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Safe Rate LocalImperial County index·Updated August 6, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Rates in Imperial County

5.936%Rate
6.686%APR
$2,212monthly mortgage payment
$0points (0 pts)
Loan Amount $345,003; and Downpayment $12,298
Local Fast Facts
06025
Typical Home Value
$351,367
YoY Appreciation
+9.9%
Area Median Income
$65,279
Estimated Property Taxes
$2,481/yr
Est. Property Tax Rate
0.71%
Conforming Loan Limit (1-unit)
$806,501
FHA Loan Limit (1-unit)
$524,225
Jumbo Threshold (1-unit)
> $806,501
Average Loan to Value
72.7%

Select your Scenario

3.5% Down (minimum)

5.936%

30-year fixed

Payment$2,212/mo
Down$12,298
Loan$345,003

10% Down

5.936%

30-year fixed · shorter MIP

Payment$2,063/mo
Down$35,137
Loan$321,764

15-Year FHA

5.936%

Faster payoff

Payment$3,058/mo
Down$12,298
Loan$345,003

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First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Imperial County

Compare the top low-down-payment programs side by side

FHA
Min. down3.5% ($12,298)
Min. credit580+
Est. MIP/PMI+$155/mo
Easiest credit qualification
MIP for life of loan (<10% down)
VA
Min. down0% ($0)
Min. credit620+
0% down, no monthly mortgage insurance
VA eligibility required; funding fee applies
HomeReady
Min. down3% ($10,541)
Min. credit620+
Est. MIP/PMI+$213/mo
Reduced PMI vs standard conventional
Income limits apply by area
Conventional 20% down
Min. down20% ($70,273)
Min. credit620+
No PMI; lowest long-term cost
Largest upfront down payment
Pro tip for first-time buyers in Imperial County

Most states offer first-time homebuyer assistance programs that can be stacked with FHA or HomeReady loans — covering down payment or closing cost assistance. Ask your Safe Rate loan officer about programs available in California for additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are current first-time homebuyer rates today in Imperial County, CA?

Today's leading benchmark rate for first-time homebuyer rates in Imperial County, CA is available on Safe Rate. Calibrated directly to Imperial County, CA's local housing market, Safe Rate shows up-to-the-minute interest rates and points across Conventional, FHA, VA, and Jumbo loan programs daily.

What is the recent trend for first-time homebuyer rates in Imperial County, CA?

Mortgage rates for first-time homebuyer rates have shown typical daily fluctuations driven by inflation data and bond yields. Over the past 90 days, rates for first-time homebuyer rates in Imperial County, CA have hovered between a low of a competitive range and a high of recent cyclical highs. You can track these daily movements by using the 90-day rate history and trajectory chart featured on this page.

Is an FHA or Conventional loan more cost-effective in Imperial County, CA?

Choosing between FHA and Conventional depends on your down payment budget and credit score. For a typical home priced at $351,367 in Imperial County, CA, a standard 20%-down Conventional loan requires an upfront cash down payment of $70,273 but keeps your monthly payment lower at —/mo (at — interest) with no monthly PMI. In comparison, an FHA loan requires only $12,298 (3.5% down) but has an estimated payment of —/mo (at — interest) due to mandatory FHA mortgage insurance (MIP). Local Nuance: The typical local FHA loan amount of $339,069 falls comfortably within the local HUD FHA loan limit of $524,225 (1-unit), making FHA financing an exceptionally accessible, high-leverage entry point into the market.

What is the maximum conforming loan limit in Imperial County before needing a Jumbo loan?

The 2025 conforming conventional loan limit for a 1-unit property in Imperial County is $806,501. With a typical local home value of $351,367 in , a standard 20%-down mortgage requires a loan size of $281,094. Because this is within the $806,501 conforming threshold, buyers can qualify for standard conforming conventional financing with competitive rates.

How does the median home value in Imperial County, CA impact estimated mortgage payments?

The median home value in Imperial County, CA is estimated at $351,367. Buying a typical home here with a standard 20% down payment ($70,273) translates to an estimated starting monthly mortgage payment of — (principal and interest). This serves as a key indicator of market entry costs, with property taxes and homeowners insurance contributing additional monthly escrow amounts.