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 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.
May 28, 2026It's easy to assume that for a government-backed mortgage loan like an FHA single-family home loan, a government worker sits at a desk in Washington reviewing FHA loan applications to approve an FHA loan. But that is a misconception. What's the reality?
May 27, 2026Buying real estate involves expenses that go beyond the baseline sticker price and standard interest. Financing a property requires homebuyers to budget for the down payment, as well as fees, initial transaction charges, and ongoing insurance premiums required by the lender. Knowing these expenses is easier thanks to a required APR disclosure that your lender must provide.
May 21, 2026The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires FHA borrowers to use an escrow account for the entire lifespan of an FHA-insured mortgage. While some conventional loans may allow property owners to manage their own tax and insurance payments if they provide a down payment of 20 percent or more, the FHA loan program allows no exceptions or waivers, regardless of the size of your initial down payment.
