Credit Requirements for FHA Loans
Good Credit History Makes it Easier to Qualify
FHA loans provide great assistance to many first time home buyers 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 home buyers, 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 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!
