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What Is an FHA Loan?

Written by
Wesley Mortgage
August 3, 2023
/
8
min read

For first-time buyers, figuring out the best strategy to finance a new home can be challenging. During this pivotal time, it is crucial to comprehend the various options. An FHA loan, for example, is popular for first-time home buyers and an excellent choice for individuals who have sub-par credit or cannot afford a sufficient down payment. 

The following guide will cover FHA loans in detail, from the necessary prerequisites and the application steps to how lenders, limits, and rates may compare to other mortgage options. 

start-your-home-buying-journey


What Is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is an insured mortgage loan backed by the U.S. Federal Housing Administration (FHA), one of the largest mortgage insurers in the world. Since 1934, the FHA has helped individuals with low to moderate incomes become homeowners by providing them with low down payments and flexible credit requirements. Today, this government agency insures mortgages for single-family homes, multifamily dwellings, and residential care facilities nationwide.  

These mortgage insurance-backed loans provide guaranteed funding to eligible borrowers – meaning if the borrower defaults, the FHA will cover the cost. Alas, lenders are also protected against losses. With government backing resulting in less risk, FHA-approved lenders can offer more mortgages.

Advantages of FHA Loans

Several advantages of FHA loans make them attractive to first-time homebuyers. Some benefits include the following:

  • Low down payment: The minimum down payment required for an FHA loan is three and a half percent of the purchase price, much lower than other loans.
  • Flexible credit requirements: The FHA does not require the borrower to have a perfect credit score and have loans available to borrowers with scores as low as 500.
  • Low-interest rates: FHA loans have competitive rates that tend to be lower than conventional mortgages.

Disadvantages of FHA Loans

Some shortcomings of FHA loans include the following:

  • Higher mortgage insurance: FHA loans require borrowers to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) throughout the life of the loan.
  • Limited selection: FHA mortgages are only available on specific properties, such as single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.
  • Strict underwriting guidelines: FHA loans require stringent underwritings, resulting in a longer process.

Where to Find FHA Mortgage Lenders

Most mortgage financiers, such as big banks, local credit unions, and online brokers, provide FHA financing. However, borrowers’ loan rates and fees can vary. 

Many lenders qualify to issue FHA loans with the FHA’s Approved Lender Program. Interested mortgage professionals must fulfill specific conditions the FHA establishes to be approved. That entails having a solid track record for providing good customer service, making timely payments, and adhering to FHA regulations. 

Remember that the FHA does not lend money but insures the loan, so the lender is protected if the borrower defaults. This additional protection encourages lenders to approve FHA loans to those who might not be eligible for other loans. 

Are There Requirements for an FHA Loan?

FHA loans are popular mortgage options for first-time home buyers due to their relaxed mandates. Though flexible, FHA-approved lenders still have requirements regarding a borrower’s credit score, down payment, employment, and assets. 

Note that while these are the basic requirements for an FHA loan, individual lenders may have additional guidelines. Compare different lenders to find the best offer. Below are some essential eligibility criteria.


Credit Score

Compared to traditional home loans, FHA financing often has more lenient credit score requirements. To be eligible for an FHA loan with a ten percent down payment, borrowers need a credit score of at least 500. However, making the minimum three-and-a-half percent down payment necessitates a score of at least 580. Still, that is less than a conventional mortgage, which is often a score of 640 or higher.

Down Payment

As mentioned above, the down payment, sometimes referred to as the minimum required investment (MRI), for an FHA loan is three and a half percent of the home’s purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower. Borrowers with a credit score between 500 and 580 can still qualify for an FHA loan but must make down payments of at least ten percent of the total loan.

Employment and Income

To qualify for an FHA loan, borrowers must have a history of steady employment and proof of assets demonstrating their ability to repay the loan. Lenders examine one’s debt-to-income ratio (DTI), the difference between a borrower’s debt and income. The maximum DTI for an FHA loan is often 43 percent, meaning debts should not exceed that percentage of income. Yet, some lenders make exceptions for those with higher ratios.

Property and Insurance

The FHA requires the purchased property to be the buyer’s primary residence and must also meet specific requirements, such as being in good condition and adhering to safety standards. FHA loans also require mortgage insurance, which protects the lender if the borrower defaults. That necessitates an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that varies based on the loan amount, loan term, and down payment.


Compare FHA Mortgage Rates

FHA loan rates are often lower than traditional mortgages –  for instance, borrowers can qualify for a lower rate than a conventional home loan. That is because FHA loans are insured by a credible government agency, meaning less risk for the lender. 

As of 2023, the average FHA mortgage ranges between four and seven percent, although they fluctuate over time and vary from lender to lender. These fees are subject to change based on various factors such as the borrowers’ financial status (i.e., credit score and down payment amount) or the economy (i.e., inflation and demand).

Note that mortgage rates are uncertain, so check with lenders or mortgage brokers for up-to-date information on current FHA rates.


Interest Rates 

FHA loans often have lower interest rates than traditional lending options. That is because the government guarantees these loans, making them less risky, which keeps interest rates low. To choose the best loan, comparing rates from several lenders and loan types is key.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages 

FHA-insured fixed-rate mortgages are one of the most popular types of FHA loans and are typical for first-time homebuyers. A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan with an interest rate that remains the same throughout the term. Fixed-rate loans benefit those who prefer the same mortgage payment.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

The FHA also offers adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), a more flexible option in which interest rates can change. Such loans may benefit those not qualifying for fixed-rate mortgages or expect income increases. FHA offers a standard one-year ARM and several hybrid options with initial fixed-rate periods of three, five, seven, or ten years. After that, interest rates adjust based on economic conditions each year. 

When deciding on an ARM, borrowers should assess their financial circumstances and long-term goals because the possibility of interest rate rises can make it more challenging to maintain the payments.

What Are the Limits to FHA Loans?

The Federal Housing Administration updates its lending limits each year, restricting homebuyers from borrowing the amount the FHA insures. These limits can vary but are based on the home, the area’s median home price, and the annual conventional loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 

For 2023, the FHA lending limits for single-family home loans across most U.S. counties are set at a minimum of $472,030 in low-cost areas and a maximum of $1,089,300. These amounts increase based on the home and size (i.e., duplex, triplex, and fourplex have higher limits).


FHA Mortgage Insurance

All FHA borrowers must purchase specific insurance called FHA mortgage insurance.  If a borrower defaults, MIP protects the lender from financial losses. The loan-to-value ratio (LTV), the down payment, and the loan amount determine the payment. In general, the higher the LTV, the higher the MIP.

This additional cost is equivalent to a conventional loan’s PMI, though the FHA requires it for the life of the loan. Learn more about the two FHA mortgage insurances below:

  1. Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP): The FHA requires borrowers to pay a one-time fee at closing, often financed through the loan. This premium equals 1.75 percent of the loan amount. The UFMIP is required on all FHA loans, regardless of the down payment amount.
  2. Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP): FHA borrowers must also pay a yearly MIP in addition to an upfront premium. This fee is often added to the mortgage and equals between 0.45 and 1.05 percent of the loan, depending on the LTV ratio and term. The annual MIP is required on all FHA loans and remains in effect for the life of the loan.

FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with additional protection, allowing them to offer loans to borrowers who may not qualify for conventional loans due to lower credit scores, smaller down payments, or other factors. However, mortgage insurance can increase the cost of a home loan, making it crucial to consider the overall cost of an FHA loan.

FHA Mortgage Calculators

An FHA loan calculator can help borrowers estimate the cost of a loan, including the mortgage, the down payment, closing costs, and other fees. 

These calculators consider several variables, including the loan amount, interest rate, loan length, and mortgage insurance. Such calculations assist individuals in determining how much they can borrow and whether an FHA loan is viable for their financial circumstances.

FHA calculators are available through various financial and mortgage websites. For example, Wesley Mortgage has a mortgage calculator, which provides estimated payments and an amortization schedule for interested home buyers. Please note that these calculators provide estimates and are not a substitute for professional financial advice. 


get-a-free-house-payment-estimate

The Process of an FHA Home Loan

The process of taking out an FHA mortgage is straightforward. First, the borrower applies for a loan and provides the necessary documentation. Next, an underwriter reviews the application and decides whether they qualify. Last, they attend a meeting to sign the final paperwork and pay closing costs. The average timeline for application ranges from 30 to 45 days. 

Following is a breakdown of all the FHA home loan process steps.

The Application Steps

Homebuyers must complete a loan application after finding a property and making an offer. The process can take some time as the lender needs to collect a lot of information, such as the borrower’s employment history, income, and financial assets and debts. The lender will also request a credit report and an appraisal of the property.

Below are a few steps to better prepare for the FHA application:

  • Confirm Requirements Are Met: To qualify for an FHA loan, borrowers must fulfill several minimal conditions. FHA tends to be more lenient. However, their specific guidelines on credit, down payments, and other factors must be met before applying. 
  • Select a Lender: To find the most suitable lender, receive loan estimates from several options and compare their terms, rates, and fees. Also, consider other aspects such as the lender’s locations, customer service, and their typical customer.
  • Get Pre-Approved: During the pre-approval process, lenders review purchasers' financial situation to determine if they qualify for an FHA loan and how much they can borrow. Sellers are more likely to accept offers with pre-approval letters as it proves a lender has already screened them.

The Underwriting Steps

Once the application documents (i.e., pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and proof of insurance) have been collected, the lender will begin the underwriting. A specialist evaluates the borrower’s application to ensure eligibility during this process. If issues arise, the borrower will be asked to submit a letter of explanation, which could delay the process. 

Underwriting takes up the most time, often between three and six weeks. Within that same span of time, other steps must take place, such as:

  • Schedule a Property Appraisal and Inspection: After getting approved for an FHA loan, one of the steps is to agree to an FHA inspection to determine the home's value and an FHA appraisal. Issues with either of these could delay the transaction.  
  • Obtain the Necessary Insurance Policies: Lenders will require proof of policies for homeowners and title insurance before closing. A title search reduces the risk of future title problems like liens, claims, and unpaid taxes. Borrowers should also provide a copy of their HOI insurance declaration page and a receipt for 12 months of coverage. 
  • Await the Underwriter’s Decision: A large portion of the underwriting process is waiting for a decision. The homebuyer can close once the loan is approved according to the FHA and private lender’s guidelines.

The Closing Steps

The last step of the FHA loan process is scheduling a closing date to sign the final paperwork, pay the closing costs, and collect the keys. Buyers should receive an official loan estimate after getting approved, and on the scheduled close date, all loan funds will be disbursed from escrow to the seller. At this point, the buyer will also receive their financing, and the property ownership will be transferred to them. 

The most important aspect of closing is ensuring the necessary funding is paid on time. Below are fees that borrowers can expect on the closing date:

  • Closing Costs: Closing costs comprise a small percentage of the loan but include various fees. These include title insurance, appraisal inspection, recording fees, prepaid interest, process costs, property taxes, and other miscellaneous expenses.
  • Origination Fee: The FHA permits lenders to charge a fee for processing a mortgage application. This often amounts to as little as one percent of the mortgage and is also paid at closing.
  • Discount Points: Discount points are fees a borrower can pay at closing to reduce the loan's interest. The FHA allows borrowers to pay up to two discount points, each equaling one percent of the loan. 

apply-for-a-home-purchase

Conclusion

For first-time home buyers, an FHA loan can be ideal for financing a new home. The low down payment, flexible credit requirements, and competitive interest rates make it an attractive option. Understanding the needs and comparing rates is essential to ensure you get the best deal.

For questions, contact Wesley Mortgage today! Our team of dedicated mortgage professionals can help you find a solution so you can achieve your homeownership goals.

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