Founded in 1888 by the Superintendent of Southern Pacific Railroad, Jerome A. Fillmore, Fillmore had less than a 100 residents back then. The residents and the town were sustained by the "Orange Rush" of the late 1800's and the commercial production and distribution of oranges by what would eventually become Sunkist Growers. Fillmore's first orange packing house was built and purchased for $50.
Today, Fillmore still has a small-town atmosphere with a population of less than 16,000 residents. The nearby farms are still predominantly agriculture with most agricultural industry being related to orange, lemon, avocado orchard farming and packing and, more recently, tree farming.
The town's relatively remote location away from urban sprawl of Ventura and neighboring Los Angeles counties has helped preserve this atmosphere. Located in the Santa Clara River Valley, just below the Los Padres National Forest, Fillmore is still part of Ventura county's agricultural belt and sits off the highway 126 between highways 33 and 23 and still has a train depot served by the Fillmore & Western Railway.
One of the best things about Fillmore is that the entire city is eligible for 100% financing through the USDA Guaranteed Rural Home Loan program. The USDA Rural Guaranteed program extends 100% financing opportunities to help low-medium income residents purchase homes with no down payment required and no monthly mortgage insurance.
This program is only available in designated USDA eligible areas. There are also income limit guidelines that applicants must qualify for to be eligible to apply. These income limits are based on 115% of the median income for that county as well as family size.
This beautiful 4bd/3ba with more than 2,500 sq. ft. of living space is definitely the best bang for your buck around here.
Furthermore, this is not some dumpy REO or a short sale or another home that needs a lot of work. This is a fantastic, move-in ready home with motivated sellers offering a 3% credit towards buyers closing costs.
With an incredible backyard for entertaining, this wonderful home backs up to open space and the Santa Clara River with some fantastic mountain views with neighbors on only one side. Comparable rents in this neighborhood for similar properties runs from $2,200 - $2,400 a month. For less than $2,000 (PIT – no MI) a month, you could own this little piece of the country just outside of the city.
Today's real estate market can be really scary, which is why it's important to get as much information as possible before starting your search. Finding out more about affordable home loan options and getting pre-approved is an absolute must.
The pre-approval process is not a simple process and it's because it can get really complicated and convoluted that borrowers today need affordable loan options that are best suited for their own needs.
That's what I'm here for and I would love to be able to assist you in your search for an affordable home loan here in Ventura county. Applications for this program can only be submitted by approved lenders; for more information on the USDA Rural program guidelines and eligibility, please feel free to contact me, Donne Knudsen at donne4loans@earthlink.net or at 805.2069123.
While cruising the route along the Santa Susana Mountains, passengers are treated to railway entertainment, dining and holiday festivities. 
