FHA Loan Requirements for 2026
580 Credit Score -and- 3.5% Down Payment
The FHA loan program lets you purchase a home with a low down payment and flexible guidelines. FHA refinance mortgages are a great option for those who want to lower their monthly mortgage payment or consolidate their bills.
See how we make the American dream a reality. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer moving to a new home, or want to refinance your existing conventional loan to an FHA mortgage, there's an FHA program suited to your needs. With no income limits or credit scoring, many people who can afford the monthly mortgage payments and have reasonable credit will qualify for an FHA mortgage.
FHA Loan Articles
May 15, 2026When an FHA home loan application falls short of loan approval, knowing the FHA loan guidelines could makes the difference between a rejected loan and a successful application. If you are initially denied a loan through automatic underwriting, there may still be a pathway to an FHA mortgage through compensating factors, or getting a non-occupying co-borrower.
May 11, 2026Buying and owning your first home means planning and saving. Not only are there down payment and closing cost concerns, but as a first-time homeowner, it is important to anticipate the expenses of homeownership, including repairs, appliance replacement, lawn care, and more.
May 5, 2026If you want to buy a home with another borrower or even a co-signer,m there are some important nuances to know before you commit. Did you know signing an FHA mortgage obligates every participant to full financial liability for the debt? This is true, but only people listed on the property title hold ownership rights, something some first-time buyers do not realize at first. First-time homebuyers should know the differences between these borrowing roles to avoid unexpected liabilities and conflict.
April 30, 2026Securing a mortgage with a co-borrower is a common strategy for first-time home buyers to improve their debt-to-income ratio or qualify for a more competitive interest rate. However, financial and personal circumstances often change, and removing one party from the legal and financial commitments may be necessary. Because FHA loans involve a government-backed guarantee, the process of releasing a borrower requires following a set of FHA/HUD guidelines.
April 28, 2026The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the maximum mortgage amounts for each county in each state, known as FHA loan limits. These figures vary geographically, and the federal government sets those limits each year. State governments do not have the authority to set them, but it is possible to appeal an FHA loan limit decision if the data is flawed or there are other issues.
