FHA Loans

Federal Housing Authority — or FHA — loans are mortgages insured by the federal government. FHA loans are an attractive mortgage option for first-time home buyers and can make it easier for people with limited savings or lower credit scores to get a home loan.

If you qualify for an FHA loan, you may be able to buy a home with a downpayment as little as 3.5%.

Because FHA loans are insured by the federal government, lenders can offer FHA loans with lower down payments and fewer requirements.

Since FHA loans were first offered, home ownership in the United States has risen dramatically — from only about 44% of households in 1934 to a record high of 69.2% in 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2021, an estimated 65.5% of American households owned their own home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

FHA loans are typically easier to get than a conventional mortgage. They provide advantages to people who might not qualify for a conventional mortgage because of lower income or credit scores, higher monthly debts or little savings for a down payment.

Another option is a Veterans Administration (VA) loan. VA loans are mortgages backed by the federal government that are only available to people in military service or who are a veteran. They typically don’t require a down payment.

If you are buying a house in a rural or in certain suburban areas, you may also want to consider a USDA loan — a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

An FHA loan may be easier to qualify for than a conventional mortgage. But there are several FHA loan requirements you must meet to qualify.

In addition, the FHA places eligibility limits on how much you can borrow to purchase a home.

These limits are set based on the type of home you plan to purchase and where it’s located. The limits are higher in places with higher property costs — such as in large metropolitan areas — and are updated each year.

FHA loan limits can vary from county to county within a state. The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides an FHA Mortgage Limits tool on its website to help you find the loan limits in the county where you are shopping for a home.

There are several different types of FHA loans. They serve different purposes and you should compare them to determine if one is best for your situation and home buying goals.

In addition to purchasing a traditional house, FHA loans can be used toward several real estate purchases and costs including repairs to the home you buy or to buying a manufactured home.

In addition to actual loans, you can get FHA loan prequalification. This is relatively simple and can be done over the phone.

FHA loans have several advantages for many home buyers. But they may not be the right choice for you. You should consider the differences between an FHA loan and a conventional mortgage based on your financial situation and home ownership goals.

If you have a high debt-to-income ratio — more than 43% of your monthly gross income goes to monthly bills — you should look for an FHA loan rather than a conventional mortgage.

If you want a larger house — one more expensive than the FHA loan limits for where you are house hunting — you should opt for a conventional mortgage.

When considering which kind of mortgage may be best for you, you should also consider the pros and cons of an FHA loan. There may be some qualities that tip the balance in one direction or the other.

FHA loans also have more stringent appraisal standards than conventional mortgages — looking more closely for health and safety issues. This can end up being a plus for a buyer by heading off expensive repairs before you buy.

FHA loans are also assumable — meaning that if you sell the home, the new buyer can simply take over the mortgage at the same interest rate. This can be an advantage if you sell when interest rates have gone up.

While the Federal Housing Administration insures FHA loans, it does not lend any money. You apply for an FHA loan through a private lender — just like for a conventional mortgage.

Applying for an FHA loan is typically a three-step process — finding a lender, filling out an application and providing basic personal and financial information.

Most banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, online mortgage lenders and other financial institutions dealing with home loans offer FHA mortgages.

You can also apply for a preapproval of an FHA loan. It typically can be completed within a day once the lender has all your information. A preapproval is not a guarantee of a loan, but will give you and the seller an idea of how much you can afford to pay for a home.

Even though you can find FHA loans with a credit score as low as 500 to 580, not all lenders accept lower credit scores. Make sure you find one that does if you have a low score.

You should apply to three to five lenders so you can compare rates, terms and fees before settling on the best FHA loan. You can apply in person at brick and mortar banks or mortgage companies, but many lenders will let you apply online.

After applying for an FHA loan, you should receive a loan estimate — a standard form all lenders use — within three business days. It will show you the estimated monthly mortgage payment, interest rate and closing costs.

The loan estimate will allow you to compare terms, rates and fees side-by-side. Just make sure the loans are for the same type, amount and term.

Once you decide on the best deal for you, you can contact the lender and move forward with buying your home.