Credit Requirements for FHA Loans
Good Credit History Makes it Easier to Qualify
FHA loans provide great assistance to many first-time homebuyers by offering mortgage loans with lower down payments. While this is a benefit for many people, recent changes in policy may have put the loans just out of reach for some would-be homeowners with questionable credit history.
Credit History and Score Requirements
For those interested in applying for an FHA loan, applicants are now required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for the low down payment advantage, which is currently at around 3.5 percent.
If your credit score is below 580, however, you aren't necessarily excluded from FHA loan eligibility. Applicants with lower credit scores will have to put down a 10 percent down payment if they want to qualify for a loan.
So if you're planning to buy a house, and your credit score doesn't meet the minimum, you should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of putting down a larger down payment or using those funds to try and improve your credit score first.
Benefits of an FHA Loan
The reason why FHA loans are so popular is because borrowers that use them are able to take advantage of benefits and protections unavailable with most traditional mortgage loans. Loans through the FHA are insured by the agency, so lenders are more lenient. Here are a few benefits you can enjoy with an FHA loan:
- Easier to Qualify
While most loans exclude applicants with questionable credit history and low credit scores, the FHA makes loans available with lower requirements so its easier for you to qualify. - Competitive Interest Rates
You've heard the horror stories of subprime borrowers who couldn't keep up with their mortgage interest rates. Well, FHA loans usually offer lower interest rates to help homeowners afford housing payments. - Lower Fees
In addition to lower interest rates, you can also enjoy lower costs on other fees like closing costs, mortgage insurance and others. - Bankruptcy / Foreclosure
Just because you've filed for bankruptcy or suffered a foreclosure in the past few years doesn't mean you're excluded from qualifying for an FHA loan. As long as you meet other requirements that satisfy the FHA, such as re-establishment of good credit, solid payment history, etc., you can still qualify. - No Credit
The FHA usually requires two lines of credit for qualifying applicants. If you don't have a sufficient credit history, you can try to qualify through a substitute form.
For many homebuyers, using an FHA loan can really make the difference between owning your dream house comfortably or turning it into a financial nightmare. The FHA provides a wealth of benefits for applicants that qualify, so make sure you're making full use of them.
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
March 30, 2023 - It’s a common question. What is the total that a participating lender can charge on an FHA loan? There is no single answer if you are looking for a specific dollar amount. Home loan costs vary depending on the housing market, state law, and other variables.
March 26, 2023 - Your lender questions should include whether there is an opportunity to buy down your interest rate, how much that rate might be, as well as any discount or perk offered to you for using that lender over another one. It never hurts to ask.
March 24, 2023 - An FHA appraisal, VA appraisal, or conventional mortgage appraisal all work toward the same end. No matter the nature of the loan itself, the appraisal is meant to establish the current fair market value of the home compared to others like it in the area.
March 23, 2023 - Do you want to buy a home with an FHA mortgage? No matter what kind of home loan you decide to apply for, knowing what your lender is looking for from your application will help you to better save and plan for your mortgage.
March 22, 2023 - The timing of credit applications and the amount of debt you carry in your credit accounts are things your lender will take a close look at before deciding to approve or deny your mortgage. Ideally, you want to avoid missed payments at least in the 12 months up to the loan application.
