What You Need to Know About FHA Loans and Pre-Approval
November 26, 2024
Pre-approval for a home loan means a credit check, so be prepared to fill out basic credit information as part of the process.
Some at this stage might wonder: "Will applying for pre-approval hurt my credit score?"
What's a FICO Score and Why Should I Care?
Your FICO score is a three-digit number that sums up your risk as a borrower. It's based on your credit history, and FHA lenders use this score to decide if they want to give you a loan and what interest rate they'll charge. The higher your score (the best is 850), the better your chances of getting a good deal.
Good News About Pre-Approval
Applying for pre-approval typically results in a temporary change to your FICO score. Why? Because lenders perform a "soft inquiry" on your credit. It's like a quick background check, not a full-blown credit application. They can look at your credit history, but it doesn't affect your score.
Shop Around for an FHA Lender Without Worry
You know how you compare prices before you buy something big? Well, FICO knows you do that with mortgages, too. They have a "rate shopping window," usually 45 days long, and during this time, you can apply with multiple FHA lenders, which only counts as one inquiry on your credit report.
Things That Can Affect Your Score
If you apply with FHA lenders over a long period (past the 45-day window), it can look like you're desperate for credit.
Also, make sure your credit report is accurate. Credit report mistakes are more common than you might think. They can lower your score, so check your credit before you apply and fix any errors.
Keep Your FICO Scores Safe
Want to minimize any impact on your credit score? Here's one plan to consider:
- Apply within the 45-day window. Get those pre-approvals done quickly to take advantage of the rate shopping feature.
- Don't go overboard. It's good to compare offers, but don't apply with every lender under the sun. Pick a few that seem like a good fit.
- Check your credit report. Before applying, get a copy of your credit report and make sure everything is correct.
Keep in mind that pre-approval doesn't guarantee you'll get the loan. It's a good estimate, but the lender will examine your finances more thoroughly before they give you final approval.
Getting pre-approved is a smart step when you're buying a home. Be smart about how you apply, and keep your credit report clean.
FHA Loan Articles
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August 3, 2026Buying a home in a high-cost area requires understanding how FHA loan limits shape your financing options. Does the house for sale have a price above the local FHA loan limit? You may need to explore your jumbo loan options. There are conventional jumbo loans and FHA versions. Which is right for you? Much depends on your financial needs, plans, and goals for the loan.
July 30, 2026There is a common misconception about FHA loans that only a first-time home buyer can use the program. This is not true; repeat buyers can qualify for an FHA loan, but why does this misconception exist? Partially because state and local programs have first-time buyer requirements for down payment and/or closing cost assistance programs. So while you do not need to be a first-time buyer to get an FHA loan, you may need to meet that definition to qualify for down payment help.
