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
June 28, 2026An FHA appraisal differs from a conventional appraisal. While the goal of a conventional appraisal centers on market value, the FHA appraisal also focuses on the buyer's safety and soundness. FHA lenders select the appraiser, not the home buyer.
June 24, 2026FHA loan closing costs vary by property price and geographic location, rather than by a single nationwide flat fee. Total settlement charges combine percentage-based fees, local government taxes, and marketplace service costs. If you are new to buying a home, you'll want to get familiar with the closing cost issues discussed here to avoid budgetary surprises later on.
June 12, 2026Primary borrowers may wish or need to remove a cosigner to establish financial independence and take sole ownership of a property due to divorce, separation, or other life changes. Many people get an FHA mortgage with a cosigner because their personal credit history or income is insufficient to qualify on their own.
June 10, 2026Many FHA borrowers bypass the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) option in favor of a fixed-rate loan. Borrowers who are new to these options often have questions about the differences between the two and why one may be a better choice than the other, depending on your circumstances and plans for the home beyond closing day.
June 5, 2026FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5%, and in return, the federal government insures the mortgage against default. But not all applicants can come up with the down payment funds as readily as others. Some rely on down payment assistance to meet their down payment requirements, but the terms and conditions of these programs often include income limits and price caps on the property being purchased.
