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Buellton sits in Santa Barbara County wine country. Property prices here reflect that desirability.
FHA loans give buyers a real entry point. A 3.5% down payment goes a long way when cash is tight.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
Up to 57%
Max DTI
Fixed or ARM
Rate Type
FHA Loans in Buellton
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down instead.
Debt-to-income ratio matters more than most buyers realize. FHA allows up to 57% DTI with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Buellton.
Buellton sits in Santa Barbara County wine country. Property prices here reflect that desirability.
FHA loans give buyers a real entry point. A 3.5% down payment goes a long way when cash is tight.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down instead.
Not every lender works with FHA in smaller California markets. Buellton's limited inventory creates extra appraisal scrutiny.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders. That means we find the ones actively pricing FHA deals in Santa Barbara County.
FHA appraisals are stricter than conventional. Peeling paint, broken windows, or missing handrails can kill a deal fast.
Sellers in competitive markets sometimes resist FHA offers. We coach buyers on how to structure offers that compete.
Conventional loans require 620+ credit and often 5% down. FHA wins on entry cost for buyers with thinner credit files.
USDA loans offer zero down — but Buellton's eligibility depends on the specific address. VA beats FHA for veterans, period.
Buellton is a small market. Comparable sales for appraisals can be thin, which creates valuation risk on FHA deals.
Santa Barbara County's wine corridor draws second-home buyers. FHA is primary-residence only — that shapes who you're competing against.
Santa Barbara County qualifies as a high-cost area. Confirm the current limit with us before you start shopping — it affects your maximum purchase price.
FHA requires an upfront MIP of 1.75% plus an annual premium split into monthly payments. It does not automatically drop like conventional PMI.
Yes — the FHA 203k rehab loan lets you finance purchase and repairs together. The property still must meet basic habitability standards at closing.
Some sellers prefer conventional buyers due to appraisal conditions. Strong earnest money and clean terms help your FHA offer compete.
580 gets you 3.5% down. Scores from 500-579 still qualify but require 10% down. Below 500, FHA is not available.
USDA eligibility depends on the specific property address, not just the city. Check with us — some Buellton addresses may qualify for zero down.