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in San Bruno, CA
San Bruno sits in a high-cost area where FHA and USDA loans open paths with minimal down payment. The 2026 FHA loan limit is $1,249,125. USDA loans serve rural-eligible properties with zero down and no mortgage insurance.
Recent downtown development at the former Talbot's site signals growth. For buyers weighing these programs, the choice hinges on property location and household income.
FHA at 5.875% works when you have modest savings and solid credit. The program requires 3.5% down minimum with a 580 FICO floor.
Mortgage insurance (MIP) runs for life if down payment is under 10%. At 10% or more down, MIP cancels after 11 years. Upfront MIP is 1.75% of the loan amount.
USDA loans deliver zero down and no mortgage insurance for rural-eligible properties. Income limits apply, scaled by household size per USDA's published cap.
The annual fee is 0.35% of loan balance, plus 1% upfront. USDA borrowers skip mortgage insurance entirely, a real advantage over FHA.
FHA requires 3.5% down minimum, while USDA requires none. This gap matters most when savings are tight. FHA's mortgage insurance runs longer than USDA's annual fee.
Property location is the real divider: USDA only works on rural-eligible land. FHA works anywhere. San Bruno itself may fall outside USDA eligibility. Verify your address first.
FHA suits buyers in San Bruno proper with steady W-2 income. If your household earns near the county median of $156,000, FHA's 580+ FICO floor gets you to closing faster.
USDA wins for rural-property buyers with zero savings. If your target property sits in an eligible area and your income qualifies, USDA's zero down and no mortgage insurance make it the clear choice.
On a $750,000 FHA loan at 5.875% with 3.5% down, principal and interest is $4,437 monthly. Priced June 14, 2026, at 740 FICO and 96.5% LTV. Add taxes, insurance, and MIP.
No. FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum. Lenders offer better rates with 640+ FICO, but 580 is the floor.
It depends on your exact address. USDA loans are limited to rural-eligible properties. San Bruno's urban core likely falls outside USDA eligibility. Check your address with USDA's online map.
USDA costs less if you qualify and the property is eligible. Zero down plus 0.35% annual fee beats 3.5% down plus lifetime mortgage insurance. Savings compound over 30 years.
USDA caps household income at the area-specific threshold for this county, scaled by family size. Contact a lender with your household details to confirm eligibility.