In order to be approved for a mortgage, all borrowers must meet certain guidelines. When it comes to FHA loans, the guidelines are a little more lenient and easier for first-time buyers to meet.

FHA.com: Home Purchase and Refinance Loans

FHA Loan Programs for 2024

The most recognized 3.5% down payment mortgage in the country. Affordable payments w/good credit.

Are You Watching Your Credit Score?




- Improving Your Credit Score Has Never Been More Important -

FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans.
FHA Home Loans

Choose a Loan Type

FHA.com is a privately owned website, is not a government agency, and does not make loans.

Loan Guidelines

Related Terms: FHA requirements, FHA guidelines
All loans, whether FHA or conventional, will have guidelines for borrowers to follow. When it comes to FHA mortgages, these requirements tend to be a little more lenient but must be met all the same. 
Loan Guidelines
There are guidelines in place regarding your credit score, down payment, debt-to-income ratio, and mortgage insurance. The FHA is well-known for having a low down payment requirement of 3.5 percent, but that is dependent on the borrower having a credit score of at least 580. Your debt-to-income ratio must be lower than 43 percent, to ensure that you can afford to pay back the loan that you are applying for. You must also pay mortgage insurance premiums, which together with upfront mortgage insurance premium (normally 1.75 percent of the loan amount) makes up the FHA Funding Fee.

Compared to most conventional loans, the FHA’s loan guidelines are considered less strict and can be met more easily by most potential homebuyers. Having these lenient guidelines is a conscious decision made in order to grow the American housing market. 

Do you know what's on your credit report?

Learn what your score means.