-off: VA loans carry a funding fee that conventional loans don't. On a $750K first-time use loan, that's $16,125 added to your balance. If you're disabled (10%+ rating), the fee disappears and VA becomes the obvious choice.
Conventional loans at this price point require 20% down ($150,000) to avoid PMI. VA requires zero down. That's a $150K advantage upfront — you keep that cash for closing costs, reserves, or life.
Conventional rates typically run 0.125–0.25% lower than VA because conventional carries no funding fee. But on a $750K loan, that rate advantage costs you $937–$1,875 per year in extra interest.
Santee's proximity to Naval Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton makes it a natural hub for military families. The VA loan market here is deep — lenders understand the program, appraisers know the neighborhoods, and closings move fast because volume is steady.
Schools in the Santee area serve military families well. Families with active-duty or veteran status often choose Santee because the community understands military moves, deployments, and the need for stable housing.
Principal and interest run $4,258 per month at 5.5% on a $750,000 VA 30-year fixed. That's as of April 16, 2026. Add property taxes, insurance, and HOA if applicable — those vary by property. The 0.197 discount points cost $1,478 upfront.
No. VA loans require zero down for eligible veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses. You borrow the full purchase price. A funding fee (2.15% on first-time use) replaces PMI and is rolled into the loan amount.
The VA minimum is 620 FICO, but most lenders prefer 680 or higher. This scenario shows 740 FICO. If you're below 680, call — some lenders will work with you, but expect tighter terms or a longer close.
No. First-time VA users with zero down pay 2.15%. Subsequent use is 3.3%. Veterans with a 10% or higher disability rating, Purple Heart recipients, and surviving spouses pay zero funding fee — it's waived entirely.
Yes. Active-duty service members are eligible for VA loans. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Your lender can help you request one if you don't have it yet. The process is fast.