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Monte Sereno sits in one of the most expensive zip codes in Santa Clara County. VA loans give eligible veterans a real path into this market without a down payment.
Santa Clara County home prices put conventional financing out of reach for many buyers. A VA loan changes that math significantly for those who've served.
0%
Down Payment
620 (typical)
Min Credit Score
None
Mortgage Insurance
Typically lower
Rate vs. Conventional
21–30 days
Est. Close Time
VA Loans in Monte Sereno
To use a VA loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Most lenders also want a 620 credit score, though some will go lower.
Debt-to-income ratio matters. Most VA lenders cap it at 41%, but strong residual income can offset a higher ratio.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Monte Sereno.
Monte Sereno sits in one of the most expensive zip codes in Santa Clara County. VA loans give eligible veterans a real path into this market without a down payment.
Santa Clara County home prices put conventional financing out of reach for many buyers. A VA loan changes that math significantly for those who've served.
To use a VA loan, you need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA. Most lenders also want a 620 credit score, though some will go lower.
Not every lender handles VA loans well. Some bank loan officers see one VA deal a month. We work with wholesale lenders who do VA volume daily.
VA loans have lender overlays — rules stricter than the VA's own guidelines. Shopping lenders matters more than most buyers realize.
Monte Sereno sellers expect strong offers. Get your VA pre-approval tight before you write anything. A sloppy pre-approval letter kills deals here.
VA appraisals have minimum property requirements. Older homes in this area sometimes trigger repair conditions. Know that before you make an offer.
Conventional loans in Santa Clara County require at least 3-5% down. On a high-value property, that's a six-figure sum out of pocket.
FHA requires 3.5% down and charges mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. VA has no mortgage insurance at all — that's a real monthly savings.
Monte Sereno is a small, affluent city with limited inventory. Sellers see multiple offers. Your VA offer needs a strong agent and a clean pre-approval.
Santa Clara County is a high-cost area, which means VA loan limits are higher here. As of April 2026, eligible veterans with full entitlement have no loan limit.
Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit. Partial entitlement holders are subject to county limits.
Yes. With full entitlement, there's no cap on the purchase price. Your qualifying income and lender guidelines determine the ceiling.
It's a one-time fee paid to the VA, not a lender. It can be financed into your loan balance. Some veterans are exempt.
Legally, yes. Some sellers prefer conventional buyers. A strong pre-approval and experienced agent help overcome that bias.
With a VA-experienced lender, 21-30 days is realistic. The VA appraisal is the most common delay to plan around.
Yes. The VA IRRRL lets you refinance to a lower rate with minimal paperwork. Cash-out refinances are also available. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.