FHA loan San Diego
Amir Nurani · NMLS #197458 · (619) 366-9494
Updated September 5, 2026
Get Pre-Approved (619) 366-9494
An FHA loan in San Diego is a primary-residence path when you need lower cash to close and more flexible credit guidelines than many conventional overlays. Typical down payment is 3.5%, and FHA mortgage insurance applies. We shop FHA next to conventional and VA on the same file so you see cash to close and a monthly number you can write with. Left Coast Leaders, Inc. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458. Call (619) 366-9494.
FHA versus VA and conventional
FHA typical down is 3.5% with mortgage insurance. VA loan San Diego can be $0 down with no monthly PMI when entitlement supports it. Conventional fits stronger credit and cash. First purchase overview: first-time home buyer San Diego. How we shop: mortgage broker San Diego.
Limits and cash to close
Confirm county tables on 2026 San Diego loan limits. Conventional comparison lines: baseline $832,750 and 1-unit high-cost $1,104,000. FHA uses its own limit tables on the file. Offer help: San Diego Offer Sheet. Start at Get Pre-Approved.
Who is an FHA loan for in San Diego?
Buyers who want a lower cash-to-close than many conventional programs, and files that need more flexible credit or income documentation. FHA is for a primary residence. Left Coast Leaders is a San Diego mortgage broker. We shop FHA next to conventional and VA on the same file. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458. San Diego County and Riverside County.
If you have VA eligibility, compare both. If you do not, FHA is often the path when 20% down is not realistic. Details: first-time home buyer San Diego. See San Diego mortgage rates for why a published rate is not a lock.
What does a typical 3.5% down payment mean?
On a purchase, 3.5% is the typical FHA minimum down payment. On a $700,000 price, that is $24,500 down before closing costs. You still need reserves and closing costs. Mortgage insurance applies on FHA. Under 20% down usually means mortgage insurance on conventional too. We show both monthly numbers on the same file.
Call (619) 366-9494 for a real number. We do not invent an FHA rate on this page.
| Item | 2026 figure |
|---|---|
| 1-unit high-cost conforming | $1,104,000 |
| 1-unit baseline conforming | $832,750 |
| High-balance conforming (1-unit) | $832,751 through $1,104,000 |
| VA full entitlement | Not capped by the old county VA limit |
| FHA typical down | 3.5% |
If the conventional loan amount would sit above $1,104,000, see jumbo loan San Diego and high-balance loan San Diego. FHA is a different program. We check it on the same file when it fits.
How does the FHA file work?
Tell us the goal. We shop wholesale lenders, check the property (including condos), and stay through close. Many files move the same day we have documents. Speed still depends on the file.
Use the mortgage calculator for a first pass. Under 20% down usually means mortgage insurance. That is a monthly cost, not just a rate. When you are ready to write, use the San Diego offer sheet.
Planning to refinance later? Read Refinance San Diego, cash-out refinance San Diego, or a HELOC. Get a number now with Get Pre-Approved, on get pre-approved San Diego, or call (619) 366-9494.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical FHA down payment in San Diego?
Typical minimum down payment is 3.5% of the purchase price when you qualify. Cash to close still includes closing costs and often prepaid items. Call (619) 366-9494.
Is FHA only for first-time buyers?
No. Repeat buyers can use FHA too when the occupancy is a primary residence and the file fits FHA guidelines. See first-time home buyer San Diego for the broader first-purchase path.
Does FHA have monthly mortgage insurance?
Yes. FHA mortgage insurance applies. Structure and duration depend on down payment and loan terms. We show the monthly effect on your pre-approval, not as a website rate.
Can I use FHA on a San Diego condo?
Often yes if the project is FHA-approved or otherwise eligible. HOA dues count in monthly housing cost. We check the project before you write.
What credit score do I need for FHA?
FHA is more flexible than many conventional overlays, but lenders still set floors. We do not invent a score cutoff on this page. Bring the file and we price it.
What 2026 loan limits apply to an FHA file in San Diego County?
FHA has its own county limit tables separate from conventional conforming. Confirm the active FHA limit on your file. Conventional 1-unit high-cost conforming for comparison is $1,104,000 with baseline $832,750. See loan limits.
How does FHA compare to VA and conventional?
FHA typical down is 3.5% with mortgage insurance. VA can be $0 down with no monthly PMI when entitlement supports it. Conventional often wants stronger credit and cash with a path off MI. We shop all three on one file.
Can I refinance out of FHA later?
Many borrowers refinance to conventional later when equity and credit support removing FHA mortgage insurance. Timing depends on the file, not a slogan.
Who is a good fit for FHA in San Diego?
Buyers who need lower cash to close on a primary residence and can accept FHA mortgage insurance. Self-employed and gift-fund files are common. Company NMLS 2394495. Amir Nurani NMLS 197458.
How do I get an FHA number in San Diego?
Use Get Pre-Approved on this page or call (619) 366-9494. We shop FHA next to conventional and VA. No invented rates on this page.
Want an FHA number on your file?
Get pre-approved. We shop FHA next to conventional and VA.
Get Pre-ApprovedLeft Coast Leaders, Inc. · San Diego, CA 92111 · (619) 366-9494 · NMLS #2394495 · DRE #02191517 · Amir Nurani NMLS #197458 · Equal Housing Lender