Getting Approved for an FHA Loan
June 8, 2021
Credit Scores and Down Payments
The lower credit score and down payment requirement is one of the prime features that draws borrowers to apply for an FHA loan. The FHA stipulates that borrowers with a FICO score of at least 580 are eligible for the low- down payment minimum of 3.5% down payment. Those with scores between 500 and 579 must pay at least 10% for the down payment, which is still less than the usual 20% minimum for most conventional loans with no private mortgage insurance.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums
To help protect lenders from the losses in the case of borrowers defaulting on their loans, while continuing to offer high-risk borrowers flexible home loans, the FHA requires that all borrowers pay a Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP). MIP is paid monthly, along with the monthly mortgage payments. Borrowers are also required to pay a one-time, Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) at closing, which is usually 1.75% of the loan amount. The annual MIP cost depends on the length of the loan, the loan-to-value ratio, and when the loan was originated. It’s important that borrowers know about this added cost before applying, so they don’t face any unexpected surprises later on.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
While the FHA has no minimum income requirement, it sets a maximum debt-to-income ratio to determine whether borrowers have sufficient funds to keep up with monthly payments. According to HUD Handbook 4000.1, FHA borrowers can have a “maximum qualifying ratio” 43%. This is calculated by adding up the total mortgage payment for the new home, as well as any recurring monthly debt. This includes principal and interest, escrow deposits for taxes, hazard insurance, mortgage insurance premium, as well as car loans, personal loans, student loans, credit cards, etc. That number is divided by the borrower’s gross monthly income. The result should fall under 43% to qualify for an FHA loan.
FHA Limits
The FHA has a maximum loan amount that it will insure. These limits vary by county and property type, and are updated every year based on conventional loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This limit that borrowers fall under is a huge determining factor in not just their home choice, but also if they decide to get an FHA mortgage.
Property Types
It may surprise many borrowers to learn that the FHA insures loans to purchase many different property types, and there are specific programs to suit those needs. The FHA offers Condo Loans, One-Time Construction Loans for new construction, and also Rehab Loans for fixer-uppers. The main rule to know is that any home purchased with an FHA loan must serve as the borrower’s primary residence. Investment properties are not eligible. There are exceptions for mixed-use properties, with at least 51% of the space dedicated to residence.
If you are interested in applying for an FHA loan, talk to your loan officer to see if you meet all the requirements, and figure out if it is the best option for you!
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FHA Loan Articles
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?
June 30, 2026Some borrowers start working on their credit scores but get impatient with the process because they can't predict when their efforts will change their FICO scores. How long does it take for your FICO scores to update when you pay off a loan, reduce your credit card balances, or take other steps to make yourself a better credit risk? The short answer is that credit reporting procedures are not standardized, and it may take more time than you realize to get those positive credit actions added to your credit report.
June 29, 2026Mortgage interest rates are "moving targets" shaped by national economic trends and the borrower's specific financial profile. What is your FHA loan interest rate? Much depends on the financial data you bring to the table. Lenders set interest rates daily based on a snapshot of market conditions, but the rate ultimately offered also reflects risk, equity, and the lending institution's internal operational costs.
June 28, 2026An FHA appraisal differs from a conventional appraisal. While the goal of a conventional appraisal centers on market value, the FHA appraisal also focuses on the buyer's safety and soundness. FHA lenders select the appraiser, not the home buyer.
June 24, 2026FHA loan closing costs vary by property price and geographic location, rather than by a single nationwide flat fee. Total settlement charges combine percentage-based fees, local government taxes, and marketplace service costs. If you are new to buying a home, you'll want to get familiar with the closing cost issues discussed here to avoid budgetary surprises later on.
