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in Woodside, CA
Woodside sits in San Mateo County's premium market, where the 2026 conforming limit reaches $1,249,125. Both FHA and VA loans operate at that ceiling here, but they serve different buyers.
The county's median household income of $156,000 supports substantial mortgages in this area. Burlingame's 220 Park office tower just hit 100% occupancy with major tech tenants, signaling continued regional strength.
FHA loans let buyers with limited savings enter the Woodside market. The program requires just 3.5% down and accepts credit scores as low as 580. Mortgage insurance protects the lender and stays on your loan for the full term unless you refinance.
FHA's strength is flexibility. Self-employed borrowers, recent credit repairs, and non-traditional income sources all fit. The trade-off is mortgage insurance — it adds roughly 0.5% to 1% annually to your loan balance.
VA loans eliminate the down-payment barrier entirely for eligible veterans and service members. Zero down means the full purchase price rolls into the loan, plus a one-time funding fee.
VA's advantage sharpens at higher prices. In Woodside, where homes easily exceed $1 million, skipping the down payment frees substantial capital. The funding fee is a real cost but typically lower than FHA mortgage insurance over time.
Local decision guide
Use this comparison to weigh FHA Loans and VA Loans through local payment fit, eligibility, documentation, and timing before choosing a path in Woodside.
Woodside sits in San Mateo County's premium market, where the 2026 conforming limit reaches $1,249,125. Both FHA and VA loans operate at that ceiling here, but they serve different buyers.
The county's median household income of $156,000 supports substantial mortgages in this area. Burlingame's 220 Park office tower just hit 100% occupancy with major tech tenants, signaling continued regional strength.
FHA loans let buyers with limited savings enter the Woodside market. The program requires just 3.5% down and accepts credit scores as low as 580. Mortgage insurance protects the lender and stays on your loan for the full term unless you refinance.
Down payment is the first split. FHA demands 3.5% upfront; VA demands nothing. On a typical Woodside purchase, that's a meaningful gap in cash required at closing. FHA borrowers with limited savings benefit immediately.
Mortgage insurance versus funding fee is the second. FHA's insurance stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance to 80% LTV. VA's funding fee is a one-time cost rolled into the loan.
Choose FHA if you're not military-eligible and need flexibility on credit or income. A Woodside buyer with a 600 credit score, recent self-employment, or non-traditional income fits FHA well.
Choose VA if you served and want to maximize purchasing power without a down payment. A veteran with $156,000 household income can reach the full $1,249,125 county limit with zero cash down. The funding fee is real, but it's a one-time event.
Yes. FHA accepts 580 and above. Most lenders in San Mateo County will work with 600+. You may face slightly higher rates or require compensating factors like a larger down payment or lower debt ratio.
Yes. VA loans require active duty, reserve, National Guard service, or veteran status. Spouses of deceased service members may also qualify. Check your Certificate of Eligibility with the VA to confirm.
VA typically costs less. FHA's insurance runs 0.5% to 1% annually on your loan balance. VA's funding fee is 1.25% to 3.3% one-time. On a $1,200,000 loan, FHA insurance alone could exceed $6,000 per year; VA's fee is paid once.
Yes, but only to 80% LTV. You'd need $249,825 in equity on a $1,249,125 purchase. Many Woodside buyers refinance to conventional once they hit that threshold, dropping the insurance.
Yes. VA loans work for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. You must occupy the property as your primary residence at closing. Investment properties require different terms.