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in Cotati, CA
Cotati sits in Sonoma County, where home prices push most buyers toward serious financing decisions. Choosing the wrong loan costs real money.
If you're a veteran or active-duty service member, VA is hard to beat. For everyone else, conventional is the standard path.
Conventional loans aren't backed by the government. Lenders set terms based on your credit, income, and down payment.
Put down 20% and you skip private mortgage insurance entirely. Strong credit borrowers often get sharper rates on conventional than any other product.
VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible borrowers buy with zero down and no monthly mortgage insurance.
The funding fee replaces mortgage insurance — and it can be financed into the loan. Surviving spouses of veterans may also qualify.
VA rates typically run below conventional. HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed hitting 6.57% — VA borrowers usually see something lower than that. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Conventional has no eligibility gate. VA requires a Certificate of Eligibility. That one document determines which path is even available to you.
If you've served and have your entitlement intact, take the VA loan. Zero down and no PMI in Sonoma County is a significant financial advantage.
If you're not VA-eligible and have strong credit with 20% saved, conventional is clean and competitive. Less documentation, no funding fee, fast closes.
Yes. VA-eligible borrowers with full entitlement can buy in Cotati with zero down. No loan limits apply when you have full entitlement.
Most borrowers pay it, but veterans with a service-connected disability are exempt. It can be financed into the loan.
VA has no monthly mortgage insurance at all. Conventional requires PMI until you reach 20% equity in the home.
Most conventional lenders want 620 minimum. VA has no official minimum, but most lenders set their own floor around 580-620.
Absolutely. Some borrowers prefer conventional to preserve VA entitlement for a future purchase. It depends on your strategy.
Conventional often closes faster. VA loans require a VA appraisal, which can add time depending on appraiser availability.