FHA loans have long been a valuable resource for Americans who want to fulfill their goal of homeownership but who don’t have the benefit of a lengthy credit history and equity.
If you’re hoping to buy a home in the near future but want to explore all of your options in terms of financing, this article is for you.
Today we’re going to talk about FHA loans and how to know if you qualify for one.
FHA loans are issued by private mortgage lenders across the country, just like regular mortgages. The difference, however, is that an FHA loan is “guaranteed” by the federal government.
Lenders decide your borrowing eligibility, and how much you can borrow, by determining risk. If you don’t have a sizable down payment (oftentimes 20% or more) and you have a low credit score, most mortgage lenders will see you as a risky person to lend to.
When you get an FHA loan, however, the federal government assumes some of that risk, allowing you to secure the loan anyway.
This means you can buy a home with a low credit score, a smaller than usual down payment, and save on some closing costs.
To find out if you qualify for an FHA loan, you’ll head to the same place as a traditional mortgage--a mortgage lender. Oftentimes, you can simply call or visit the website of lenders to get the process started.
As with all things, it’s a good idea to shop around for a mortgage lender. Their offerings will be largely similar, but there might be minor differences that make one better than another for your particular circumstances.
To secure an FHA loan, you will need to make a down payment of at least 3.5%. However, this low down payment comes with a price. You’ll typically be required to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) fees on top of your accruing interest for your loan.
While you can often secure a mortgage with a lower credit score through an FHA loan, there are still some requirements. To secure a loan with the lowest possible down payment (3.5%), you’ll need a credit score of 580 or above.
A common misconception about FHA loans is that they are only for first-time homeowners. However, you can still qualify for an FHA loan if you’ve owned a home before as long as it has been three years since you’ve had a foreclosure or two years since filing for bankruptcy.
If you meet these three conditions, you should be able to secure an FHA loan through a traditional mortgage lender.
Kim Cuomo brings a 25 year wealth of experience and passion to the world of real estate, having dedicated over two decades to serving clients across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. With a background as a paralegal, Kim's transition into real estate was not just a career change, but a discovery of her true calling. Her deep-rooted love for the industry is evident in the personalized, hands-on approach she adopts with each client, ensuring they feel valued and supported through every step of their journey.
Whether navigating the complexities of a first-time home purchase or orchestrating the sale of a luxurious $30 million estate, Kim's expertise spans the full spectrum of residential and commercial real estate. Her reach extends across Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, offering a comprehensive understanding of the unique markets within each area.
Kim Cuomo's dedication to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful connections with clients make her not just an agent, but a trusted advisor and friend in one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering, making her a standout professional in the South Florida real estate scene.
