What Is an FHA Loan?
An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (part of HUD) and issued by approved private lenders. Because of that government insurance, lenders can offer more flexible qualifying standards than many conventional loans.
With a credit score of 580 or higher, borrowers may qualify with a 3.5% down payment. Borrowers with scores between 500 and 579 may still qualify with 10% down, subject to lender overlays. FHA also allows the entire down payment to come from a documented gift from a family member or approved source.
FHA loans do require mortgage insurance: an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) of 1.75% โ which can be financed into the loan โ plus an annual premium paid monthly. Earnest will show you exactly how that compares to conventional options so you can choose what saves you the most.
*Minimum credit score and down payment requirements vary by lender. All loans subject to credit approval.