To help more people, especially those in a lower income bracket or with poor credit scores, to become eligible for purchasing a home, the Federal Housing Administration created FHA loans. Unlike conventional loans, FHA loans require a significantly lower down payment and have less stringent qualifiers.
FHA loans are issued by a bank or a mortgage lender but are insured against default by the government (specifically, the Federal Housing Administration). Because these loans are insured by the government, they pose a low risk for mortgage lenders to offer this loan program and allow lenders room to set interest rates. Mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders issue the loans, and the interest rates are based on the current real estate market and can be influenced by a borrower’s credit score and/or down payment.
To Qualify For An FHA Loan
The loan requirements for an FHA Loan mandate the borrower is employed for at least two full years prior to applying. The loan must be used for a primary residence; it cannot be used to purchase a second home or investment property.
As for their credit score, the borrower must have either:
A minimum credit score of 580 (although a “no credit” program is available) to qualify for the 3.5% down payment, or
Have a credit score of 500-579 and make a 10% down payment.
In addition, FHA loan requirements also mandate no bankruptcy on the borrower’s credit report in the last two years or foreclosure in the last three years.
With more strict financial guidelines and credit score requirements for conventional loans, FHA loans enable more people to qualify for a mortgage and become a homeowner. FHA loans are well known for their lower down payment requirements, acceptance of lower credit scores, the forgiveness of adverse credit history (like bankruptcies or foreclosures), and more flexible income requirements.
