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Vacaville sits between Sacramento and the Bay Area — that's not a coincidence for buyers. Many people come here specifically because Bay Area salaries stretch further in Solano County.
Conventional loans fit this market well. Buyers here often have strong credit and solid income, which is exactly what conventional underwriting rewards.
620
Min Credit Score
3%
Min Down Payment
20% Equity
PMI Removed At
740+ Score
Best Rate Threshold
200+
Lenders Shopped
Most lenders want a 620 minimum credit score for conventional loans. To get the best rates, aim for 740 or higher — that's where pricing really improves.
You'll need at least 3% down for a primary residence. Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely. PMI adds to your monthly cost until you hit 20% equity.
Retail banks advertise conventional loans heavily, but their rates aren't always competitive. Wholesale lenders — the ones brokers access — often price sharper on the same loan.
At SRK CAPITAL, we shop your conventional loan across 200+ wholesale lenders. One application, multiple real offers. That's a different process than applying at a single bank.
HousingWire flagged that the 30-year fixed rate hit 6.57% recently, with applications dropping over 10% in a single week. For conventional borrowers in Vacaville, that rate sensitivity matters — your credit score and down payment directly affect where your rate lands within that range.
The biggest mistake I see: buyers assume all conventional loans are the same. They're not. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each have different overlays, and lenders add their own on top. We know which lenders price aggressively for Solano County borrowers.
FHA loans allow lower credit scores but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan in most cases. Conventional PMI drops off automatically at 20% equity — FHA's doesn't always.
Jumbo loans kick in above the conforming loan limit. If your purchase price stays within conforming limits, conventional is typically cheaper than jumbo on rate and fees.
Solano County's conforming loan limits determine whether your loan stays conventional or tips into jumbo territory. Knowing that ceiling matters before you start shopping homes in Vacaville.
Vacaville attracts a lot of repeat buyers and move-up buyers — people with equity from a prior home. That equity often handles the 20% down, making conventional the obvious fit over FHA.
Most lenders require 620 minimum. For the best rates, 740 or higher is the target.
Yes, as low as 3% on a primary home. You'll pay PMI until you reach 20% equity.
PMI is private mortgage insurance added to your monthly payment. It cancels automatically once you hit 20% equity.
For buyers with 740+ credit and 20% down, yes. FHA costs more long-term due to permanent mortgage insurance in most cases.
Solano County follows the conforming loan limit set annually by the FHFA. Loans above that limit become jumbo loans.
A broker shops your loan across many wholesale lenders at once. Banks can only offer their own rates.
Conventional Loans in Vacaville