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in Dixon, CA
Dixon buyers face a clear fork: conventional loans offer flexibility for anyone who qualifies, while VA loans deliver unbeatable benefits for eligible veterans and service members. Both work well in Solano County, but the right choice depends on your military status and financial profile.
Most Dixon veterans should explore VA loans first — the zero-down advantage alone saves years of saving. Civilian buyers typically default to conventional, which still offers strong terms for borrowers with solid credit and down payment reserves.
Conventional loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. You need 620+ credit and typically 3-20% down depending on your profile. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions, but strong credit scores unlock the best pricing.
These loans work for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties. You pay PMI if you put down less than 20%, but you can cancel it once you hit 20% equity. Loan limits go higher than conforming caps if you need jumbo financing.
VA loans eliminate the down payment entirely for eligible veterans, active-duty members, and qualifying spouses. The VA guarantees part of the loan, which lets lenders offer terms civilian borrowers can't access. You pay a funding fee instead of PMI, but disabled veterans get that waived.
Credit requirements are more forgiving — many lenders approve 580+ scores. You can reuse your VA benefit multiple times, and there's no prepayment penalty if you want to refinance or sell. Sellers can pay all your closing costs if they agree.
The down payment gap is huge. VA loans require $0 down, while conventional loans need at least 3% — that's $15,000+ on a $500k Dixon home. VA borrowers skip PMI completely, saving $200-300 monthly compared to a conventional buyer with 5% down.
Conventional loans accept anyone with qualifying credit and income. VA loans only work if you've served in the military or meet spousal eligibility. Conventional financing offers more property flexibility — you can buy investment properties or second homes, which VA restricts.
If you're VA-eligible, use it. The zero-down benefit and no PMI save tens of thousands over the loan term. The only reason to skip VA is if you're buying a multi-unit investment property or your funding fee outweighs conventional PMI costs — rare scenarios most Dixon veterans never face.
Civilians choose conventional by default. If you have 20% down saved, you avoid PMI and get excellent rates. With less than 20% down, compare total costs carefully — PMI adds up, but conventional loans still close fast and offer clean terms for qualified borrowers.
Yes, as long as the home is your primary residence. VA loans work anywhere in the U.S. for eligible service members buying their main home.
Most do. VA appraisals can be strict, but the loans close reliably and Dixon sellers understand their value for veteran buyers.
Conventional loans typically require 620+. VA loans often approve at 580+, though higher scores unlock better rates for both programs.
Not typically. Lenders require PMI below 20% down to protect against default risk, though you can cancel it once you reach 20% equity.
Both close in similar timeframes, usually 30-45 days. VA loans add an appraisal step, but experienced lenders keep the process moving smoothly.