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.
SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
August 24, 2019 - The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced modifications to the FHA Cash-Out Refinance program. On August 1, 2019, the agency issued a press release announcing measures to reduce the risk to its cash out refinance loan program.
August 22, 2019 - There are several things you can do to help improve your credit score-always pay on time, never skip a payment, avoid carrying high balances on your credit accounts, etc. But there are also some credit mistakes to be aware of before you apply for a new home loan.
August 20, 2019 - What kinds of houses qualify for an FHA home loan? The answer may surprise you since many people assume the types of homes they can buy are fully finished, typical suburban home. But you can purchase other types of properties, too. Do you know your options with an FHA loan?
August 18, 2019 - Do you know what it takes to get home loan approval? Many first-time home buyers do not, and the requirements may sound daunting at first, but you can move closer to getting a home loan with some simple steps that can raise your credit score before you apply for a mortgage.
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.
SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus
Do you know what's on your credit report?
Learn what your score means.
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!
