FHA loans are a great option for first time homebuyers on the house hunt, as well as current homeowners who are looking to refinance their current mortgages. These loans offer low down payments, as well as low interest rates, which helps keep monthly mortgage payments low. This type of financing, which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), also has more lenient credit and income qualifications than most other home loans. Even potential borrowers who have less-than-average credit scores may still be able to qualify.
Loan Eligibility
It is typically easier to qualify for this type of financing, compared with other types of home loans. While the FHA does have lenient credit score and income requirements, most lenders require that applicants have a credit score of at least 620 to qualify. The FHA also requires that applicants have a clean credit history of at least twelve months, meaning they have had no delinquent mortgage payments during the twelve months preceding their application. The house an applicant wants to finance must be his or her primary residence, which means they plan to live there at least six months out of the year.
Loan Requirements
This type of financing requires that the borrower make a down payment on the home being purchased, as well as monthly mortgage payments. The down payment can be as low as 3.5%, which is much lower than down payments on most other home loans. Applicants will also have to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium on the loan, which is currently equal to 1.75% of the loan amount.
Before the loan can be closed, an appraisal will need to be done on the home to ensure that the home meets all of the minimum safety standards that the FHA requires and to document the value of the property.
Borrowers also will be required to escrow their homeowner’s insurance and property taxes, which ensures that everything is paid up to at least one year.
There is interest on the loan, but it is typically lower than conventional loan rates. And borrowers can opt for fixed interest rates so that their rates remain unchanged over the life of their loans and their monthly mortgage payments are consistent. This option would be especially good for borrowers who have had credit issues in the past.
Loan Refinance
For a current homeowner, refinancing with an FHA loan could lower his or her interest rate, which could also lower the monthly mortgage payment.
Refinancing also gives homeowners the option of changing the terms of their loans. They can extend the length of their loans or change from adjustable rates to fixed rates, which could save them thousands of dollars in the long run. With the cash-back refinancing option, homeowners can take out a loan for a higher amount than the amount needed to pay off their current mortgage and use the rest to pay off large bills or cover other expenses. There are no restrictions on how a homeowner can use the cash.
Apply Now Before Requirements Change!
This type of financing offers several benefits and has relaxed guidelines. A borrower who does not have a lot of money for a large down payment can still become a homeowner with this type of loan. Current homeowners can save money every month by refinancing and getting lower interest rates, as well as receive cash back for other financial needs.
The FHA will be changing their requirements in the next few months, so now is a good time to speak with a FHA loan specialist to determine whether this type of financing is right for you!
Victoria Belle-Miller is the newest member of the FHAMortgageBank.com writing staff. Her background in journalistic writing and ability to evaluate the issues that Americans face in daily life make her a strong addition to the FHA loans team and a valuable source of sound mortgage advice.
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