What You Need To Know About FHA Loans And Preapproval
November 26, 2024
Preapproval for a home loan means a credit check, so be prepared to fill out basic credit information as part of the process.
Some at this stage might wonder: "Will applying for pre-approval hurt my credit score?"
What's a FICO Score and Why Should I Care?
Your FICO score is a three-digit number that sums up your risk as a borrower. It's based on your credit history, and FHA lenders use this score to decide if they want to give you a loan and what interest rate they'll charge. The higher your score (the best is 850), the better your chances of getting a good deal.
Good News About Pre-Approval
Applying for pre-approval typically results in a temporary change to your FICO score. Why? Because lenders perform a "soft inquiry" on your credit. It's like a quick background check, not a full-blown credit application. They can look at your credit history, but it doesn't affect your score.
Shop Around For An FHA Lender Without Worry
You know how you compare prices before you buy something big? Well, FICO knows you do that with mortgages, too. They have a "rate shopping window," usually 45 days long, and during this time, you can apply with multiple FHA lenders, which only counts as one inquiry on your credit report.
Things That Can Affect Your Score
If you apply with FHA lenders over a long period (past the 45-day window), it can look like you're desperate for credit.
Also, make sure your credit report is accurate. Credit report mistakes are more common than you might think. They can lower your score, so check your credit before you apply and fix any errors.
Keep Your FICO Scores Safe
Want to minimize any impact on your credit score? Here's one plan to consider:
- Apply within the 45-day window: Get those pre-approvals done quickly to take advantage of the rate shopping feature.
- Don't go overboard: It's good to compare offers, but don't apply with every lender under the sun. Pick a few that seem like a good fit.
- Check your credit report: Before applying, get a copy of your credit report and make sure everything is correct.
Keep in mind that pre-approval doesn't guarantee you'll get the loan. It's a good estimate, but the lender will examine your finances more thoroughly before they give you final approval.
Getting pre-approved is a smart step when you're buying a home. Be smart about how you apply, and keep your credit report clean.
FHA Loan Articles
August 27, 2023The Federal Housing Administration has specific credit requirements and guidelines for borrowers looking to buy or refinance homes with an FHA loan. In addition to what FHA guidelines state, lenders may have more stringent requirements that may vary from one lender to another.
August 23, 2023Mortgage APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and a loan's interest rate are two different things, although they are closely related. Understanding the difference is an important part of a borrower's analysis of the true cost of their mortgage.
August 19, 2023FHA refinance loans allow homeowners with existing FHA loans to refinance their mortgages. These loans are designed to help borrowers take advantage of lower interest rates, reduce their monthly mortgage payments, or access equity in their homes for various purposes.
August 14, 2023FHA loans typically require a minimum down payment of 3.5% of the purchase price of the home with the right credit score. This means that if you're buying a house for $240,000, you would need to make a down payment of at least $8,400.
August 10, 2023FHA loans have specific rules and requirements for borrowers who have filed for bankruptcy. The guidelines can change over time, so it's essential to consult with a qualified lender or FHA-approved counselor for the most up-to-date information.
