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
October 14, 2025Property taxes are an important part of your monthly mortgage payment. FHA rules require lenders to use an escrow account for property taxes and homeowners insurance. Your total payment, known as PITI, includes Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. The lender calculates the tax portion by taking your annual tax bill, dividing it by twelve, and collecting that amount from you each month.
October 8, 2025A checklist is a tool for borrowers during a home loan closing, helping them stay on track with the numerous tasks and details required to complete the closing day meeting. If you have never purchased a home before, or it's been a long time since you attended a closing, having a checklist brings real peace of mind as well as protection from overlooking any key requirements for the process.
October 7, 2025When planning and saving for a home loan, there are important expenses to consider. The FHA loan origination fee, charged by your lender as part of doing business with you on the home loan, is one of those expenses. There's no national standard for these fees, they are not charged the same in every housing market by every lender. Instead, you'll need to shop around for a lender offering a more competitive funding fee option
October 6, 2025Understanding how your FHA loan is paid off over time is a key part of managing your mortgage. The process, known as amortization, determines how much of your monthly payment goes toward the original loan balance versus the interest. The amortization ratio between the principal balance and interest changes over the life of the loan. You begin the home loan journey paying more toward interest but over time that shifts toward the principal balance.
September 23, 2025Understanding the credit requirements for an FHA loan is crucial for any potential homebuyer. While the program is known for its flexibility, specific benchmarks for credit scores, payment history, and major financial events must still be met. The FHA sets the minimum guidelines, but individual lenders often have their own, stricter rules.
