Question 1

What's the conforming loan limit in Shasta County for 2026?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 conforming limit is $832,750. Loans above that amount are jumbo loans and typically require 20% down and a stronger credit profile.

Question 2

Is Shasta County an FHA high-cost area?

Accepted Answer

No. Shasta County is not an FHA high-cost area. The FHA limit here is $541,287 for 2026.

Question 3

Is Shasta County a VA high-cost area?

Accepted Answer

No. Shasta County is not a VA high-cost area. VA loans can go up to the conforming limit of $832,750 in 2026.

Question 4

What credit score do I need to buy in Redding?

Accepted Answer

Most conventional lenders require a minimum FICO of 620. FHA accepts 580+ FICO with a 3.5% down payment. VA loans have no set floor but typically 620+ is expected.

Question 5

How much down payment do I need on a conventional loan?

Accepted Answer

Conventional loans require a minimum 3% down. At 5% to 10% down, PMI applies. At 20% down, you skip PMI entirely.

Question 6

Do I need PMI on a conventional loan with 15% down?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PMI is required on conventional loans when you put down less than 20%. At 15% down, PMI applies until your equity reaches 22%.

Question 7

What's the FHA down payment requirement?

Accepted Answer

FHA requires 3.5% down minimum with a 580+ FICO score. The upfront mortgage insurance premium is 1.75% of the loan amount.

Question 8

How long does FHA mortgage insurance last?

Accepted Answer

If you put down less than 10%, FHA MIP runs for the life of the loan. With 10% or more down, it cancels after 11 years.

Question 9

Can I get a VA loan with zero down?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VA loans allow zero down for eligible veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses with a Certificate of Eligibility. A funding fee applies instead of PMI.

Question 10

What's the VA funding fee?

Accepted Answer

The VA funding fee is 2.15% at zero down for first-time use. On subsequent VA loans, it's 3.3%. Veterans with a 10% or higher disability rating are exempt.

Question 11

How does the Redding Rancheria health village affect the local market?

Accepted Answer

The $232 million health village opening in 2027 will bring jobs and infrastructure to Redding. This kind of development typically supports steady home values and buyer demand.

Question 12

What income do I need to qualify for a mortgage in Redding?

Accepted Answer

Income requirements depend on the loan type and down payment. Shasta County's median household income is $71,931. Most lenders want your housing payment below 28% of gross income.

Question 13

Can I use USDA financing in Redding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parts of Shasta County qualify for USDA loans if the property is in an eligible rural area. USDA allows zero down and caps household income at the area-specific threshold for this county.

Question 14

What's the difference between jumbo and conforming loans?

Accepted Answer

Jumbo loans exceed the $832,750 conforming limit. Jumbo typically requires 20% down, stronger credit, and carries a rate premium of 0.125% to 0.5% above conforming.

Question 15

How long does it take to close a mortgage in Redding?

Accepted Answer

Most mortgages close in 30 to 45 days. Redding's market moves steadily, so timelines are predictable. Your lender will give you a specific estimate at application.

Mortgage questions from Redding buyers, answered