FHA Loan Tips for Improving Credit
Track Your Credit Score and Stay on Top of Problems
While FHA loans are known as a great service for people looking for help buying a house, applicants can make the process even easier if they take steps toward ensuring their credit history is in tip-top shape. The agency advises prospective home buyers to approach FHA loans with their best possible credit history to eliminate any potential risk of not qualifying.
Whether you're looking for a loan to mortgage a new house or to refinance a house you already own, it makes the most sense open up all your options with an optimal credit rating. The FHA recommends having a satisfactory payment history of at least one year before applying for a loan.
Credit Tips for Your FHA Loan
Here are some tips to help you on your way:
- Take a Close Look at Your Credit Reports
You don't know what could be hurting your credit score unless you actually check. Get your credit reports from the three national credit bureaus--Experian, Equifax and TransUnion--at no cost and comb them over for anything suspicious or questionable. - Dispute Inaccuracies
If you find errors on your credit report, notify the reporting bureau in writing so you have a record. Provide any additional records or evidence you have to support your dispute. - Find Professional Help
The FHA recommends applicants with credit problems get help from a Consumer Credit Counseling program. A credit counselor can help you get back on track. - Bankruptcy / Foreclosure
If you've suffered from a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past few years, you might still be able to qualify for an FHA loan. Develop a satisfactory payment history, re-establish good credit and meet the other FHA requirements.
While your credit history is just one of the many factors that make up your eligibility for an FHA loan, it is no doubt one of the most important. Having a higher score not only helps you qualify, you can also benefit from the low 3.5 percent down payment on mortgage loans available to applicants with a FICO score over 580. FHA approved lenders don't take your credit history lightly, and neither should you.
Helpful Advice - Credit Scores and Loans
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
July 10, 2018 - If a house hunter wants to purchase a home with an FHA mortgage, rehab loan, or have a property built for them with an FHA One-Time Close construction loan, what do FHA loan rules say about a borrower’s unpaid tax debt?
July 7, 2018 - FHA reverse mortgages are a home loan options that financially qualified borrowers aged 62 or older can consider if they either own their home or are very close to paying off their mortgage loan. Borrowers may consider them to convert the home’s equity into cash for personal needs, renovations, travel or other purchases.
July 3, 2018 - For maximum financing and the lowest possible down payment requirement under the FHA loan program’s rules, borrowers should come to the FHA mortgage loan application process with a credit score of 580 or higher.
July 1, 2018 - Are you new to the home loan process and need tips for buying or building a home using an FHA mortgage? There are three basic areas you should consider immediately once you decide for sure that you want to apply for a home loan.
June 18, 2018 - Borrowers with existing FHA mortgages often consider refinancing their loans. Some may refinance because they want to get a lower payment or switch the term of their loan to a shorter (15-year refinance loan) or longer (30-year refinance loan) term.
FHA.com Reviews
FHA.com is a one-stop resource for homebuyers who want to make the best decisions when it comes to their mortgage. With our detailed, mobile-friendly site, individuals can access information about different FHA products, the latest loan limits, and numerous other resources to make their homebuying experience easier. Take a look at some of the reviews from other FHA.com visitors!
