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in Suisun City, CA
Suisun City sits in a unique position. Parts of the city qualify for USDA financing, which means zero down payment. Other areas require FHA with 3.5% down.
Most buyers here choose based on where the house sits and what they can afford upfront. USDA saves cash at closing but has stricter income caps. FHA works citywide but requires more money down.
FHA loans require 3.5% down and accept credit scores as low as 580. You'll pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% plus monthly premiums for the loan's life. These loans work for any property type in Suisun City.
Debt-to-income ratios can stretch to 50% with strong credit. Sellers can contribute up to 6% toward closing costs. FHA allows non-occupant co-borrowers, which helps buyers who need family income to qualify.
USDA loans require zero down payment but only work in designated rural areas. Suisun City has USDA-eligible zones, mainly outside the urban core. You must meet income limits based on household size and county median income.
No monthly mortgage insurance exists after closing. You pay a 1% upfront guarantee fee and 0.35% annual fee. Properties must be owner-occupied primary residences. USDA reviews income limits annually, and Solano County caps change with the market.
Down payment separates these programs first. USDA needs nothing down in eligible areas. FHA requires 3.5% everywhere. On a $450,000 home, that's $15,750 out of pocket with FHA versus zero with USDA.
Income caps matter more with USDA. A family of four in Solano County hits limits around $103,500 annual income. FHA has no income ceiling. Location restricts USDA eligibility while FHA works citywide. Monthly costs run lower with USDA once you're past closing.
Check USDA eligibility first if you're looking at homes outside central Suisun City. If the property qualifies and your household income stays under county limits, USDA saves thousands upfront and hundreds monthly. Most buyers in eligible areas choose USDA when they can.
FHA makes sense when USDA doesn't work. You're over income limits, the house sits in an ineligible zone, or you need the flexibility FHA offers with co-borrowers. FHA also closes faster since USDA adds rural development review time.
Areas outside the urban center typically qualify. We check exact eligibility by address using USDA's online map before you make offers.
No. USDA enforces strict income caps based on household size. If you're over the limit, FHA becomes your government-backed option.
USDA charges a 0.35% annual fee, not traditional PMI. It's lower than FHA's ongoing premium and drops off once you hit 20% equity through refinancing.
FHA typically closes in 25-30 days. USDA adds 5-10 days for rural development approval and income verification steps.
Only if your home sits in a USDA-eligible zone and you meet income limits at refinance. Most borrowers refinance USDA to conventional once they build equity.