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
June 5, 2018 - Regarding luxury items and features in a home, the first and most basic issue is the existence of the pool, barbecue pit, or other similar upgrades. FHA loan rules do not forbid the purchase of a home with these features, but they must meet FHA standards where applicable.
June 2, 2018 - Closing cost guidelines come into play regarding what expenses are considered part of the borrower’s required cash to close. Closing costs can include a lender’s origination fees, pre-paid items such as per diem interest, and discount points where applicable.
May 23, 2018 - A credit freeze is something used by victims of identity theft to prevent new credit accounts being opened in the name of the victim. When the borrower is ready to open any new line of credit, it will be necessary to reach out to all the agencies the credit freeze was initiated with in the first place.
May 11, 2018 - For those who want to rehab an existing home rather than having one built from scratch, the FHA 203(k) rehab loan is an important option. This FHA mortgage, which is also available as a refinance loan, allows the borrower to make renovations and improvements to the property.
May 6, 2018 - Conventional mortgages require private mortgage insurance (PMI) unless the borrower makes a lender-prescribed down payment that eliminates the need. FHA mortgage loans are different. They don’t require PMI, but they do require an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium and a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) instead.
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!
