
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
November 17, 2025FHA loan approval depends on a lender's review of three areas. Those areas are your credit history, your income, and the property itself. The Federal Housing Administration insures these loans for participating lenders, allowing them to offer mortgages to borrowers who need more flexible credit and lower down payment requirements. The lender, not the FHA, makes the final credit decision.
November 13, 2025Monitoring your credit is a big part of financial health. This becomes even more important in the year before you apply for a home loan. A lender will base their decision on the information in your credit reports. If that information is wrong, or if you have been a victim of identity theft, your application can be denied.
November 12, 2025Closing day is the final appointment in the home-buying process. It is the event where the property officially transfers from the seller to the buyer. At this meeting, the buyer signs all the final loan documents, pays their "cash to close" (which includes the down payment and other costs), and the lender funds are disbursed to the seller.
November 6, 2025 FHA mortgage insurance, also known as MIP, is a must-pay cost associated with FHA loans. It protects the lender, not the borrower, in case of default, and most borrowers will pay this for the duration of the loan (see below) unless they make a larger down payment. Why does the FHA require mortgage insurance? The FHA program features more forgiving credit requirements, lower down payments, and a government guarantee for a portion of the loan, making it more attractive for lenders to offer.
November 5, 2025Your FHA home loan balance is affected by several factors from the day the loan is issued until it is paid in full. Understanding these elements can help borrowers manage their mortgage and build equity. Do you understand the key factors that influence your FHA loan balance?















