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FHA loans are one of the best options for young, first-time home buyers who have not had as much time to save for a large down payment or establish a high credit score.

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How Much to Save for an FHA Home Loan Down Payment


How Much to Save for an FHA Home Loan Down Payment
FHA single-family home loans require a minimum 3.5% down payment for typical transactions. Saving for this requires planning and dedication, but it’s not impossible to save enough to make the down payment.

How do people typically budget and save for this? Your financial needs and goals will play a big role in how much you decide to set aside for your new home, but here are some options to think about, below.

Saving for an FHA Home Loan Down Payment

To save the minimum FHA down payment in about one year, plan monthly contributions to a savings fund:
 
  • The amount depends on the target home price and your minimum percentage (3.5% or 10%). 
  • Calculate the monthly savings for 12 months.
  • Be sure to calculate how much you can save after lowering outgoing debt as part of your credit improvement plan. Re-calculate your savings plan about six months into the process to see if you can afford to set aside more.
If you qualify for the 3.5 percent minimum down payment (credit score 580 or higher), monthly set-asides for over one year for different home prices include the following which are estimates only:
  • A $200,000 home needs a $7,000 down payment. Save approximately $583.33 monthly for 12 months ($7,000 / 12).
  • A $300,000 home needs a $10,500 down payment. Save approximately $875.00 monthly for 12 months ($10,500 / 12).
  • A $400,000 home needs a $14,000 down payment. Save approximately $1,166.67 monthly for 12 months ($14,000 / 12).
If you need the 10 percent minimum down payment (credit score 500-579), monthly savings over one year are higher:
 
  • A $200,000 home needs a $20,000 down payment. Save approximately $1,666.67 monthly for 12 months ($20,000 / 12).
  • A $300,000 home needs a $30,000 down payment. Save approximately $2,500.00 monthly for 12 months ($30,000 / 12).
  • A $400,000 home needs a $40,000 down payment. Save approximately $3,333.33 monthly for 12 months ($40,000 / 12).
Meeting these monthly targets depends on income, expenses, and obligations. Some find saving $500 to over $1,000 monthly achievable. Others, targeting higher prices or needing 10 percent down, face figures from $1,500 to over $3,000 monthly, requiring significant changes.

These figures cover only the down payment. Funds for closing costs and reserves are also needed, so don’t forget to run those numbers, too.
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FHA Loan Articles

How Much to Save for an FHA Home Loan Down Payment

FHA single-family home loans require a minimum 3.5% down payment for typical transactions. Saving for this requires planning and dedication, but it’s not impossible to save enough to make the down payment. How do people typically budget and save for this? Your financial needs and goals will play a big role in how much you decide to set aside for your new home, but here are some options to think about...

Beyond the Break-Even With FHA Discount Points

In a previous post, we discussed why FHA borrowers should carefully consider whether paying for discount points truly serves their best interests, focusing on factors like short-term homeownership, opportunity cost, FHA mortgage insurance, and the prevailing interest rate environment. Discount points are an option for borrowers willing to pay a fee to lower the interest rate by a set amount. This is not right for all borrowers, and you don't want to pay for points you won't benefit from during the loan term.

Should You Pay Extra to Lower Your FHA Loan Interest Rate?

Are you considering buying a home with an FHA loan? You'll likely talk to your participating lender about FHA loan "discount points" – fees you pay upfront for a lower interest rate on your mortgage. The idea behind discount points is a straightforward exchange: you spend money today to reduce your interest rate. Typically, one point equals one percent of your total FHA loan. In return, your interest rate might decrease by an amount you and the lender agree upon.

Factors Increasing Your FHA Loan Costs

Home loans have various expenses that aren't apparent to a new borrower until much later in the process. What do you need to consider when making your home loan budget? It might not be complete without addressing some of the issues we cover here.

Is Waiting to Refinance Your Residential Home a Good Idea?

While the prospect of lower interest rates or more favorable loan terms can be enticing, there are situations where waiting is the better option. Refinancing without carefully considering your current financial circumstances is never a good idea, but careful planning in the current financial environment is even more important.

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