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
March 10, 2026The speed of your home loan payoff depends mostly on the length of your loan term and the interest rate. While these loans are popular for their low down payment options, the specific structure of the repayment plan may determine how much of your monthly check actually reduces the FHA loan principal balance.
March 9, 2026Buying a home involves more than just saving for the down payment, applying for an FHA mortgage, and attending the closing day meeting. There are other details to consider, especially where the property title is concerned. Behind the scenes, your soon-to-be-new-home's property title is an important document, and that title must be free of potential future claims from previous owners. For those buying a home with an FHA loan, the title process (which includes a title search) offers safeguards for both the buyer and the seller. How does it work?
February 25, 2026The FHA appraisal process evaluates whether a property meets Minimum Property Standards and establishes its current market value. Understanding this process helps new borrowers successfully navigate this stage of the home ownership journey. How does it work? Once the appraiser completes the report and the underwriter reviews the findings, the results dictate the next steps. Did the appraisal come in high? Low? There are several scenarios to know.
February 24, 2026Qualifying for an FHA mortgage after bankruptcy is a structured process. Borrowers with a bankruptcy must wait out a seasoning period after the bankruptcy is discharged. These mandatory waiting periods, required by the FHA, ensure that a borrower has demonstrated financial recovery before taking on a new government-backed loan. Here's what you need to know before you start applying for a new loan after you are free to do so.
February 23, 2026Closing costs for FHA loans typically total between 2% to 6% of the sales price. These expenses are separate from the 3.5% down payment and include fees for loan processing, title verification, and government taxes. While buyers primarily pay for services related to their mortgage, sellers usually cover closing costs, including agent commissions and title clearance costs. Both parties must settle these obligations at the closing table to complete the legal transfer of the home.
