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
February 24, 2026Qualifying for an FHA mortgage after bankruptcy is a structured process. Borrowers with a bankruptcy must wait out a seasoning period after the bankruptcy is discharged. These mandatory waiting periods, required by the FHA, ensure that a borrower has demonstrated financial recovery before taking on a new government-backed loan. Here's what you need to know before you start applying for a new loan after you are free to do so.
February 23, 2026Closing costs for FHA loans typically total between 2% to 6% of the sales price. These expenses are separate from the 3.5% down payment and include fees for loan processing, title verification, and government taxes. While buyers primarily pay for services related to their mortgage, sellers usually cover closing costs, including agent commissions and title clearance costs. Both parties must settle these obligations at the closing table to complete the legal transfer of the home.
February 19, 2026Agreeing to co-sign an FHA mortgage creates a shared financial responsibility, legally tying the primary borrower and the co-signer to the full terms of the FHA loan contract. According to FHA guidelines, all parties assume equal liability for the debt, establishing a long-term financial connection. While this can provide a necessary boost for a primary borrower, it is not a decision to be made lightly, as the risks remain for the life of the loan.
February 12, 2026Buying a new home is a major life milestone. But for some, it can be delayed by the need to save up for a down payment. Using an FHA loan with only 3.5% down is a common strategy to meet lower down payment requirements, and many look to down payment assistance (DPA) programs to further their ability to buy a home. Down payment assistance programs provide an entry point to homeownership, but they may carry long-term financial obligations. Making an informed decision to use DPA is key.
February 11, 2026FHA loan limits might seem, to some new house hunters, to be a guaranteed loan amount for the house they seek. But loan limits aren't a guarantee that you will be approved for that maximum loan amount. Much depends on the price of the home, and the FHA loan limit for that specific housing market. What happens if a borrower's income isn't enough to afford the maximum FHA loan limit? Or the sale price of the home?
