FHA Loan Requirements for 2026
580 Credit Score -and- 3.5% Down Payment
The FHA loan program lets you purchase a home with a low down payment and flexible guidelines. FHA refinance mortgages are a great option for those who want to lower their monthly mortgage payment or consolidate their bills.
See how we make the American dream a reality. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer moving to a new home, or want to refinance your existing conventional loan to an FHA mortgage, there's an FHA program suited to your needs. With no income limits or credit scoring, many people who can afford the monthly mortgage payments and have reasonable credit will qualify for an FHA mortgage.
FHA Loan Articles
July 18, 2026Many home purchasers hold incorrect assumptions about FHA mortgage rules and restrictions. These loans are not limited to first-time buyers, for example, and there is no age limit for FHA loans. FHA borrowers may apply for more than one FHA mortgage, but these loans are for owner-occupied residences only. We examine some important points on these issues, including when you can and cannot have more than one FHA loan at a time.
July 14, 2026Do you need to sign a mortgage remotely? Years after COVID, using an all-virtual closing for your FHA home loan is an option, depending on the nature of your transaction and other factors. The FHA and HUD both permit digital signatures on home loans, including initial applications, tax disclosures, and purchase agreements. Keep in mind that using the digital option requires cooperation among three entities: your mortgage company, the title insurance agency, and the local land recording office.
July 9, 2026The Closing Disclosure is provided by mortgage lenders at least three business days before you close the deal. The disclosure outlines loan terms, monthly installments, and the closing costs required to finalize the transaction and take the keys to your new home. Borrowers use the disclosure to cross-reference their final numbers against the initial Loan Estimate received during the early stages of the application. But what if there are errors?
July 5, 2026When you purchase a home with an FHA loan, the government backs the mortgage to protect lenders against default. In exchange for this, the FHA requires borrowers to pay a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), which features two parts. One is the upfront fee paid at closing. The other is an annual premium, broken down into 12 monthly payments, added to your mortgage bill. We examine key issues related to canceling this mortgage insurance.
June 30, 2026FHA loans offer low down payment options and more forgiving credit requirements for borrowers who may not qualify for a conventional mortgage or need to save more money out of pocket at the front end of the mortgage. But even with more forgiving credit requirements, some borrowers are tempted to omit certain debt information from their home loan applications. What does it mean to conceal a debt or financial situation from your loan officer?
