Kern County Mortgage
Fast Facts 2025
Loan limits, income caps, property data, and program thresholds for Bakersfield and Kern County. Current as of 2025. Dan updates these figures when federal agencies publish annual adjustments.
2025 Loan Limits: Kern County
Published by FHFA (conforming) and HUD (FHA). VA does not set a loan limit for veterans with full entitlement.
| Program | 1-Unit (SFR) | 2-Unit (Duplex) | 3-Unit | 4-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conforming (Fannie/Freddie) | $806,500 | $1,032,650 | $1,248,150 | $1,551,250 |
| FHA | $806,500 | $1,032,650 | $1,248,150 | $1,551,250 |
| VA (with full entitlement) | No limit | No limit | No limit | No limit |
| USDA | $806,500 (rural areas only) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jumbo (above conforming) | $806,501+ | $1,032,651+ | $1,248,151+ | $1,551,251+ |
Source: FHFA and HUD, effective January 2025. Verify current limits at fhfa.gov and hud.gov before application.
Bakersfield and Kern County Housing Market Data
Mid-2025 estimate. Varies by submarket: NW Bakersfield typically $420k-$550k, East Bakersfield $250k-$320k.
U.S. Census Bureau estimate. Drives CalHFA eligibility and USDA income calculations for Kern County.
Base Proposition 13 rate of 1% plus Mello-Roos and special assessments in newer subdivisions. NW Bakersfield newer tracts may carry Mello-Roos that adds $1,500-$4,000/year.
Approximately half of Bakersfield households are renter-occupied. This creates strong rental demand supporting DSCR loan viability.
Mid-2025 range for Kern County. NW Bakersfield faster; East Bakersfield and rural areas slower. Pre-approval speed affects offer competitiveness.
Mortgage rates change daily. Dan publishes indicative rates weekly for Bakersfield buyers.
See current rates →CalHFA Income Limits for Kern County (2025)
Income limits vary by program. Dream For All and MyHome use different thresholds. Limits are updated annually. Dan pulls current published limits at the time of your application.
| Program | 1-2 Person Household | 3+ Person Household | Min Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA FHA + MyHome | ~$159,000 | ~$185,000 | 660 |
| CalHFA Conventional | ~$159,000 | ~$185,000 | 680 |
| Dream For All Shared Appreciation | ~$159,000-$175,000 | ~$202,000 | 660 |
| CalHFA USDA | ~$110,650 | ~$146,050 | 640 |
| Teacher / School Employee Programs | Varies by district | Varies by district | 660 |
These are approximate figures. CalHFA income limits are set per county and updated annually. Dan verifies current limits on every CalHFA file.
Mortgage Insurance and Funding Fees (2025)
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premiums
| LTV | Upfront MIP | Annual MIP |
|---|---|---|
| Above 90% LTV (30 yr) | 1.75% | 0.55%/yr (life of loan) |
| 90% LTV or less (30 yr) | 1.75% | 0.50%/yr (11 years) |
| Above 90% LTV (15 yr) | 1.75% | 0.40%/yr |
| 90% LTV or less (15 yr) | 1.75% | 0.15%/yr |
Upfront MIP can be financed into the loan. Annual MIP is paid monthly.
VA Funding Fees (2025)
| Use / Down Payment | Funding Fee |
|---|---|
| First use, 0-4.99% down | 2.15% |
| First use, 5-9.99% down | 1.5% |
| First use, 10%+ down | 1.25% |
| Subsequent use, 0-4.99% down | 3.3% |
| Subsequent use, 5-9.99% down | 1.5% |
| VA IRRRL (streamline refi) | 0.5% |
| 10%+ disability rating exempt | 0% |
VA funding fee can be financed into the loan. No monthly mortgage insurance.
USDA Loan Reference Data for Kern County
USDA Rural Development loans are property-specific and income-limited. Bakersfield city limits are generally not eligible. Surrounding communities in Kern County often are.
100% financing, no down payment required
Can be rolled into the loan at closing
Paid monthly, decreases as balance decreases
Kern County standard limit. Updated annually by USDA.
Kern County standard limit. Updated annually by USDA.
640+ recommended for automated underwriting (GUS approval)
Eligible communities include Tehachapi, Shafter, Wasco, McFarland, Delano, Arvin, Lamont, Taft, Buttonwillow, Maricopa, Frazier Park, Lake Isabella, and unincorporated Kern County areas. Check the USDA Property Eligibility tool for specific addresses. Full USDA details →
Quick Reference: DTI, Credit, and Down Payment by Program
| Program | Min Down | Min Credit | Max DTI | MI Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA (standard) | 3.5% | 580 (500 w/ 10% down) | 50% (AUS) | Yes, life of loan (>90% LTV) |
| Conventional | 3% (primary, first-time) | 620 (680+ for best rates) | 45-50% (AUS) | Yes, cancellable at 20% equity |
| VA | 0% | 580-620 (lender overlay) | 41% (VA guideline, AUS may allow more) | No monthly MI |
| USDA | 0% | 620 (most lenders) | 41% (29% housing ratio) | Yes, 0.35%/yr annual |
| CalHFA FHA | 3.5% - 0% with MyHome | 660 | 45% | Yes (FHA MIP) |
| Jumbo | 10-20% typically | 700-740 | 43-45% | Depends on LTV |
| DSCR (investor) | 20-25% | 660 | Property-based | No |
AUS = automated underwriting system. Lenders may have overlays above published minimums. Dan confirms lender-specific requirements before recommending a program.
Data Sources and Update Frequency
Related Resources
Questions About Kern County Loan Limits or Programs?
Dan verifies current limits, income caps, and program availability at the time of your application. Call (661) 342-9381 or apply online.