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 10, 2026Some borrowers are surprised by their first mortgage payment because of additional costs such as property taxes and homeowners' association fees. Knowing you have to pay property taxes and factoring them into your budget early is an important part of home loan planning. How much do you know about the FHA loan property tax issue and how it affects you?
February 9, 2026When you are house hunting, making an offer and getting it approved are important milestones in the process. But once that is reached, the next milestone is reaching closing day. For some borrowers, the process is more complex than it appears at first glance. Why? Because the period between loan approval and closing is sensitive. Will your lenders often re-pull credit reports or verify bank balances one last time before the FHA loan closing date? It is a common practice.
January 29, 2026The Federal Housing Administration has home loan rules that protect borrowers approved for FHA single-family home loans. Some FHA loan rules also protect lenders from taking on too risky loans. And while that might seem irrelevant from a consumer perspective, in a backhanded way, these lender guidelines also protect consumers, typically by preventing someone who can't truly afford the loan from committing to it.
January 27, 2026If you have never purchased a home before, you may have questions about what happens after the loan is approved. Some borrowers mistakenly believe, for example, that once the loan is approved, they can relax and stop worrying about credit card balances or opening new lines of credit. What these potential borrowers don't realize is that your home loan isn't "safe" until closing day, when you make your closing cost payments, sign the paperwork, and accept the keys to your new home.
January 26, 2026Moving from a rental apartment to a single-family home is a big lifestyle change. While renters often rely on property managers for repairs and maintenance, homeowners must take charge of every leaky faucet and flickering light. Making the transition can seem daunting without a solid strategy. What can a new homeowner do to ease the jump from renting to owning?
