FHA Loan Requirements
Whether you're a first time homebuyer, moving to a new home, or want to refinance your existing conventional or FHA mortgage, the FHA loan program will let you purchase a home with a low down payment and flexible guidelines.
- The Facts About FHA Credit Requirements and FICO® Scores
- Do FHA Loan Requirements Apply to All Borrowers?
- Your FHA Loan Credit Qualifications
FHA Limits for 2019
FHA loan limits were established to define how much you can borrow for a HUD-backed mortgage. Each state has different limits, so be sure to look up your state to understand what is available for your FHA home loan.
Down Payment Grants for FHA Loans
Paying the upfront costs of buying a new home can be challenging. To help overcome this hurdle, many local and state agencies offer down payment assistance in the form of grants or second mortgages.
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
August 17, 2019 - FHA home loans require appraisals but do not require home inspections. That said, no home buyer should buy a house without paying for the optional appraisal-do so at your own risk. The FHA appraisal process is a tool for the lender to determine the fair market value of the property.
August 15, 2019 - Do you really have to make a 20% down payment to get into a home loan? Not with an FHA mortgage. FHA loan program down payment minimums are 3.5% for borrowers with FICO scores at 580 or better. So why do people assume 20% down is required to buy a home?
August 13, 2019 - FHA home loan rules in HUD 4000.1 (the FHA Single Family Home Loan Handbook) say the lender can, under certain circumstances, use compensating factors in cases where the borrower’s other financial qualifications may be less ideal than others.
August 11, 2019 - Some borrowers don’t fully understand the home loan process, which can lead to disastrous results if you don’t understand the lender’s approach to credit checks and other loan underwriting procedures.
August 9, 2019 - What are the FHA home loan rules for first-time home buyers? If that seems like a trick question to you, you’re on the right track. There are NO FHA home loan rules that pertain exclusively to first-time home buyers.
August 8, 2019 - If you are in the planning stages for an FHA home loan, it’s important to begin budgeting for your home loan-related expenses including appraisal fees, home inspection fees, any required pest control, hazard insurance, and other costs.
August 6, 2019 - FHA requirements say that borrowers with FICO scores between 500 and 579 are technically eligible for an FHA mortgage but would be required to put a higher amount of money down. The down payment requirements from the FHA (not the lender) in these cases is 10%.
August 5, 2019 - If you have monthly financial responsibilities that include paying alimony or child support, there are FHA loan rules your lender will use to determine how such payments affect your debt ratio. How do these factors affect an FHA home loan approval?
August 4, 2019 - FHA Streamline Refinances have no FHA-required credit check, appraisal, or job verification in most cases. But there IS a credit-qualifying version of the FHA Streamline, and some lenders may only offer that version while others may provide both.
August 3, 2019 - What does it take to get approval for an FHA mortgage? Your lender will review many things associated with your mortgage loan application, but there are three main areas you should consider at least a year ahead of your home loan application.
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Homebuyer Terminology
If you’re getting ready to shop around for mortgage options, it’s a good idea to brush up on some of the technical terms in our Mortgage Glossary. You’re going to be hearing a lot of them!
