Your Credit Score and FHA Loans
Your credit score plays a big role in determining how your mortgage experience turns out. A good one can help you secure a low interest rate mortgage with a smaller down payment, because it shows lenders that you’re creditworthy. On the other hand, a lower score can severely hurt your chances of getting approved for a loan.
What makes a good score? What score do you need for lenders to consider you a “good risk”? We’ve compiled some important information about credit scores and reporting that will help you understand exactly what that number represents in an effort to help you increase it to where your lender needs it to be.
Borrowers hear the term “credit report” a lot when they enter the homebuying market, but don’t always know what goes into it. Your credit report is compiled with different information about your spending and payment habits. Learn about all the factors that go into your credit score, what a FICO score really means, and what credit bureaus really do.
Even if you’ve made some mistakes in the past, it is possible to improve your credit score if you decide to put in the work. But before you can fix the problem, you need to know the point you’re starting at. Read about the steps you can take to increase your score so you can ensure a low-interest loan when the time comes for you to apply for a mortgage.
When shopping for a mortgage, many people will tell you what is and isn’t good for your credit score. They might give you advice about the dos and don’ts to help you keep your scores up. But it’s likely that you’ve come across some misinformation along the way. Read the facts about what affects your score, and check out some of the credit score myths as well!
While the Federal Housing Administration has set low credit score requirements for the loans they will insure, lenders providing the mortgages may not approve a loan for borrowers with lower scores. It is very common that lenders have their own, additional requirements for FHA loans that they grant, generally called “overlays.”
FHA Loan Articles
November 2, 2021Interest rates started to decline in 2019 and still seem considerably low. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed rate home loan has fallen from 4.94% in November 2018 to 3.13% in October 2021. A point drop in your interest rate could translate to huge savings with each monthly payment
October 16, 2021The FHA’s aim is to make homeownership more affordable and accessible for Americans, and it has been doing so for decades. It insures home loans made by FHA-approved lenders so borrowers can purchase single-family and multi-family homes in the US and its territories.
September 20, 2021A down payment is an upfront installment or part of a larger amount paid on a purchase. The remainder is paid off in separate installments, usually with interest, as part of a loan. The down payment represents your initial ownership stake in the home you continue to make payments on.
September 2, 2021For many first-time home buyers, the FHA loan is a popular option. With its lenient credit and income requirements, it appeals to young borrowers who don’t have an extensive credit history, or enough money saved up for a down payment.
August 9, 2021Many first-time homebuyers need some help understanding and navigating the ins and outs of the mortgage process, and down payments are an essential part of that. A down payment is an upfront installment made on a large purchase while the remainder is paid off with a loan.
July 14, 2021Making the decision to buy a house is a big one, followed by the choice of which house to buy. The next biggest decision you make is going to be the type of home loan you need to go through with the purchase. One option for financing your home is an FHA loan.
