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Vacaville sits between Sacramento and the Bay Area. That geography keeps prices more reasonable than coastal Solano County cities.
FHA loans fit well here. First-time buyers can get into Vacaville without the massive down payment Bay Area markets demand.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
~43%
Max DTI
Life of loan (most)
MIP Duration
FHA Loans in Vacaville
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down instead.
Debt-to-income ratio matters too. Most FHA lenders cap at 43%, though some go higher with strong compensating factors.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Vacaville.
Vacaville sits between Sacramento and the Bay Area. That geography keeps prices more reasonable than coastal Solano County cities.
FHA loans fit well here. First-time buyers can get into Vacaville without the massive down payment Bay Area markets demand.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down instead.
Retail banks offer FHA loans, but they often layer on overlays — tighter rules than FHA actually requires.
We shop across 200+ wholesale lenders. That means we find who's actually approving files at your credit score and income profile.
FHA mortgage insurance never goes away on most loans made after 2013. That's the detail most buyers miss.
If you put less than 10% down, you pay MIP — mortgage insurance premium — for the life of the loan. Plan for that cost.
VA loans beat FHA for eligible veterans. No down payment, no monthly MIP — it's a stronger program if you qualify.
Conventional loans make sense once your credit hits 700+. PMI is cancellable, and there's no upfront insurance premium.
Vacaville has a mix of newer subdivisions and older stock. FHA appraisers flag deferred maintenance — know that going in.
The Solano County FHA loan limit caps how much you can borrow. Price your search accordingly before falling in love with a listing.
Solano County has its own FHA loan limit set annually by HUD. Ask us for the current figure — limits adjust each year.
Yes, FHA allows 2-4 unit properties if you live in one unit. Rental income from other units can help you qualify.
Upfront MIP is 1.75% of the loan amount. Annual MIP runs 0.55% on most 30-year loans. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Some sellers hesitate on FHA due to appraisal requirements. A strong pre-approval letter and clean offer terms help compete.
Yes. Once you have 20% equity and solid credit, refinancing to conventional removes monthly MIP entirely.
FHA allows 500, but most lenders we work with want 580+. Some approve 560+ with strong income and reserves.