FHA Requirements
Credit Guidelines That FHA Lenders Follow
Before approving a loan, the lender analyzes the integrity of the borrower's past credit performance. Based on FHA requirements, those who have a good credit history demonstrated by a solid track record of timely payments will likely be eligible for a loan. Potential borrowers whose credit history is marred by slow payments, poor financial judgment and delinquent accounts is not a good candidate for loan approval.
The following is a list of items concerning the borrower's credit:
No Credit History
Two lines of credit are necessary to apply for an FHA loan. However, in the event a borrower does not have sufficient credit on their credit report the FHA will allow substitute forms.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
FHA will consider approving a borrower who is still paying on a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy if those payments have been satisfactorily made and verified for a period of one year. The court trustee's written approval will also be needed in order to proceed with the loan. The borrower will have to give a full explanation of the bankruptcy with the loan application and must also have re-established good credit, qualify financially and have good job stability.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
At least two years must have elapsed since the discharge date of the borrower and / or spouse's Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, according to FHA guidelines. This is not to be confused with the bankruptcy filing date. A full explanation will be required with the loan application. In order to qualify for an FHA loan, the borrower must qualify financially, have re-established good credit, and have a stable job.
Late Payments
During an underwriter analysis of borrower credit, the overall pattern of credit behavior is being reviewed rather than isolated cases of slow payments. If a good payment pattern has been maintained, regardless of a specific period of financial difficulty preceded it, the borrower may escape disqualification.
Foreclosure
FHA insured mortgages are generally not available to borrowers whose property was foreclosed on or given a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure within the previous three years. However, if the foreclosure of the borrower's main residence was the result of extenuating circumstances, an exception may be granted if they have since established good credit. This does not include the inability to sell a home when transferring from one area to another.
Collections, Judgments, and Federal Debts
A collection is minor in nature usually does not need to be paid off as a condition for loan approval. It is stated as such in FHA guidelines. Any judgments will have to be paid in full prior to closing. Borrowers who are delinquent on any federal debt, such as tax liens, student loans, etc., are not eligible.
FREE CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus
Do you know what's on your credit report?
Learn what your score means.
FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
March 20, 2019 - The home loan is a major investment, and lenders are required to exercise due diligence in making sure the borrower’s financial data is accurate and meets home loan approval standards. Reviewing your tax returns shows the lender the exact nature of income and employment.
March 18, 2019 - Borrowers who receive disability payments may want to have those payments considered for real estate loan approval, but what is the FHA standard in this area? If your disability income has no expiration date you may be in a good position to have that income considered for your mortgage.
March 14, 2019 - House hunters, real estate agents, first-time home buyers, and many others have questions about FHA home loans. Some of the answers to these questions are complex and require quotes from the FHA home loan rulebook, HUD 4000.1.
March 13, 2019 - First-time home buyers might not be used to thinking long term about buying, owning, and selling or refinancing real estate, but it’s a very good idea to consider your options long-term when planning to buy your first home.
March 12, 2019 - Believe it or not, FHA loan rules require the lender to consider each of these circumstances individually to determine whether past credit problems were due to circumstances beyond the borrower’s control or if they were caused by being a bad credit risk.
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!
