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Cloverdale sits at the northern edge of Sonoma County wine country. Prices here run lower than Santa Rosa or Petaluma — which makes FHA a realistic option.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. For buyers stretching into Sonoma County, that gap between saving and buying gets much smaller.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Minimum Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
43%
Max DTI (typical)
Government-insured
Loan Type
FHA Loans in Cloverdale
You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and you're looking at 10% down instead.
Debt-to-income ratio matters. Most FHA lenders want your total monthly debts under 43% of gross income — 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 Cloverdale.
Cloverdale sits at the northern edge of Sonoma County wine country. Prices here run lower than Santa Rosa or Petaluma — which makes FHA a realistic option.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. For buyers stretching into Sonoma County, that gap between saving and buying gets much smaller.
You need a 580 credit score for 3.5% down. Drop below 580 but stay above 500, and you're looking at 10% down instead.
Not every lender prices FHA the same way. Retail banks often add overlays — tighter credit minimums than FHA actually requires.
Wholesale lenders we access frequently price FHA more competitively. Shopping across 200+ lenders matters more than picking a name-brand bank.
FHA's biggest hidden cost is mortgage insurance. You pay an upfront premium of 1.75% plus an annual premium — and it doesn't drop off automatically.
On a 30-year FHA loan with less than 10% down, that annual MIP sticks for the life of the loan. That's the trade-off for the low entry point.
Conventional loans at 3% down exist — but they require stronger credit, usually 620 minimum. FHA gives you more flexibility on credit history.
USDA loans have zero down and cover rural areas. Parts of Cloverdale may qualify. Worth checking before defaulting to FHA.
Cloverdale's rural character means some properties have well and septic systems. FHA has specific requirements for both — they must pass inspection.
Wildfire risk is real in northern Sonoma County. FHA lenders will require hazard insurance. Some carriers have pulled out of this area — confirm coverage before you're in contract.
FHA sets loan limits by county each year. Check current Sonoma County limits with us directly — they update annually and affect your max purchase price.
Yes, the FHA 203k loan covers purchase and renovation in one loan. The property still must meet minimum safety standards at closing.
Yes. FHA accepts self-employment income with two years of tax returns. Lenders average your net income — write-offs reduce qualifying income.
Typical FHA closings run 30–45 days. Rural properties with well and septic add time for required inspections.
Not on the FHA loan itself if you put less than 10% down. You'd refinance into a conventional loan once you have enough equity.
Parts of Cloverdale may qualify for USDA's zero-down program. It's worth checking eligibility before committing to FHA.