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FHA loans are government-backed mortgages, insured by the Federal Housing Administration and designed to create a more affordable path to homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers. FHA loans have more lenient credit requirements and generally lower minimum down payments.
The U.S. Congress created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in 1934, when the housing market was facing Depression-era challenges. 2 million construction workers had lost their jobs, mortgage default rates were high, and most folks found it nearly impossible to obtain a new mortgage.
The FHA's aim then and now is to make it easier for home buyers to qualify for loans by helping reduce the risk to lenders. In 1965, the FHA became part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Housing. In 2020, the FHA insured the mortgages on more than 8 million single family homes.
FHA loans are not issued by the FHA but by private lenders, such as banks. The FHA provides insurance to the lenders to reduce their risk in case the borrower defaults. Homeowners must pay premiums to cover the cost of that insurance.
As with other types of home loans, borrowers will need to meet certain criteria in order to qualify for an FHA loan. Lenders will first request information like your Social Security number, your age, and whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. (Non-U.S. citizens without lawful residency in the U.S. are not eligible.)
Other eligibility requirements include:
FHA loans require borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs), first in the form of an upfront MIP, followed by ongoing annual MIPs (typically rolled into your monthly payments). The upfront premium is 1.75% of your loan amount, and the annual premium runs from 0.15% to 0.75%.
Like any kind of mortgage, FHA loans have some advantages and disadvantages.
The FHA offers other types of home loans aside from regular mortgages. They include:
FHA loans aren't the only type of government-backed mortgage. VA loans are available to qualified active duty members, veterans, and National Guard and Reserve members. In addition, VA loans often require no down payment. USDA loans are for those looking for homes in qualifying rural areas and who meet the income guidelines.
There are also conventional mortgages without similar government backing. These loans tend to have more stringent credit requirements but can also be available in higher amounts.
Applying for an FHA loan is much like applying for other types of mortgages. Before you start, however, you may want to check your credit score to make sure you meet the FHA criteria. Also, consider how much money you might be able to contribute toward a down payment. That will affect how expensive a home you can afford and how much you'll need to borrow. After that:
FHA loan limits vary by region and can range from $498,257.00 to $1,149,825, (higher in certain counties). You can look up the limit in your county on the FHA website.
Yes, it's possible to refinance an FHA loan with a conventional loan as long as you meet the new loan's qualifications.
Your credit score could affect the interest rate that lenders are willing to offer you, with a higher score entitling you to a lower rate. Plus, borrowers with a minimum of a 580 credit score can make a down payment as low as 3.5%, rather than at least 10%.
There are a few trusted government sources that you can use to learn more about FHA loans:
FHA loans can be a good way for home buyers, particularly first-timers, to qualify for a mortgage. However, if you have a good credit score and the cash for a sizable down payment, you'll also want to check out other types of loans. The same lenders may offer both.
Article SourcesA home equity agreement is a contract between a homeowner and an investor. The investor provides funds to the homeowner, who agrees to pay the money back and share any appreciation in the home's value.
Shared equity finance agreements occur when two parties purchase a primary residence because one party is unable to purchase the residence on its own.
An FHA Single Family Title II is a type of mortgage issued by the FHA under Title II of the National Housing Act for a single family.
A contingency clause is a contract provision that requires a specific event or action to take place in order for the contract to be considered valid.
A home equity loan is a consumer loan allowing homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home.
A conditional offer is an agreement between a buyer and a seller that an offer will be made if a certain condition is met.
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