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Scotts Valley sits in Santa Cruz County, where Habitat for Humanity just broke ground on 13 new affordable homes. The county's median household income of $109,266 supports purchases across a wide range of price points.
Community Mortgages bring local lending expertise to this market. Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading, understanding your qualification path matters here.
620+
Minimum FICO
3% to 20%
Down Payment Range
$109,266
County Median Income
30-45 days
Typical Close Timeline
Community Mortgages in Scotts Valley
Community Mortgages typically require a 620+ FICO score and accept down payments from 3% to 20%. Debt-to-income ratios usually cap at 43% to 50%, depending on reserves and credit profile.
The county's median household income of $109,266 translates to roughly $9,100 monthly gross. At that income level, a buyer can typically support a loan around $350,000 to $400,000.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect community mortgages eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Scotts Valley.
Scotts Valley sits in Santa Cruz County, where Habitat for Humanity just broke ground on 13 new affordable homes. The county's median household income of $109,266 supports purchases across a wide range of price points.
Community Mortgages bring local lending expertise to this market. Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading, understanding your qualification path matters here.
Community Mortgages typically require a 620+ FICO score and accept down payments from 3% to 20%. Debt-to-income ratios usually cap at 43% to 50%, depending on reserves and credit profile.
Community Mortgages operate through a network of brokers and direct lenders across California. Approval timelines typically run 30 to 45 days, with underwriting focused on income, assets, and credit history.
Broker partnerships often provide faster processing than retail banks. Community Mortgages emphasize flexibility on non-traditional income and self-employed borrowers.
Community Mortgages shine for first-time buyers and self-employed borrowers in Scotts Valley. The program's flexibility on income documentation and credit history works when a buyer has solid assets but non-standard W-2 income.
Above the 2026 conforming limit of $1,249,125, jumbo loans become necessary. Community Mortgages typically don't compete there—jumbo lenders require 20% down and stricter reserves.
Conventional loans require 20% down to avoid PMI, while Community Mortgages accept 3% to 5% down with mortgage insurance. That lower down payment keeps more cash in your pocket at closing.
FHA loans offer similar down-payment flexibility but carry lifetime mortgage insurance if you put down less than 10%. Community Mortgages' PMI cancels at 78% LTV, making the long-term cost lower.
UC Santa Cruz Regents approved a new student housing complex targeting a fall 2029 opening. That kind of regional growth signals sustained demand for homes in Scotts Valley.
The Watsonville Cinco de Mayo Festival and active dining scene across Santa Cruz County show a community that values local culture. Buyers relocating here often cite the county's lifestyle as a key factor.
Community Mortgages typically require a 620+ FICO. Some lenders accept scores as low as 580 with strong income or reserves.
Yes. Community Mortgages accept down payments as low as 3%. The lower your down payment, the higher your mortgage insurance cost.
Most Community Mortgages close in 30 to 45 days. Self-employed borrowers may need extra time for income documentation review.
Yes. Community Mortgages accept self-employed income with flexible documentation. Two years of tax returns are typically required.
The 2026 conforming limit is $1,249,125. Loans above that amount require jumbo financing with different terms.