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
May 9, 2019 - Worried about the down payment for a home purchase? Some borrowers would rather hang on to their cash for home improvement projects, bills, student loans, or new furniture. FHA loans are designed to help with down payment issues in addition to providing more flexible credit requirements.
May 8, 2019 - Remember, it’s better to take longer to prepare for your refinance if you need to in order to fix things like payment history (a recommended 12 months of on-time payments for all bills) or correct identity theft issues on a credit report.
May 5, 2019 - FHA home loans are not specifically intended for first-time home buyers, but many house hunters who have never purchased real estate before turn to the FHA home loan program because of the low down payment requirements and other borrower benefits.
May 4, 2019 - If you are thinking about buying a home and want to apply for a mortgage loan to purchase your first home, there are some variables that can affect the interest rate you are offered when you are ready to commit to purchasing the real estate.
April 28, 2019 - The FHA loan program itself establishes a FICO score minimum of 500 or higher. Those with FICO scores between 500 and 579 can technically qualify for an FHA home loan but they will be required by FHA loan program rules to make a 10% down payment.
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!
