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in Pacifica, CA
Pacifica buyers choosing between conventional and VA loans face a stark down-payment choice. Conventional requires 20% down to avoid mortgage insurance, while VA allows zero down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
San Mateo County's median household income is $156,000, which supports purchases well into the mid-range. The 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125, giving both programs plenty of room in this coastal market.
Conventional at 6.25% works when you have substantial savings for down payment. At 80% LTV the monthly payment is $4,618 with no PMI.
Underwriting wants documented income and two years of work history. Reserves beyond the down payment strengthen your application in this competitive market.
VA at 5.75% opens the door to zero-down financing for eligible veterans. The monthly payment is $4,377 on a $750,000 loan with no down payment required.
The funding fee (roughly 2.15% for first-time users) rolls into the loan amount. VA doesn't require reserves or a specific credit floor beyond 620 FICO.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh Conventional Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Pacifica.
Pacifica buyers choosing between conventional and VA loans face a stark down-payment choice. Conventional requires 20% down to avoid mortgage insurance, while VA allows zero down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members.
San Mateo County's median household income is $156,000, which supports purchases well into the mid-range. The 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125, giving both programs plenty of room in this coastal market.
Conventional at 6.25% works when you have substantial savings for down payment. At 80% LTV the monthly payment is $4,618 with no PMI.
The payment gap is $241 per month in favor of VA. Conventional requires a substantial down payment while VA requires nothing at closing.
Conventional PMI cancels at 80% LTV; VA's funding fee is permanent. The rate advantage ($0.50 spread) favors VA over a 30-year hold.
Choose conventional if you have substantial savings and want to avoid the funding fee. You'll reach 80% LTV immediately, eliminating mortgage insurance and locking in a clean loan structure.
Choose VA if you're an eligible veteran or active-duty service member with limited down-payment savings. The zero-down path and lower rate make the funding fee a worthwhile trade.
On a $750,000 loan, conventional at 6.25% costs $4,618/month and VA at 5.75% costs $4,377/month. That's $241 monthly savings with VA.
No. VA loans skip mortgage insurance entirely. A funding fee (roughly 2.15% for first-time users with zero down) rolls into the loan instead.
Yes. Put 20% down to reach 80% LTV and PMI disappears immediately. Below 80% LTV, PMI applies until you hit 78% through appreciation.
VA typically accepts 620 FICO and above. Conventional lenders often want 640–660 minimum, though some go lower with strong income and reserves.
Yes. The 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125, which covers most Pacifica purchases. Both conventional and VA loans reach that limit.