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.
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
September 11, 2019 - What does it take to get FHA home loan approval? Part of the equation is in your credit scores, another part is your employment history, but an equally crucial portion involves the amount of debt you carry versus the amount of income you have.
September 3, 2019 - Is your neighborhood’s property values going up? Or are they moving in the opposite direction? Depending on what kind of refinance loan you need, this can be an important factor in deciding whether to commit to a refinance loan.
September 2, 2019 - Do you need down payment assistance for your home loan? FHA loan rules permit such help, but if you have never applied for an FHA loan before, there are some things you need to know before getting started. FHA itself does not have a down payment assistance program, even for first-time home buyers.
August 29, 2019 - If you have had a promotion with your current employer, or have been hired at a better position and/or for more pay with a new employer in such circumstances, the lender is likely to view such a move favorably unless there are complicating factors that need to be taken into account.
August 27, 2019 - Are you interested in a home loan but have thin credit? A borrower without much credit history can take some advice straight from one of the major credit reporting agencies, Experian, about making your credit history more attractive to a lender.
FHA.com Reviews
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