FHA Loans

Requiring just 3.5% down, an FHA mortgage loan can be a great option for first-time homebuyers or those needing more lenient qualification guidelines.
Husband and wife playing with their son in their home secured by an FHA loan

Why Buyers Choose FHA Loans

Designed to make homeownership more accessible with more accommodating qualification guidelines and lower upfront costs.

Cozy home in the city, secured by an FHA loan
Lower Down Payment

Buy a home with as little as a 3.5% down payment.

Broader Credit Eligibility

Designed to accommodate a wide range of credit profiles.

Higher Allowable DTI Ratios

May permit higher debt-to-income ratios than some conventional financing options.

Popular Home Financing Option

Widely used by both homebuyers and homeowners.

FHA Purchase vs. FHA Refinance

FHA loans offer options whether you’re purchasing a home or refinancing an existing loan.

FHA Purchase Loan

Purchase with a lower down payment.

Primary Residence

Must be your main home.

Accommodating Guidelines

Designed for a wide range of borrowers.

FHA Streamline Refinance

Eligible borrowers may be able to refinance with reduced documentation requirements.

FHA Cash-Out Refinance

Convert your home equity into cash.

FHA Renovation Option

Finance your home repairs with a 203(k) loan.

*By refinancing the existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.

How an FHA Loan Works

Down Payment

3.5%

Lower upfront cost for qualified borrowers.

Mortgage Insurance

REQUIRED

Includes upfront and monthly Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP).

Credit Guidelines

INCLUSIVE

Credit scores as low as 580.

Loan Limits

Set Annually

Varies by location and housing market.

The Breakdown

3.5%

Down Payment

580+

Credit Score

~56.99%

Debt-to-Income

*Typical FHA loan guidelines. Not all borrowers will qualify. Requirements may vary. Compensating factors may apply.

Calculate Your FHA Loan

Estimate Your FHA Loan Monthly Payment

See How Much Home You May be Able to Afford

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Frequently Asked Questions

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage issued by FHA-approved lenders like loanDepot and insured by the Federal Housing Administration under HUD. 

Borrowers who meet FHA and lender qualification requirements may be eligible, subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting review.

FHA loans may be available to borrowers with credit scores as low as 520. Borrowers with credit scores between 520 and 579 may be required to make a larger down payment. Additional qualification requirements apply, and a loan officer can help determine what options may be available to you.

The minimum down payment is typically 3.5% for borrowers with credit scores of 580 or higher. Borrowers with credit scores between 520 and 579 may be required to make a 10% down payment.

The right choice depends on your financial situation and homeownership goals. Your loan officer can help go over all your options and find a loan that suits your specific needs.

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