Mortgage Loans in
San Jose, California
San Jose Home Loans & Refinancing Experts

San Jose California Skyline

Mortgage broker serving San Jose, CA, offering a full range of loan programs - purchases, refinancing, investment properties, FHA, VA, jumbo, DSCR, bank statement loans, down payment assistance, and more. Personalized programs for your unique situation. 40+ years California mortgage experience.

Why San Jose Homebuyers Choose Us

Why Choose a California Mortgage Broker Serving San Jose, CA?
Custom programs, not one-size-fits-all bank products

Happy couple celebrating home purchase with A Good Lender

Schedule a quick 15-minute call and we'll match you to the right program and give you the best rate for your unique situation.

We as brokers shop hundreds of lenders for you. Banks offer their own limited products.

As mortgage specialists serving San Jose buyers, we match your unique situation to the right program.

San Jose's market straddles the $1.25M limit, requiring strategic loan structuring.

  • Sunland Park ($909K-$1.7M) fits conforming loans under $1.25M, while most San Jose homes need jumbo financing above that threshold.
  • Tech employees need lenders who count RSU vesting and stock compensation as qualifying income, not just base salary.
  • Employer assistance programs from major tech companies offer $10K-$50K homebuyer grants to bridge down payment gaps.

We've spent 40+ years solving these exact challenges.

We're here to help match you with the perfect loan program for your San Jose purchase.

SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

What Our Clients Say Real stories from real borrowers

How the Mortgage Process Works in San Jose

We've simplified the mortgage maze into four clear steps. No surprises, just results.

Happy woman showing phone with A Good Lender loan approval
1
Optional

Talk with a San Jose mortgage expert to understand your situation and see your personalized loan options. Call (510) 589-4096 or schedule online. No pressure - just honest guidance.

15-Minute Call Schedule Call
2

Complete your loan application online and upload your documents. We'll review everything to make sure it's complete before submitting to our lending partners.

15-30 Minutes Apply Now
3

We submit your application to our lending partners. Their underwriters review your documents, verify your income and credit, and issue your loan approval.

2-3 Weeks

Sign your final documents, get your keys, and move into your San Jose home. We coordinate everything to make closing day smooth and stress-free.

1-2 Days
Market Insights

What is the San Jose, CA Housing & Mortgage Market Like in 2026? Financing options, loan programs & affordability guide

California housing market value rising with upward trend

Prices & Trends

San Jose is expensive, but you already knew that. The median home price sits at $1.30M right now, down 6.6% from last year. That drop matters because it means the absolute frenzy has cooled off. Sellers are negotiating again. The conforming loan limit here is $1,249,125, which covers most of what's on the market. That's huge. It means you can avoid jumbo rates on properties right around that median. A year ago, buyers were waiving contingencies and throwing cash around. Now you actually have leverage to structure a deal that makes sense for your finances, not just what gets accepted.

Who's Buying in San Jose

Dual-income tech and professional families dominate here. Household income is around $136K, but honestly, most buyers we work with are clearing $200K+ to comfortably afford these prices. You've got move-up buyers selling a starter home in the East Bay and rolling $300K in equity into something bigger. You've got first-timers with family help or stock comp making it work with 10% down. And plenty of established buyers who've been in the Bay Area for years, upgrading to better schools or more space. The homeownership rate is 55.8%. People rent here longer than most places because breaking in takes serious capital or income. But once they buy, they tend to stay.

Your Loan Fit

Stay under $1,249,125 if you possibly can. Conforming rates beat jumbo rates, and the difference adds up over 30 years. Above that limit, jumbo loans aren't terrible if your credit and income are strong, but you're paying a premium. Most buyers here should focus on conventional financing. FHA doesn't make much sense at this price point unless your credit is challenged. Here's what actually works:
  • Conventional with 10-15% down gets you in without burning all your cash. You'll pay PMI under 20%, but it drops off once you hit that equity threshold.
  • High-balance conforming up to $1.25M gives you the best rates available. Structure your offer to land under that limit if you're close.
  • Jumbo for anything above. Shop around because jumbo rate spreads vary wildly between lenders. We see differences of 0.5% or more for the same buyer profile.
  • Consider buying down your rate if you're planning to stay long-term. At these loan amounts, even 0.25% saves you real money.

Down Payment & Refinance in San Jose

If you already own here, you've built serious equity even with the recent dip. A lot of our refinance clients are pulling cash out for renovations or investment properties. Rates have moved around, so a rate-and-term refi might save you money if you bought when rates were higher. PMI removal is another big one. If you put down 10% a few years ago, you've probably hit 20% equity by now. Get an appraisal and drop that monthly PMI payment. HELOCs are popular too because they give you flexible access to equity without replacing your primary mortgage. Real talk: if your rate is already in the low 6s or better, refinancing to save 0.25% probably isn't worth the closing costs. But if you're sitting on a 7%+ rate or need to tap equity, let's run the numbers.

Get Started

You're looking at $130K to $260K down for most homes here. That's 10-20% on a $1.3M purchase. Where does that money come from? A lot of buyers are rolling equity from a previous home. Sell something in Fremont or Sunnyvale for $950K that you bought years ago for $600K, and you've got your down payment. First-timers lean on family gifts more than anywhere else in the country. Parents kick in $100K, buyer saves another $50K, and suddenly 10% down is reachable. Some buyers stretch with closer to 10% to preserve cash for closing costs and reserves. If coming up with that kind of cash feels impossible, we also offer our no-money-down program that covers your minimum 3-3.5% down payment requirement. It's not the right fit for everyone at this price point, but it keeps more capital in your pocket if you need liquidity for other investments or business expenses. San Jose is also a major commercial hub, so if you're buying a mixed-use property or investment, ask us about SBA and commercial loan options too.

Local San Jose Expertise

Get preapproval before you start touring. Sellers here still want to see proof you can close, even in a slower market. We'll lock in your rate strategy, figure out how much house you can actually afford, and structure the loan to save you the most over time. Schedule a free call and we'll walk through your income, assets, and what makes sense for your situation. Our team knows Bay Area lending inside and out. We close deals in San Jose every month and we know what underwriters are looking for at these loan amounts. Don't wait until you find the perfect house to figure out your financing. Get that dialed in now so you can move fast when the right place shows up.

Popular San Jose Neighborhoods

Sunland Park • Willow Glen • Almaden Valley • Rose Garden • Evergreen

Zip Codes We Serve

95110, 95112, 95116, 95123, 95127, 95128, 95131, 95132, 95133, 95136

What Types of Mortgages Are Available in San Jose, CA? Purchase, refinance, commercial, and specialized financing

Finding the right home loan in San Jose starts with understanding your options. We've streamlined hundreds of mortgage programs into 8 clear categories for San Jose home buyers—covering purchase loans, refinance, commercial real estate, and specialized financing like bank statement and jumbo loans. Explore the general programs to compare down payment options and requirements, or apply now for a custom financing solution tailored to your San Jose property.

Purchase Loans

Speed & Certainty

Whether you're buying your first condo or a $3M estate, we offer comprehensive financing solutions with 14-day closings. Explore our complete range of purchase loan programs below.

Refinance

Rate & Term, Cash-Out

Refinance to lower your interest rate, shorten your loan term, or access home equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or investment opportunities. Explore all refinance programs below.

Commercial Loans

SBA 504 & 7(a)

Finance commercial real estate, owner-occupied buildings, or business expansions. Explore all commercial financing programs below.

Construction & Renovation

Build & Improve

Finance new construction, renovations, or land purchases. Explore all construction and renovation programs below.

Property Types

Specialized Properties

From condos and townhomes to multi-family buildings and unique property types. Explore all specialized property financing programs below.

Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA & Local DPA

Access California's down payment assistance programs. Explore all DPA programs below.

Special Income Doc

Alternative Documentation

Self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners. Explore all special income documentation programs below.

Loan Programs

San Jose Loan Program Guide Purchase, Refinance & Investment Programs

Popular loan programs for San Jose homebuyers. Compare options and find your best fit.

Quick Compare: San Jose Mortgage Options

Loan Type Down Payment Credit Score Best For
Jumbo 10-20% 680+ Homes above $1,249,125
Bank Statement 10-20% 660+ Self-employed, business owners, tech consultants
VA $0 No minimum Veterans, active military (0% down on any price)
Asset Depletion 10-20% 680+ Retirees, investors with $500K+ liquid assets
Conventional 3-20% 620+ Good credit, flexible down payment. Up to $1,249,125
DSCR 20-25% 660+ Investment properties, no income verification
Reverse Mortgage N/A No minimum Seniors 62+ accessing San Jose home equity

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Best Home Purchase Loans in San Jose

Jumbo Loans

San Jose prices often exceed $1.25M. Jumbo loans cover properties above the conforming limit with 10-20% down.

Conforming Loans

Properties under $1.25M get conforming financing. Split between conforming and jumbo in San Jose.

Bank Statement Loans

Self-employed? San Jose bank statement loans use deposits, not tax returns. Common for entrepreneurs.

VA Loans

VA loans cover all San Jose properties with $0 down. No PMI ever. Veterans' best option.

Asset Depletion Loans

Asset depletion loans for San Jose buyers with $500K+ liquid assets. Qualify on portfolio, not paycheck.

FHA Loans

First-time San Jose buyers can use FHA with 3.5% down. Limit is $1.21M.

Bridge Loans

Bridge financing for San Jose moves. Purchase before your current home sells.

LLC Funding Programs

Entity financing for San Jose investors. Purchase in LLC for asset protection.

Best Refinance Options in San Jose

Conforming Refinance

San Jose loans under $1.25M get conforming refinance rates. Best rates available.

Cash Out Refinance

Access San Jose home equity with cash-out refi. Up to 80% LTV for improvements or investments.

HELOC Refinance

HELOC for San Jose homeowners with equity. Flexible access without full refinance.

VA Loans Refinance

VA IRRRL refinance for San Jose veterans. Lower your rate without appraisal or income docs.

Home Equity Refinance

San Jose home equity loans available. Fixed rate second mortgage for large expenses.

FHA Loans Refinance

FHA streamline for San Jose homeowners with FHA loans. Lower your rate without appraisal.

Best Investment & Commercial Loans in San Jose

DSCR Loans

Investment properties in San Jose can use DSCR financing. Rental income qualifies the loan.

Fix And Flip Loans

San Jose rehab projects use fix-and-flip loans. 12-18 month terms for buy-renovate-sell.

Multifamily Loans

Multifamily loans for San Jose apartment buildings. Commercial rates for larger properties.

Commercial Hard Money Loans

Hard money financing for San Jose commercial. Fast approval when banks are too slow.

Best Down Payment Assistance Programs for San Jose

No Money Down Program

Buy a home with zero down payment. Our lenders cover your entire down payment through grant programs. No repayment required. Available for San Jose buyers with qualifying income.

CalHFA Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA programs can help San Jose first-time buyers. Check income limits for eligibility.

Gift of Equity

San Jose family transfers use gift of equity. Below-market sale with equity as down payment.

Non-Occupant Co-Borrower

Non-occupant co-borrower option in San Jose. Family member income helps qualification.

Local Down Payment Programs

Check San Jose city programs for additional DPA. May stack with CalHFA for more help.

Every situation is unique. The right loan program depends on your unique situation. See what works best for you.

Questions? Call (510) 589-4096 or email info@agoodlender.com

Why San Jose is a Great Place to Buy a Home

San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, sitting at the southern end of the Bay Area with a population just over 1 million. Median household income here is $136,010, nearly double the national average, but the median home price is $1,298,000. The homeownership rate sits at 55.8%, which tells you something important: even with those high incomes, a lot of people rent because breaking into ownership requires serious financial firepower. You're looking at needing roughly $260K down for 20% on a median-priced home, and even with that tech salary, qualifying for a $1M+ mortgage means your finances need to be rock solid.

Schools & Family Appeal

The schools here are a big part of why families stretch their budgets to buy in San Jose. Leland High scores an 8, while Bellarmine College Prep and Presentation High both pull 9s. Almaden Elementary also hits a 9, which drives up home prices in those attendance zones. When you're paying $1.3M for a house, you want to know the schools justify that investment, and these ratings do. Strong schools protect your property value and make resale easier when the time comes. The challenge is that homes in top school districts often push $1.5M-$2M+, so you'll need to factor that into your loan approval and down payment planning.

  • Leland High School
  • Bellarmine College Preparatory
  • Presentation High School
  • Almaden Elementary School

The Neighborhood Feel

Where you buy in San Jose drastically changes your financing strategy. Sunland Park runs $1.1M-$1.6M, with established single-family homes that work well for conventional or jumbo loans depending on your down payment. Willow Glen is the charming walkable district everyone wants, running $1.4M-$2.2M, which almost always means jumbo territory unless you're putting down 40%+. Almaden Valley is where tech money goes to spread out, $1.6M-$3M, definitely jumbo loan country with buyers often making all-cash or large down payment offers. Rose Garden offers a slightly lower entry point at $1.2M-$1.8M near downtown, popular with dual-income professionals who can swing the payment. Evergreen runs $1.3M-$2.1M and attracts families willing to go jumbo for newer construction and top schools. Real talk: most San Jose neighborhoods require jumbo loans since conforming limits max out at $766,550 in 2024, so you'll need excellent credit and solid income documentation.

  • Sunland Park
  • Willow Glen
  • Almaden Valley
  • Rose Garden
  • Evergreen

Getting Around

San Jose's location is what keeps property values sky-high despite the price tags. You've got US-101, I-280, I-680, I-880, and CA-87 all running through the city, putting you 25 minutes from Palo Alto, 49 minutes to Oakland, and 58 minutes to San Francisco on a decent traffic day. VTA Light Rail and Caltrain connect you to the rest of the Bay Area without driving, which matters when you're considering total cost of ownership beyond just your mortgage payment. The commute flexibility means you can work at Apple in Cupertino, Google in Mountain View, or any of the tech giants scattered across the Valley without relocating every time you switch jobs. That job mobility is exactly why people justify these mortgage payments instead of buying somewhere cheaper and commuting in.

Jobs & Economy

Here's the thing about San Jose: the employment situation is what makes these crazy home prices actually work for buyers. Apple, Google, Adobe, Cisco, eBay, and Netflix all have major operations here or nearby, creating the highest concentration of six-figure jobs in the country. When your household is pulling in $150K-$300K+ in tech salaries, a $1.3M mortgage starts to pencil out, even if it feels insane compared to the rest of America. Lenders know this market well and understand that a software engineer's $180K salary has staying power, which helps with loan approvals. But you're also competing with stock option money, RSU cash-outs, and dual-income households where both people work in tech. The job market here is what created this housing market, and unless tech crashes hard, these prices aren't coming down much.

  • Apple
  • Google
  • Adobe
  • Cisco
  • eBay
  • Netflix

San Jose Mortgage FAQs
Common questions answered

Common questions from San Jose homebuyers and refinance clients. Can't find your answer? Book a 15-minute call with a Senior Loan Officer.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in San Jose?

Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.

How long does it take to close on a house in San Jose?

Typical San Jose closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in San Jose?

You have several low down payment options in San Jose: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many San Jose buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What down payment assistance programs are available in San Jose?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified San Jose buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.

Can I buy a home in San Jose with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for San Jose buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many San Jose families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

What are the loan limits in San Jose?

2026 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most San Jose properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in San Jose?

For San Jose's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in San Jose. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in San Jose?

Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in San Jose?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in San Jose. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in San Jose. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in San Jose?

Closing costs in San Jose typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in San Jose?

Pre-approval typically takes 24-72 hours. Full underwriting approval takes 14-21 days. We work with lenders offering express underwriting for strong borrowers who need faster closings.

What down payment do I need to buy a home in San Jose?

You have several low down payment options in San Jose: Conventional (3% down), FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% for veterans), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program covering your entire down payment. Many San Jose buyers purchase with 3.5% or less down.

What if I was denied by another lender?

A denial doesn't mean you can't buy in San Jose. We review your denial letter, identify the specific issues (credit, DTI, income documentation), and match you with lenders who have more flexible guidelines. Common solutions include FHA loans for credit flexibility, alternative documentation, or co-borrower structures.

How do I know I'm getting a competitive rate?

As a mortgage broker, we shop your scenario across 50+ wholesale lenders to find the best pricing. Unlike retail banks that only offer their own rates, we show you side-by-side comparisons with identical terms. No junk fees or hidden charges—just transparent pricing.

What makes A Good Lender different from online lenders or big banks?

You work directly with a Senior Loan Officer (15+ years average experience) from application through closing—not a call center. We have local Santa Clara County expertise, same-day underwriting decisions, and flexibility to solve complex situations that algorithm-based lenders decline.

What are closing costs when buying a home in San Jose?

Closing costs in San Jose typically run 2-4% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, expect $10,000-$20,000 covering appraisal, title insurance, escrow fees, and prepaids. FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Standard documents needed: pay stubs (last 30 days), W-2s (past 2 years), tax returns (past 2 years), bank statements (past 2 months), and photo ID. Self-employed borrowers need business tax returns and P&L statements. We'll provide a complete checklist for your situation.

How long does it take to close on a house in San Jose?

Typical San Jose closing timeline: 30-45 days from accepted offer. VA/FHA loans may take slightly longer. Cash buyers close in 7-14 days. We work to meet your timeline and coordinate with all parties to close on schedule.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in San Jose?

Credit requirements by loan type: FHA accepts 580+ (or 500 with 10% down), conventional starts at 620, VA at 620+. Our zero-down grant program works with 640+. Higher scores (720+) get better rates, but we work with borrowers across the credit spectrum.

What are the loan limits in San Jose?

2026 Santa Clara County limits: FHA $1,249,125, Conventional $1,249,125. Any loan above $1,249,125 is a jumbo loan. Most San Jose properties fall within conforming limits, maximizing your financing options.

What down payment assistance programs are available in San Jose?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified San Jose buyers. We also offer our 6-Month Forgivable Grant (covers 3-3.5% down, forgiven after 6 months), CalHFA programs, and local first-time buyer assistance. Unlike CalHFA's 5-year requirements, our programs have no income limits and no first-time buyer requirement.

Can I buy a home in San Jose with no money down?

Yes! Zero-down options for San Jose buyers include: VA loans (eligible veterans), USDA loans (eligible rural areas), and our 6-Month Forgivable Grant Program combined with seller concessions for closing costs. Many San Jose families purchase with minimal upfront cash.

Do you work with first-time homebuyers in San Jose?

Absolutely—first-time buyers are our specialty in San Jose. We guide you through the entire process, help you understand FHA vs conventional vs VA options, identify all available down payment assistance in Santa Clara County, and structure your purchase to minimize upfront costs.

What if my credit score is below 620?

You still have options in San Jose. FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). We also offer credit improvement strategies and can connect you with rapid rescoring services to boost your score before applying. Many buyers improve 20-50 points within 30 days.

Should I get an FHA or conventional loan in San Jose?

For San Jose's $500,000 median price: FHA is better for credit scores under 680 or down payments under 5%—it's more forgiving on DTI ratios too. Conventional is better with 5%+ down and 700+ credit (lower PMI costs). We compare both options for your specific situation.

What is the FHA loan limit in San Jose?

The FHA loan limit in San Jose is $1,210,000 for 2026, which covers most homes in the $600K. $900K range and many properties above that. This high limit makes FHA loans very competitive here, especially for first. time buyers who can put down as little as 3.5%. If you're looking at homes near or below the median price of $1.3M, you'll likely qualify for FHA financing without needing a jumbo loan.

Do I need a jumbo loan in San Jose?

You won't need a jumbo loan unless you're buying above $1,250,000, since conforming loan limits in San Jose are quite high. With the median home price at $1.3M, many buyers can use conventional, FHA, or VA loans for properties in the $600K. $900K range and beyond. Only homes at the higher end of the market will require jumbo financing.

What are the 2026 loan limits for Santa Clara County?

For 2026, Santa Clara County loan limits are $1,210,000 for FHA loans, $1,250,000 for VA loans, and $1,250,000 for conforming conventional loans. These limits are significantly higher than the national baseline, reflecting San Jose's elevated housing costs. These generous limits mean most buyers can access competitive loan programs without going jumbo.

Can I get a VA loan in San Jose?

Yes, VA loans are very competitive in San Jose with a loan limit of $1,250,000 and no down payment required for eligible veterans and service members. This limit covers the majority of homes on the market, including many above the typical $600K. $900K range. VA loans are an excellent option here since they don't require mortgage insurance and offer competitive rates.

What down payment assistance programs are available in San Jose?

Our No Money Down program offers $0 down payment for qualified buyers, making homeownership more accessible in this competitive market. You can also explore CalHFA programs that provide down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as Santa Clara County housing programs designed for first. time and moderate. income buyers. With the median income at $136,010, many San Jose buyers qualify for multiple assistance options.

What down payment do I need for a San Jose home?

Down payment requirements vary by loan type: you can put down as little as 3.5% with FHA, 3% with conventional, or 0% with VA or USDA loans if you qualify. On a $750,000 home in the typical range, that's $26,250 to $0 down depending on your program. Many buyers also use down payment assistance to reduce their upfront costs even further.

What credit score do I need to buy in San Jose?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans, while FHA loans can go as low as 580 (or even 500 with 10% down). Given San Jose's competitive market and higher home prices, having a score of 640 or above will give you access to better rates and more loan options. If your score needs work, many local lenders offer credit counseling to help you qualify.

How do I choose the right mortgage lender?

Look for a lender experienced with San Jose's unique market, where high prices and competitive loan limits require expertise in conforming, FHA, and VA products. Compare rates, fees, and closing timelines from multiple lenders, and ask about their familiarity with local down payment assistance programs. A lender who understands Santa Clara County's homebuyer profile and can close quickly will give you an edge in this balanced market.

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