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
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.
May 20, 2026Discount points are basically prepaid interest. You can choose this option to pay cash in exchange for having the lender reduce your interest rate. Each point has a fixed cost equal to 1% of your total base loan amount. For example, if you secure a $400,000 FHA mortgage, a single point requires an exact cash payment of $4,000 at closing. Who is right for discount points? Not all borrowers should make the commitment.
May 19, 2026Lenders view income as a fixed amount of money. To approve your loan amount, an FHA lender must review and deduct any recurring non-housing obligations, such as auto loans, personal financing, and credit card minimums, from that fixed amount. How much you have left over after those calculations plays a big role in loan approval.
