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Santa Rosa sits in Sonoma County, where home prices run well above the national median. FHA loans give first-time buyers a real entry point without a massive down payment.
Sonoma County's FHA loan limit sets the ceiling on what you can borrow. Knowing that number before you shop saves you from falling in love with a home that doesn't fit the program.
580 (3.5% down)
Min Credit Score
3.5%
Min Down Payment
1.75% of loan
Upfront MIP
0.55% (typical)
Annual MIP
6% of purchase price
Max Seller Concession
FHA Loans in Santa Rosa
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down — that's a hard FHA rule, not a guideline.
Debt-to-income ratio matters as much as credit. Most FHA lenders cap total debt at 43-50% of gross income. Higher ratios need compensating factors like cash reserves.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa sits in Sonoma County, where home prices run well above the national median. FHA loans give first-time buyers a real entry point without a massive down payment.
Sonoma County's FHA loan limit sets the ceiling on what you can borrow. Knowing that number before you shop saves you from falling in love with a home that doesn't fit the program.
You need a 580 credit score to put 3.5% down. Drop below 580 and lenders require 10% down — that's a hard FHA rule, not a guideline.
Not every lender approves FHA loans the same way. Big retail banks often overlay stricter credit requirements on top of FHA's minimums. Wholesale lenders we access don't always do that.
Shopping FHA rates across lenders matters. Rates vary by borrower profile and market conditions. A 0.25% rate difference on a Sonoma County loan adds up fast over 30 years.
FHA's mortgage insurance premium (MIP) never goes away on loans with less than 10% down. That's a real cost. Run the numbers against conventional PMI before you commit.
Sellers in competitive Santa Rosa markets sometimes resist FHA offers. It's not always about the loan — it's about appraisal conditions FHA requires. We prep buyers for this upfront.
Conventional loans drop PMI once you hit 20% equity. FHA MIP on a 3.5%-down loan sticks around permanently. For buyers who'll stay long-term, that cost compounds.
VA loans beat FHA for eligible veterans — no down payment, no monthly MIP. If you've served, check VA eligibility before touching FHA.
Sonoma County FHA loan limits are set annually by HUD. As of April 2026, verify the current limit before locking a purchase price — it directly caps your loan amount.
Santa Rosa's post-wildfire rebuild has changed property conditions in some neighborhoods. FHA appraisers flag fire damage, deferred maintenance, and safety issues. Know the property's history before making an offer.
HUD sets Sonoma County FHA limits annually. Check the current limit at HUD.gov before locking any purchase price.
Yes, but the condo project must be on HUD's approved list. Many Santa Rosa complexes aren't approved — check before you fall for a unit.
With less than 10% down, MIP stays for the full 30 years. Put 10% or more down and it drops after 11 years.
They can, but FHA appraisers flag unrepaired fire or smoke damage. The property must meet HUD's minimum condition standards.
Yes. FHA allows 100% of the down payment to come from a gift. The donor must sign a gift letter confirming no repayment is required.
Usually yes. Conventional pricing penalizes scores under 680 heavily. FHA rates and MIP are more forgiving at that credit level.