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in Rohnert Park, CA
Rohnert Park sits close to military installations and draws a steady mix of veterans and civilian buyers. Choosing the right loan type matters more than most people realize.
Conventional and VA loans both work here — but they serve very different borrower profiles. One wrong choice can cost you thousands over the life of the loan.
Conventional loans are not backed by any government agency. Lenders take on the risk, so they set stricter credit and income requirements.
You typically need a 620 credit score minimum. Put down less than 20% and you'll pay private mortgage insurance until you hit 80% loan-to-value.
VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible borrowers get zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance — ever.
There is a VA funding fee, paid upfront or rolled into the loan. Disabled veterans are often exempt. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
The biggest difference is cost at closing. VA buyers skip the down payment entirely. Conventional buyers need at least 3% down, and 20% to avoid PMI.
HousingWire flagged the 30-year fixed rate at 6.57% recently. VA rates typically run slightly below conventional rates — that gap adds up fast on a Sonoma County purchase. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
If you're an eligible veteran buying a primary home in Rohnert Park, use the VA loan. The savings on down payment and mortgage insurance are hard to beat.
If you're buying a rental property, a second home, or you don't have VA eligibility, conventional is your path. Strong credit and 20% down makes conventional very competitive.
No. VA loans require the property to be your primary residence. Investment purchases require a conventional or other non-VA loan.
Veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit. Reduced entitlement situations may still carry limits — confirm your COE status first.
VA loans often win on monthly cost — no PMI and slightly lower rates help. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions.
Conventional lenders typically require 620. VA has no official minimum, but most lenders want at least 580 to 620.
You can only use one per purchase. Run both scenarios side by side — we do that comparison for every eligible veteran we work with.
It's a one-time fee charged by the VA, based on down payment and service history. Disabled veterans are often fully exempt.