One of the most persistent myths in home buying is that you need 20% down to purchase a home. In Bakersfield, there are multiple loan programs that let you buy with little to nothing out of pocket — and in some cases, the seller can even cover your closing costs.
VA Loans: 0% Down for Veterans
If you've served in the U.S. military, the VA home loan is the single best mortgage product available — period. Zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. For a $350,000 home in Bakersfield, that means $0 down instead of $70,000 with a conventional loan. Dan comes from a family of veterans and specializes in helping Kern County service members use this benefit to the fullest.
USDA Loans: 0% Down for Rural Areas
USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are available in designated rural and suburban areas. Parts of Kern County — including some areas near Bakersfield's outskirts — qualify for USDA financing. Income limits apply, but for qualifying buyers, USDA offers 100% financing with low mortgage insurance rates.
FHA Loans: 3.5% Down
FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. On a $350,000 home, that's $12,250 — a manageable amount for most working families, especially when combined with gift funds from a family member (which FHA allows).
Down Payment Assistance Programs
California has several down payment assistance programs that can cover part or all of your down payment with a grant or deferred loan. The CalHFA program and local Kern County programs may be available depending on your income and the purchase price. Dan can evaluate which programs you qualify for at no cost.
Seller Concessions
In a buyer-friendly negotiation, you can ask the seller to cover your closing costs — typically 2–5% of the purchase price. Combined with a zero-down loan, this can mean buying a home in Bakersfield with very little money out of pocket on closing day.
What You Do Need
Even with zero down, you'll need to show stable income, an acceptable credit score (580+ for FHA, 620+ for most conventional programs), and sufficient reserves in some cases. A pre-approval conversation with Dan takes less than 30 minutes and will tell you exactly where you stand and which programs you qualify for.
Want to find out if you qualify for a zero-down home loan?
Call Dan at (661) 342-9381 — he'll run the numbers for your specific situation in minutes.
Call Dan Now
Dan Ardis has 20+ years of mortgage experience, including as a Senior Specialty Underwriter. He serves Bakersfield families and clients across 49 states through Barrett Financial Group.