FHA Loan
FHA loans make
homeownership more accessible.
Government-backed loans with flexible qualifying for a wide range of buyers. A low down payment path to your first home, explained in plain language.
Reviewed by Top loan Officers
Licensed Loan Officer
NMLS #000000
Updated 2026
FHA Loan
FHA loans make
homeownership more accessible.
Government-backed loans with flexible qualifying for a wide range of buyers. A low down
payment path to your first home, explained in plain language.
Reviewed by Top loan Officers
Licensed Loan Officer
NMLS #000000
Updated 2026
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What is an FHA loan?
The FHA does not lend you money directly. It insures the loan for the lender, which lowers the lender's risk and lets us approve buyers who might not qualify for a conventional loan. You still borrow from us and make your payments to a servicer. The government backing simply sits behind the loan, which is what makes the lower down payment and easier credit rules possible.
3.5%
Minimum down payment with a 580+ credit score
580
Minimum credit score for 3.5% down
1.75%
Upfront mortgage insurance, financed into the loan
Who FHA loans work best for
First-time buyers who have not saved a large down payment
Buyers rebuilding credit or working with a shorter credit history
Households with a higher debt-to-income ratio than conventional loans allow
Anyone who wants a lower barrier to entry and plans to refinance later
What you need to qualify
A credit score of 580 or higher for the 3.5% down payment. A score of 500 to 579 requires 10% down.
A debt-to-income ratio generally up to 43%, with room for more when other factors are strong
The home must be your primary residence and pass an FHA appraisa
The loan amount must fall within your county's FHA limit
What you need to qualify
The 3.5% down payment is the headline number, and it can come from your own savings, a gift from family, or an approved down payment assistance program. In return for that low down payment, every FHA loan carries mortgage insurance, and it comes in two pieces.
First is an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount. This is usually rolled into your balance, so you do not pay it in cash at closing. Second is an annual premium, most often 0.55% of the balance, split across your monthly payments.
How long you pay the annual premium depends on your down payment. Put less than 10% down and it stays for the life of the loan. Put 10% or more down and it drops off after 11 years. Many FHA buyers refinance into a conventional loan once they reach 20% equity to remove mortgage insurance entirely.
2026 FHA loan limits
FHA sets a maximum loan amount that changes each year and varies by county. For 2026, single-family limits run from a national floor of $541,287 in most areas to a ceiling of $1,249,125 in high-cost markets. Your county's exact limit depends on local home prices. We confirm the figure that applies to your address before you start shopping
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Other loans programs
A range of programs for first-time buyers, veterans, and homeowners looking to refinance. Eligibility and terms vary and are subject to qualification.
FHA Loans
Government-backed loans with flexible qualifying for a wide range of buyers.
VA Loans
Home financing with exclusive benefits earned through military service.
Conventional Loans
Flexible terms for buyers with strong credit profiles.
Refinance
Flexible, widely used financing for borrowers with steady credit and income.
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[Company Name], NMLS #000000. Equal Housing Lender. Licensed in [States]. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to underwriting approval. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Verify our licensing at www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.