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FHA LOANS

Get an affordable down payment when you buy with an FHA loan.

  • checkmark iconQualify with a lower credit score
  • checkmark iconPut down less at the closing table
  • checkmark iconAchieve your dream of homeownership
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KEY BENEFITS

Why choose AmeriSave for an FHA loan?

Smarter technology. Real numbers.
Quick And Easy

Smarter technology. Real numbers.

  • Get Personalized Loan Options
    Get Personalized Loan Options

    See your best loan options with technology that analyzes your finances in real time.

  • Flexible Loans And Terms
    Flexible Loans And Terms

    Pick the right loan and term that helps you achieve your unique homeownership goals.

  • Close Your Loan Quickly
    Close Your Loan Quickly

    Get approved and funded quickly, so you can enjoy your new financial freedom.

How It Works

A federally insured path to homeownership.

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, allowing lenders to offer financing to borrowers with lower credit scores and smaller down payments.

Step 1
Step 1

Confirm FHA Eligibility

Most borrowers need a 580+ credit score (FICO) for the 3.5% down option (10% down for 500–579). The home must meet The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s minimum property standards.

Step 2
Step 2

Get Your Rate Quote

FHA rates are typically competitive because they’re backed by federal insurance. Apply online for your personalized FHA loan options.

Step 3
Step 3

Close On Your Timeline

FHA appraisals can extend the timeline slightly versus conventional loans. Most FHA purchases close in 30 to 45 days.

Step 4
Step 4

Pay Your Fixed Payment And MIP

Your monthly payment includes principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and the FHA mortgage insurance premium (MIP). Same payment every month for the entire loan (excluding taxes and insurance).

3.5%
MINIMUM DOWN PAYMENT

Built for accessibility, backed by HUD.

FHA loans require just 3.5% down with a 580 FICO. The down payment can come entirely from gifts. Mortgage insurance is required, but it's what makes the low down payment possible.

Smart Uses

Who Benefits Most From An FHA Loan

FHA loans are insured by the federal government to expand access to homeownership for buyers who don't fit conventional underwriting.

First-Time Home Buyers

First-Time Home Buyers

The 3.5% down payment and flexible credit standards make FHA the most accessible path to a first home for many buyers.

Lower Credit Score Borrowers

Lower Credit Score Borrowers

FHA accepts FICO scores as low as 500 with 10% down, well below the conventional minimum.

Higher Debt-To-Income Borrowers

Higher Debt-To-Income Borrowers

FHA's flexible DTI standards help buyers with student loans, car loans, or other debt qualify for more home.

Buyers Using Gift Funds

Buyers Using Gift Funds

The full down payment and closing costs can come from gift funds from family, broader than conventional rules.

Eligibility

FHA Loan Requirements

FHA underwriting is more flexible than conventional, but specific minimums still apply.

Credit Score
Credit Score

580+ for 3.5% down; 500–579 with 10% down. These are the federal floors; individual lenders may set higher minimums.

Debt-To-Income Ratio
Debt-To-Income Ratio

Up to 50%+ with compensating factors, well above most conventional limits.

Down Payment
Down Payment

3.5% with 580+ FICO; the full down payment can come from gift funds.

Property And Occupancy
Property And Occupancy

Must be a primary residence that meets HUD's minimum property standards; FHA loan limits apply by county.

Mortgage Loan Options

FHA vs. Conventional Loan

FHA loans open the door to homeownership for buyers who'd struggle to qualify for conventional financing at the cost of mortgage insurance.

FHA Loan
Minimum Down Payment
3.5% with 580+ FICO; 10% with 500–579 FICO
Minimum Credit Score
500 (with 10% down) or 580 (with 3.5% down)
Mortgage Insurance
Upfront 1.75% + annual MIP; life of loan with under 10% down, 11 years with 10%+ down
Debt-To-Income Ratio
More flexible; up to 50%+ with compensating factors
Property Requirements
Stricter; must meet HUD's minimum property standards
Loan Limits
County-specific FHA limits, generally lower than conforming
Best For
Lower credit, smaller down payment, or higher debt-to-income
Conventional Loan
Minimum Down Payment
3% (some programs); 5% standard; 20% to avoid PMI
Minimum Credit Score
620 typical; better rates at 740+
Mortgage Insurance
PMI required under 20% down; cancels at 20% equity
Debt-To-Income Ratio
Typically capped at 45–50%
Property Requirements
Standard appraisal review
Loan Limits
FHFA conforming loan limits, set annually
Best For
Stronger credit profile or 20%+ down
The Honest Take

Pros And Cons of An FHA Loan

FHA loans deliver access where conventional financing falls short, but the mortgage insurance can outlast the loan term.

What Works In Your Favor

Low Down Payment

Just 3.5% down with a 580 FICO; 10% down with as low as 500.

Flexible Credit Requirements

Approval possible with past credit issues, including bankruptcy or foreclosure after the required waiting periods.

Higher DTI Allowance

Up to 50%+ in some cases, with compensating factors like reserves or strong credit.

Gift Funds Allowed

Down payment and closing costs can come entirely from family gifts.

Assumable

Future buyers may be able to assume your FHA loan at your existing rate - a major advantage when rates are higher than your locked rate.

What To Weigh Carefully

Mortgage Insurance Often Lasts The Loan's Life

Annual MIP continues for the entire term when you start at less than 10% down, even after you've built substantial equity. With 10%+ down, MIP cancels after 11 years; most FHA borrowers don't put down 10%, so plan for lifetime MIP.

Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium

1.75% of the loan amount due at closing (financeable, but still a real cost).

Property Standards

The home must meet HUD's minimum property standards. Fixer-uppers may need repairs before close.

Lower Loan Limits

FHA county limits are generally below conforming limits, capping how much home you can buy.

Primary Residence Only

FHA loans aren't available for investment properties or second homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage that lets people with less-than-ideal credit buy a home with as little as 3.5% down. Continue Reading...

FHA home loans open doors for home buyers who might struggle with conventional mortgages. You’ll likely qualify with a 580+ credit score (3.5% down) or even 500-579 (10% down). If you have a steady income and meet your lender’s debt-to-income and credit score requirements, FHA home loans might be for you.

FHA loans and FHA refinance loans are government-backed mortgages with looser credit requirements (as low as 500) and lower down payments (as low as 3.5%). The lower down payment amount requires buyers to carry mandatory mortgage insurance for the loan’s lifetime. Conventional loans require better credit (620+) but don’t have insurance requirements with 20% down. Conventional loans also work for more than just primary residences. 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of an FHA loan:

Pros of an FHA Loan:

  • Lower credit score requirements allow more borrowers to qualify for homeownership
  • Minimum down payment of just 3.5% reduces initial out-of-pocket expenses
  • More forgiving approach to credit history issues and past financial challenges

Cons of an FHA Loan:

  • Mandatory mortgage insurance remains for the entire loan term in most cases
  • Loan limits may restrict purchasing power in higher-priced housing markets
  • Properties must meet specific HUD standards, limiting options for homes needing repairs

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