An FHA Home Loan may get you into a home with a low down payment. An FHA loan provides a government-insured loan with flexible loan options. One of the biggest hurdles that first time homebuyers face is saving up for a sizable down payment on a home. Even experienced homeowners may need to plan for a long time for a new home purchase. Fortunately, FHA loans may help some buyers get into the home of their dreams with a lower down payment.
What is an FHA loan?
FHA loans are mortgages backed by the U.S. Federal Housing Administration. Lenders, such as banks and credit unions, that provide FHA loans provide funding for home purchases while requiring a lower down payment. Buyers may get into a new home with as little as 3.5% down.
FHA loans have their own mortgage insurance rather than conventional private mortgage insurance (PMI). Most FHA programs charge an upfront mortgage insurance premium at closing and an annual premium collected in monthly installments. A low down payment therefore does not mean that the loan has no mortgage-insurance cost. Read the official guidance.
What is required for an FHA loan?
Many of the same documents are required for an FHA loan that any potential lender will want to see: employment history, appraisal, debt-to-income ration. A few additional stipulations are also attached to the FHA loan process. Buyers may have to bring 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment, more if they have a credit score below 580. FHA loans are only available for the borrower’s primary residence.
Credit requirements may also be lower for FHA loans, given other factors demonstrate that the borrower is able to manage their money responsibly. Each lender looks at individual applications and may ask for additional documentation or explanations. They are often able to work with buyers with a lower credit score or shorter credit history than in other situations.
How FHA Loans Work
- Eligible FHA borrowers may purchase with as little as 3.5% down. A 20% down payment is not required for every conventional mortgage. Some eligible buyers can qualify for options with as little as 3% down. Private mortgage insurance is usually required with less than 20% down; eligibility and costs depend on the selected program and borrower. Read the official guidance.
- 30-, 25-, 20- and 15-year terms are all available with fixed rates.
- 5-year adjustable rate mortgage available.
- Pay your mortgage off at any time without pre-payment penalties.
Have questions? Give us a call! One of our mortgage specialists would be happy to answer all of your questions.
**Red Tree Mortgage is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of or at the direction of FHA, VA, USDA or the Federal Government.