What is an FHA Loan?

FHA stands for the Federal Housing Administration. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a home mortgage that is insured by the government and issued by a bank or other lender that is approved by the agency. FHA loans require a lower minimum down payment than many conventional loans, and applicants may have lower credit scores than is usually required. FHA insures these loans on single-family and multi-family homes in the United States and its territories. It is the largest insurer of residential mortgages in the world, insuring tens of millions of properties since 1934 when it was created.

• FICO® score at least 580 = 3.5% down payment.
• FICO® score between 500 and 579 = 10% down payment.
• MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium ) is required.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio less than 43%.
• The home must be the borrower’s primary residence.
• Borrower must have a steady income and proof of employment.