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
November 20, 2025Your total monthly FHA mortgage payment consists of four primary components, commonly known as PITI, along with a mandatory insurance charge. Participating FHA lenders combine the loan's fixed repayment cost (Principal and Interest) with the variable escrow costs (Taxes and Insurance) and the FHA's annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). The required payment ensures you cover all loan obligations and fund escrow accounts for property taxes and insurance.
November 19, 2025The FICO score plays a central role in your FHA home loan application. It not only contributes to your approval but also determines your minimum required cash investment—the down payment. The FICO score dictates which of the FHA’s two down payment options you qualify for.
November 18, 2025Borrowers applying for an FHA mortgage must typically use escrow. This is usually required for the entire term of the loan. Escrow accounts guarantee the on-time payment of property taxes and other home loan-related expenses. While conventional loans may allow homeowners to manage their own property taxes and other expenses, the FHA program does not allow this.
November 17, 2025FHA loan approval depends on a lender's review of three areas. Those areas are your credit history, your income, and the property itself. The Federal Housing Administration insures these loans for participating lenders, allowing them to offer mortgages to borrowers who need more flexible credit and lower down payment requirements. The lender, not the FHA, makes the final credit decision.
November 13, 2025Monitoring your credit is a big part of financial health. This becomes even more important in the year before you apply for a home loan. A lender will base their decision on the information in your credit reports. If that information is wrong, or if you have been a victim of identity theft, your application can be denied.
