FHA Requirements
Closing Costs and Allowable Charges
While FHA requirements define which closing costs are allowable as charges to the borrower, the specific costs and amounts that are deemed reasonable and customary are determined by each local FHA office. All other costs are generally not allowed and are usually paid by the seller when buying a new home, or paid by the lender when refinancing your existing FHA loan.
- Lender's origination fee
- Deposit verification fees
- Attorney's fees
- The appraisal fee and any inspection fees
- Lender's origination fee
- Cost of title insurance and title examination
- Document preparation (by a third party)
- Property survey
- Credit reports (actual costs)
- Transfer stamps, recording fees, and taxes
- Test and certification fees
- Home inspection fees up to $200
Allowed in an FHA refinance loan are wire transfer fees, courier fees, reconveyance fees, and fees to payoff bills.
FHA Loan Requirements
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
April 7, 2024 - If the home can’t pass the appraisal or if the home can’t be repaired to pass an appraisal, this could result in the lender denying the loan. The same is true if the home is located too close to high voltage power lines, oil or gas drilling operations, or in certain natural disaster hazard zones.
April 6, 2024 - The FHA reverse mortgage is an option for these qualifying applicants that lets the borrower take cash at closing time on a loan that is not due until the borrower dies, sells the home, or stops using it as the primary residence.
April 5, 2024 - FHA mortgages are a good idea for borrowers who want to save money upfront on the mortgage and ideally have FICO scores of 580 or better. Those with FICO scores below 580 should work on credit and other financials before applying for a loan.
April 4, 2024 - Trying to time your commitment to a specific day doesn't make sense when rates dip lower. Why? Because you can’t get an interest rate lock commitment from the lender until you are ready to commit to a specific property you want to buy.
April 3, 2024 - If you buy a fixer-upper with an FHA loan, you must hire contractors to do the labor. There are some general guidelines about this process all borrowers should know before committing. Don’t consider unlicensed contractors. Your lender can’t approve a loan under such circumstances.
