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
January 21, 2026FHA loans allow you to pay off the mortgage early without penalty. You can make extra payments along the way, pay off the loan early with a lump sum, or sell or refinance the house. In times of rising inflation, is paying off a loan early a good idea? Some say no.
January 19, 2026There have been several headlines about a proposed 50-year mortgage option for single-family homes. And while a 50-year note may sound like a good idea at first, there are potential drawbacks to consider, one of the most important being slower equity growth over the full term of the longer mortgage.
January 14, 2026The FHA Up-Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) is one aspect of closing costs that FHA borrowers must deal with as part of doing business with an FHA loan. The UFMIP requirement includes special rules governing payment and timing, and it's good to know these guidelines before you commit to your FHA mortgage.
January 13, 2026Lender credits raise your interest rate; they also increase your monthly debt obligations. If your debt-to-income ratio is at the FHA maximum for approval, a higher payment from a lender credit might result in a loan denial. Discount points have the opposite effect, lowering the monthly payment and helping a borrower meet strict FHA qualification standards.
January 12, 2026Loan calculators offer homeowners a way to estimate the costs of a mortgage refinance without the pressure of a lender’s sales pitch. Among other things, using a loan calculator to plan your refinance loan helps you find the approximate calendar date when the monthly savings from a lower interest rate finally exceed the upfront costs of the transaction.
