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.
FHA Loan Requirements
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
August 6, 2020 - The FHA and HUD have announced an extension to certain coronavirus measures initiated to allow lenders to approve FHA home loans among other guidelines altered by a multi subject mortgagee letter issued by HUD in the last week of July 2020.
July 27, 2020 - Are you ready to buy a home using an FHA home loan? At the time of this writing, coronavirus is still a major problem in the United States and there are revised procedures for appraisals and other measures to avoid spreading the disease while continuing to do business in the housing market.
July 24, 2020 - The importance of credit monitoring can’t be understated; the more you know about your credit report, how it changes and when can make a great deal of difference when you are ready to commit to a home loan.
July 21, 2020 - Consumers are warned repeatedly to monitor their credit for signs of identity theft, erroneous information, etc. Some future home owners already do this, but the concept is new to others. Why is credit monitoring a crucial part of your preparation before applying for an FHA mortgage?
July 14, 2020 - The FHA One-Time Close construction loan, like its VA construction loan counterpart, is a loan backed by the government that allows the borrower to apply for a single mortgage loan to cover both the costs of construction of a home from the ground up and the purchase of the home.
