I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. I’ve been in California mortgage lending since 2000 and founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. FHA loans are a tool I use regularly for first-time buyers in Marin County — the high loan limits here make them far more useful than most people realize. Call (800) 239-1103.
FHA loans in San Rafael, CA are one of the most accessible paths to homeownership in Marin County. With just 3.5% down, flexible credit requirements, and a 2026 Marin County FHA loan limit of $1,209,750, more San Rafael buyers qualify for FHA financing than they might expect.
FHA Loan Basics for San Rafael Buyers
Down payment: 3.5% with a 580+ credit score; 10% down required for scores 500–579. Credit flexibility: Collections, late payments, and even recent bankruptcies may be acceptable with proper documentation and seasoning. Debt-to-income ratio: FHA allows DTI up to 57% in some cases — significantly higher than the conventional standard, which opens the door for buyers carrying student loans or other debt. Gift funds: 100% of the down payment can come from family gifts, properly documented. Seller concessions: Sellers can contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs — a meaningful help in Marin County where closing costs on a $900K purchase run $9,000–$18,000.
2026 FHA Loan Limits for Marin County
Marin County is a designated high-cost area, and the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in Marin County is $1,209,750 — one of the highest FHA limits in the country. This is one of the most overlooked advantages of FHA in Marin: the high limit extends the program’s reach into the county’s actual market. Canal District properties under $700K, Terra Linda homes in the $800K–$1.1M range, and many Sun Valley and Sun Valley properties all fall within FHA’s reach here.
FHA vs. Conventional: Which Is Right for You in San Rafael?
The answer depends on your credit score and down payment: Credit below 680: FHA usually wins on rate and approval probability. Credit 680–719: Compare both — FHA’s MIP cost may exceed conventional PMI at this score range; I’ll run the numbers. Credit 720+: Conventional often beats FHA on total monthly cost if you have 5%+ down. Less than 5% down: FHA is typically more competitive regardless of credit score. I run both scenarios side-by-side for every client so you choose with complete information, not a guess.
FHA Mortgage Insurance in 2026
FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance. Upfront MIP: 1.75% of the loan amount, added to your loan balance at closing — no cash needed. On a $700K loan that’s $12,250 rolled in. Annual MIP: Currently 0.55% of the loan balance, paid monthly. On a $700K FHA loan, that’s approximately $320/month. If you put less than 10% down, MIP remains for the life of the loan — but once you’ve built 20%+ equity, you can refinance into a conventional loan to eliminate it. I’ll model that timeline for you.
Frequently Asked Questions — FHA Loans San Rafael CA
Can I get an FHA loan on a condo in San Rafael CA?
Yes — but the condo complex must either be on the FHA-approved list or go through a spot approval. Many San Rafael developments are already approved. I’ll check before you make an offer so you’re not surprised after you’re in contract. If a building you like isn’t approved, spot approval is sometimes possible — it takes additional time and lender cooperation, so plan accordingly.
How long after bankruptcy can I get an FHA loan in San Rafael?
Two years after a Chapter 7 discharge with re-established credit and no new derogatory marks. One year into a Chapter 13 repayment plan with court trustee approval and documented on-time payments. FHA’s seasoning requirements are more lenient than conventional — this is one area where FHA gives buyers a genuine second chance. I’ve helped clients qualify with recent Chapter 13 filings; it requires precise documentation but it’s doable.
Can I use FHA financing to buy a 2-4 unit property in San Rafael?
Yes — FHA allows the purchase of 2–4 unit properties, and you can use projected rental income from the other units to help qualify for a larger loan. You must occupy one unit as your primary residence. This is an excellent house-hacking strategy in San Rafael: live in one unit, collect rent from the others, and let the rental income subsidize your housing cost while you build equity. The FHA loan limit for a 2-unit in Marin County is higher than for a single-family home, making this even more practical.
Talk to Michael Directly
DiVita Home Finance | Tiburon, CA | In lending since 2000, founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. Michael DiVita DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655. Company DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700.
💬 Text: (310) 849-9124
