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FHA Loans in San Francisco
What's the monthly payment on a $750,000 FHA loan at today's rate?
On a $750,000 FHA loan at 5.875% (5.887% APR) with $27,202 down, principal and interest run $4,437 per month. Add property taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance for your total.
01
San Francisco unemployment fell to 3.4% in April as healthcare and leisure sectors offset tech layoffs. At 5.875%, a $750,000 FHA loan carries a $4,437 monthly payment for principal and interest.
The Caltrain Railyards redevelopment at 4th and King is reshaping the waterfront. FHA financing lets buyers with modest savings enter the market at lower credit thresholds than conventional loans.
5.875%
Interest Rate
$4,437
Monthly P&I
580
Minimum FICO
3.5%
Down Payment Min
$750,000
Loan Amount
30 days
Lock Period
02
FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum with 3.5% down, or 500 FICO with 10% down. San Francisco's median household income of $141,446 supports purchases in the $700,000 to $800,000 range comfortably.
Debt-to-income limits run 43% to 50% depending on compensating factors. Most lenders want two years of employment history and a clean payment record on existing obligations.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in San Francisco.
San Francisco unemployment fell to 3.4% in April as healthcare and leisure sectors offset tech layoffs. At 5.875%, a $750,000 FHA loan carries a $4,437 monthly payment for principal and interest.
The Caltrain Railyards redevelopment at 4th and King is reshaping the waterfront. FHA financing lets buyers with modest savings enter the market at lower credit thresholds than conventional loans.
FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum with 3.5% down, or 500 FICO with 10% down. San Francisco's median household income of $141,446 supports purchases in the $700,000 to $800,000 range comfortably.
Rate check
Tell us the price range, down payment and credit range you are working with. We compare every lender we work with and show you the options side by side.
03
FHA loans in California move through both retail banks and mortgage brokers. Most lenders price FHA and conventional similarly, but FHA's lower credit floor and down-payment flexibility attract buyers who'd otherwise wait.
Underwriting timelines run 17 to 21 days for FHA. Appraisals are stricter than conventional—the property must meet FHA safety and livability standards, which can delay deals in older San Francisco buildings.
04
FHA makes sense in San Francisco when you have 3.5% to 10% saved but conventional's 5% minimum feels tight. Above $800,000, the lifetime mortgage insurance on high-LTV FHA loans ($750,000 at 96.5% LTV) costs more than a conventional refinance path.
The 2026 FHA limit here is $1,249,125. Buyers near that ceiling should compare FHA's lifetime MIP against a jumbo loan's higher rate—the math often favors jumbo at that price.
05
Conventional loans at 5% down carry PMI that cancels at 78% LTV. FHA's 3.5% down costs less upfront but the mortgage insurance never leaves unless you refinance—a real difference over 10 years.
FHA wins when credit is tight or savings are thin. Conventional wins when you can put 5% down and plan to stay five years or less, because PMI exits faster than FHA's lifetime insurance.
06
The new five-acre Marina East Harbor park signals continued waterfront investment. Buyers financing FHA in the Marina or Presidio benefit from these infrastructure upgrades, which support long-term property values.
School closures and enrollment shifts are reshaping district planning. Families with school-age children should factor these changes into their neighborhood choice before locking in an FHA mortgage.
07
FHA lending in California remains steady despite tech volatility. San Francisco's 3.4% unemployment rate in April kept purchase demand solid across all loan types.
Lenders report FHA closings holding at 15% to 20% of total volume. First-time buyers and those with credit challenges drive most FHA volume in the Bay Area.
FAQ
On a $750,000 FHA loan at 5.875% (5.887% APR) with $27,202 down, principal and interest run $4,437 per month. Add property taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance for your total.
Yes. With 10% or more down, FHA mortgage insurance cancels after 11 years. Below 10% down, MIP stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance.
No. FHA requires a minimum 580 FICO to put 3.5% down. With a 620 score, you'd qualify, but lenders may impose overlays or require compensating factors like strong income or reserves.
Yes. The 2026 FHA limit in San Francisco is $1,249,125, reflecting high-cost-area status. This lets you borrow more than the standard FHA cap in lower-cost counties.
Expect 17 to 21 days for FHA approval. Appraisals can take longer because FHA standards are stricter—older buildings may need repairs to pass inspection.
Programs for first-time buyers that allow lower down payments and more forgiving credit and income rules.
Explore refinancing options to lower your rate, tap equity, or switch loan terms.
SRK CAPITAL in San Francisco County
Our team of licensed mortgage brokers works San Francisco County every week. Tell us where you are in the process and we will map out the loan, the timeline and the money you need at closing, with no obligation.
What working with us looks like
Licensed mortgage brokers
You talk with a broker, not a call center, from the first question to closing day.
17-21 day typical close
Most purchase loans close in 17-21 days once your paperwork is in.
Every county in California
We work across the state, including San Francisco County, so local limits and rules are already familiar.
Financing solutions for rental properties, fix-and-flip projects, and real estate portfolios.
Mortgage programs with alternative income documentation for business owners and freelancers.
Federally insured or guaranteed programs (FHA, VA, USDA) that let lenders accept lower credit scores and smaller down payments.
Traditional mortgage options meeting standard lending guidelines with various term structures.
Alternative lending programs for borrowers who need flexible documentation or unique loan structures.
Side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the right mortgage program.
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Mortgage rates, terms, and program availability can change and vary by borrower and property. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for guidance on your scenario.