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
March 10, 2019 - There is a kind of golden rule for home loan borrowers; never come to the application process with less than 12 months of on-time payments on all financial obligations. How can thinking like a loan officer help you in this respect?
March 8, 2019 - There are a variety of factors that can influence whether a lender will approve your mortgage loan if you have a lower FICO score. Think about the non-FICO score aspects of your new home loan for a moment-the loan-to-value ratio, the amount of your down payment, and your debt-to-income ratio.
March 6, 2019 - Your credit history and credit scores will play an important part in the rate you get offered. You and the lender are required to negotiate the rate-the FHA does not set or regulate mortgage loan interest rates, even on FHA mortgages. What can a borrower do to try for a more competitive interest rate?
March 5, 2019 - The interest rate any borrower is offered on a mortgage loan is based in part on credit scores and other financial qualifications. The best thing you can do initially to get a lower mortgage loan interest rate to buy real estate with is to start early on your credit.
February 28, 2019 - First-time home buyers do not need to worry that they earn too much money to qualify for an FHA mortgage. It is true that other government-backed mortgages may have an income or need requirement-the USDA mortgage loan program is a great example of one that does.
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!
