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
April 30, 2026Securing a mortgage with a co-borrower is a common strategy for first-time home buyers to improve their debt-to-income ratio or qualify for a more competitive interest rate. However, financial and personal circumstances often change, and removing one party from the legal and financial commitments may be necessary. Because FHA loans involve a government-backed guarantee, the process of releasing a borrower requires following a set of FHA/HUD guidelines.
April 28, 2026The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the maximum mortgage amounts for each county in each state, known as FHA loan limits. These figures vary geographically, and the federal government sets those limits each year. State governments do not have the authority to set them, but it is possible to appeal an FHA loan limit decision if the data is flawed or there are other issues.
April 27, 2026The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) were created by Congress to help stabilize the home mortgage market. When you start looking for a home, you will encounter Fannie and Freddie loan options in addition to FHA loan options, and getting familiar with these options is important, even if you know you want an FHA mortgage.
April 22, 2026Foreclosure is the process lenders use to repossess a property when a borrower defaults on a home loan. Under FHA loan rules, participating lenders must follow a specific plan before proceeding with this final step. While it is true that a foreclosure resolves the debt, it also puts a long-term negative entry on credit reports. This triggers a three-year waiting period for future FHA loan eligibility. Borrowers may avoid this outcome through retention options like the Recovery Modification. How much do you know about the foreclosure process and why it’s not the recommended option for borrowers in financial trouble?
April 21, 2026House hunters new to home loans soon discover there are major differences between FHA and conventional loans. One of those big differences is the minimum down payment: FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher. While some conventional loans through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer 3% down programs for first-time buyers, these programs come with stricter requirements.
