California FHA loans come with red tape that can make the process confusing. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
From guiding you through the mortgage loan requirements to putting it all together to get you into your dream home, the Wendy Thompson Lending Team can make it happen.
How much home you can buy depends on where you're buying it. You could borrow up to $822,375 for a home in San Francisco near Mission Dolores Park.
But in Fresno?
Your California FHA loan limit is only $356,362.
Here’s what you need to know about FHA requirements in California, loan limits, and the best FHA lenders and rates.California FHA Loan Requirements and Guidelines
Part of CA FHA loan requirements' appeal is that they're generally easier to meet than conventional home loan guidelines.
FHA loan requirements in California are similar to what you’ll find throughout the U.S.:
Contrary to what you may have heard, FHA loan qualifications in California don’t require you to be a first-time homebuyer.
Fico score | APR | Mo. Payment |
|---|---|---|
700+ | 3.375 % | $1,508.00 |
660 - 699 | 3.5 % | $1,525.00 |
640 - 659 | 3.625 % | $1,542.00 |
620 - 639 | Currently Unavailable | N/A |
600 - 619 | Currently Unavailable | N/A |
*Updated 4/22/20 - Rates are based on a $250,000 home with a 3.5% down payment, and includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Rates change often and differ based on your state, down payment, and loan amount. Click here for correct rates based on your situation.
What Are The FHA Loan Limits In California?
California FHA loan limits determine your borrowing power. Depending on where you live, the amount you’re able to borrow could be substantially different than what you might expect.
For example, if you live in gorgeous San Jose, you can borrow up to $822,375 – which is the max FHA loan amount in CA for Santa Clara County.
Cities like Sacramento and Elk Grove limit the amount you can borrow with a California FHA loan to $598,000.
The lowest FHA loan limit in California is $356,372, and it's found in 21 counties in the Golden State. One example is Mariposa County, nestled in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
However, the average home price in Mariposa County is $303,064 – so you should have no trouble finding a home within the FHA loan max for California.
CALIFORNIA FHA Loan Limits
Overview:
As you might have guessed, FHA loan limits in California are much higher than the standard $356,372 in some areas.
The Golden State lets you get up to $822,375 in Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.
FHA Loan Limits In California:
FHA Loan Limits CALIFORNIA
COUNTIES | MAX FHA LOAN LIMIT FOR A SINGLE UNIT |
|---|---|
Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Fresno, Glenn, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen | $356,362 |
Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Modoc, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou | $356,362 |
Plumas | $356,362 |
Humboldt | $356,500 |
Amador | $364,550 |
Stanislaus | $396,750 |
How To Apply For A FHA Loan In CA
California FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). But you must go through an FHA-approved lender to apply.
To get the ball rolling on your application, here’s how to apply for an FHA loan in California:
Now, one extra step can boost your chances of getting the house you want…
Pre-qualification.
It isn’t required, but pre-qualifying when you apply for an FHA loan in California can make all the difference.
Here’s why:
Are There Any FHA Down Payment Assistance California Programs?
The down payment can be a significant hurdle to would-be homeowners. Luckily, FHA down payment assistance in California is a practical solution.
If you’re struggling to build your savings, you could take advantage of programs offered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalFHA).
FHA First Time Home Buyer CA Assistance
FHA first-time homebuyers in CA can use first-time homebuyer assistance to make the leap from renter to homeowner.
CalHFA’s MyHome Assistance Program offers a deferred-payment loan to help cover the down payment amount.
You must attend homebuyer education counseling and get a certificate of completion to qualify for this program.
FHA Loan Limits CALIFORNIA
COUNTIES | MAX FHA LOAN LIMIT FOR A SINGLE UNIT |
|---|---|
Calaveras, Inyo | $373,750 |
Mendocino | $442,750 |
Riverside, San Bernardino | $477,250 |
San Joaquin | $483,000 |
Alpine | $753,250 |
Nevada | $526,700 |
Solano | $550,850 |
Mono | $529,000 |
El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento | $598,000 |
Santa Barbara | $660,100 |
Can I Get A FHA Cash-Out Refinance Mortgage?
The short answer is yes.
You can get an FHA cash-out refinance in California and use the funds to create a larger FHA home loan that gives you more borrowing power.
The California FHA cash-out refinance option requires you to have equity built up in an existing home, so it isn't a good option for first-time homebuyers.
Does The FHA Offer Construction or Home Improvement Loans?
An FHA construction loan in California is an excellent choice if you’re building a brand-new house from the ground-up.
But what if a fixer-upper is more your style?
Then consider the 203(k) rehabilitation loan. It’s the equivalent of an FHA California home improvement loan if the home needs repairs or appliance upgrades.
Best FHA Lenders In CA
Are you ready to apply with an FHA lender in CA?
If the answer is yes, you have plenty of options.
Many FHA approved lenders are in California. In fact, CalHFA has a list of FHA loan lenders in California.
The Wendy Thompson Lending Team can help you get approved, too! We’re licensed in all 50 states and are here to help you.
Fico score | APR | Mo. Payment |
|---|---|---|
700+ | 3.375 % | $1,508.00 |
660 - 699 | 3.5 % | $1,525.00 |
640 - 659 | 3.625 % | $1,542.00 |
620 - 639 | Currently Unavailable | N/A |
600 - 619 | Currently Unavailable | N/A |
*Updated 4/22/20 - Rates are based on a $250,000 home with a 3.5% down payment, and includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance. Rates change often and differ based on your state, down payment, and loan amount. Click here for correct rates based on your situation.
Where to Find Current FHA Mortgage Rates In California
Current FHA mortgage rates in California shouldn’t be a mystery.
Some lenders make you jump through hoops before giving you current FHA mortgage rates in CA!
But not us…
Here are sample rates you can expect in CA based on credit score:
- Best FHA loan rates with 640-670 credit score
- Best FHA loan rates with 680-720 credit score
- Best FHA loan rates with 725-760 credit score
- Best FHA loan rates with 765-810 credit score
Remember that your actual FHA interest rate will depend on several factors.
FHA Loan Limits CALIFORNIA
COUNTIES | MAX FHA LOAN LIMIT FOR A SINGLE UNIT |
|---|---|
Monterey | $739,450 |
San Luis Obispo | $701,500 |
San Diego | $753,250 |
Sonoma | $707,250 |
Napa | $816,500 |
Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Orange, San Benito, San Francisco, | $822,375 |
San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz | $822,375 |
CAlifornia FHA Loan Calculator
Looking for a simple way to try the numbers on for size to see just where you stand or how much you can afford?
Try our California FHA loan calculator!
Enter your home price, down payment, term length, interest rate, and more to get a full picture of what your monthly payment might look like.
See how much you could save by increasing your down payment.
Even dropping your interest rate by 0.50% could make a huge difference.
Where Can I Find FHA Homes For Sale In CA?
Now that you’re familiar with the CA FHA mortgage loan program, it’s time to think about moving forward.
Two of the best places to shop for FHA approved homes for sale in California are Zillow and Trulia.
And when you’re ready to pursue homeownership, rely on our years of experience to guide you in determining if a California FHA loan is right for you.