What is an FHA Loan?

By Melissa Cook Reviewed by Minh Tong Updated Nov 07, 2022
What is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This type of loan allows for lower credit scores and a higher debt-to-income ratio compared to conventional loans.

How to Qualify for an FHA loan

In order to qualify for an FHA loan, you must have a steady employment history, a valid Social Security number, and proof of legal residency in the United States. Your credit score must also meet the minimum requirements set by the FHA.

Benefits of FHA loans

One major benefit of an FHA loan is that it can be easier to qualify for than a conventional loan. They also have lower down payment requirements and allow for gifted funds to be used towards the down payment. Additionally, FHA loans have lower closing costs and allow for a higher debt-to-income ratio.
However, it is important to note that with an FHA loan, you will have to pay mortgage insurance both upfront and monthly. This cost can add up over time and should be considered in your decision to apply for an FHA loan. It is recommended that you speak with a financial advisor or lender to determine if an FHA loan is the best option for your unique situation.

How to Get an FHA loan

Once you have determined that an FHA loan is the right choice for you, the next step is to find a lender. It is recommended that you shop around and compare rates and fees from multiple lenders before making your decision.

When applying for an FHA loan, you will need to provide documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and proof of assets. The lender will also run a credit check and may request additional information or documents.

After your application has been submitted, the lender will go through the underwriting process to determine if they approve your loan. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Once approved, you will work with the lender to finalize any remaining details and close on your loan.  It is important to keep in mind that obtaining an FHA loan does not happen overnight and requires patience and diligence on your part to ensure a successful process.

Continue reading on what is a PPP loan and what does it mean to default on a loan.


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Melissa Cook

Melissa has a degree in English and marketing from University of California Irvine. She is a creative and accomplished content writer and editor with comprehensive experience developing rich, compelling content for a variety of websites. With her expertise in writing a broad range of content, combined with outstanding interpersonal skills and commitment to exploring innovative ideas, Melissa has done an excellent job developing content for blogs, articles, social media, and the company website. When she is not writing, Melissa spends most of her time cooking, traveling the world, and catching her favorite Broadway shows.