Programs

FHA Standard

Min. Credit Score 620 Min. 2.25% Down Payment

FHA Standard loans are government-backed mortgages designed to help people with lower incomes and credit scores become homeowners. With lower down payment and credit score requirements than traditional loans, FHA loans are a great option for first-time homebuyers.

Program features
  • Loan amounts up to $498,257*
  • Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio up to 55%
  • Minimum 2.25% down payment
  • Minimum credit score 620
  • Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) required
Why choose our FHA Standard?
  • Great for the first-time homebuyers
  • Min. down payment 2.25%
  • Below-average credit score requirements
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Program details

Loan amounts up to $498,257
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio up to 55%
Minimum 2.25% down payment
Owner occupied only
Cash-out available
At least two consecutive years of stable income and employment required
Min 1 month of reserves for 1- or 2-unit properties and 3 months of reserves for 3- or 4-unit properties required
Gift funds are allowed
Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is required upfront and monthly for the life of the loan (or 11 years with 10% or more down)
At least 2 years after the credit event allowed
Single-family detached, single-family attached, 2–4 unit detached/attached, PUDs, low-rise and high-rise condominiums (must be FHA eligible), rural properties (loans must be residential in nature)
15-, 20-, 30-year fixed terms
Ability to close in living trusts
Available to non-permanent residents
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FHA Standard FAQ

What is an FHA Standard loan?

An FHA Standard loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a federal agency of the United States Government established in 1934 to stabilize the U.S. mortgage market, improve housing conditions and standards, and provide an adequate home financing system. An FHA Standard loan helps people with lower incomes and credit scores become homeowners.

How do FHA loans work?

The FHA provides mortgage insurance to their approved lenders so that if a borrower defaults on their loan, the lender is reimbursed. The FHA does not directly offer loans.

Borrowers must pay a one-time upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) rolled into the loan and an annual MIP divided by twelve and included in the monthly payments.
The premiums go into a fund that repays lenders if borrowers default. Mortgage insurance is required for the full term of FHA loans.

Who are FHA loans for?

FHA loans are best for borrowers who are looking for a minimal down payment and who may have trouble getting approved elsewhere.

What are the qualifications for an FHA loan?

The basic qualification requirements for an FHA loan are as follows
– A Social Security Number (SSN)
– Appropriate age to qualify for a mortgage
– Two years of employment and income that will continue for the first three years of the mortgage
– Qualifying debt-to-income and mortgage payment-to-income ratios (varies based on credit score and compensating factors)
– A minimum credit score of 620
– Credit history (i.e., no recent bankruptcies, liens, unresolved delinquencies or collection accounts, recent foreclosures, etc.)
– Mortgage Insurance
– Taking title in their own name or in the name of a living trust
– Living in the property as your primary residence for two months and one year (there are exceptions)
– No delinquent federal tax or nontax debt
In addition, the home must meet the “Property Acceptability Criteria” and the loan must be under the FHA maximum limit for your area.

What are the advantages of an FHA Standard loan?

– Lower down payment requirements compared to Conventional mortgages
– Less stringent credit score requirements
– Ability to include closing costs in the mortgage

How long does it take to close an FHA loan?

Many factors can affect the time it takes to close a loan. However, according to Ellie Mae, the average closing time for an FHA loan is approximately 50 days.

What type of mortgage insurance is required for an FHA loan?

All FHA loans require borrowers to pay an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium, regardless of the amount of their down payment. The annual premium continues for the life of the loan.
1. Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) 
The UFMIP is paid at the time of closing and is equal to 1.75% of the base loan amount. Note that it must be fully funded into the loan or fully paid in cash. The proceeds are placed in an escrow account set up by the U.S. Treasury to protect the government if the borrower defaults on the loan.
2. Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) 
The MIP is due annually but can be paid monthly. The proceeds go to the FHA to cover the lender’s loss if the borrower defaults.

Why is mortgage insurance required for an FHA loan?

Mortgage insurance is required for an FHA loan to protect the government and the lender against losses. FHA loans provide greater access to homeownership by lowering credit and financial requirements. As a result, lenders face a higher risk. Mortgage insurance helps mitigate this risk.

Can I get help in paying my down payment on an FHA loan?

Yes. HUD and the FHA allow borrowers to use gifts and assistance programs to get the funds needed for their down payment. However, the gift must be from an eligible person who does not have a financial interest in the transaction (i.e., family, a friend, an employer, etc.). The seller, builder, or real estate agent would not be an eligible gift giver. Further, the gift must be given without any expectation of repayment.

Can FHA loans be refinanced?

Yes, just like any other mortgage, an FHA loan can be refinanced. In addition, the FHA offers a streamlined program that makes refinancing very easy.

What is the maximum loan amount for an FHA loan and how is it determined for a specific area?

The maximum loan amount for an FHA loan varies by location because it is determined by the county loan limits. To find the maximum loan amount for an FHA loan in a specific area, you can visit the official website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and use the FHA Mortgage Limits Lookup tool, filter by a desired location and get the FHA mortgage limits.

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