FHA Loans
Government‑backed financing with flexible credit guidelines and just 3.5% down on primary residences.
3.5% down
Program Details
Minimum Down3.5%
Credit ScoreOften 580+
DTI RatioOften up to 50% (case-by-case)
PMI/MIPFHA MIP applies; duration varies by down payment and term.
Rate CapsFHA county limits apply.
Loan LimitsJumbo FHA not available; see Jumbo for larger amounts.
Key Benefits
- Down payment as low as 3.5%
- Flexible credit and DTI
- Streamline refinance options
Program Tags
first-time
Who It's Best For
- First‑time buyers
- Buyers rebuilding credit
- Lower down payment needs
Advantages
- Lower down payment minimums
- Flexible credit guidelines
- Assumable loans in certain cases
Considerations
- •Upfront and monthly MIP
- •Property standards and county limits apply
Eligibility Requirements
- Primary residences only
- Loan amounts within FHA county limits
- 3.5% minimum down with qualifying credit
Additional Requirements
- FHA appraisal and property standards
- Upfront and monthly MIP
- Occupancy within 60 days of closing
Pro Tips
- Use gift funds for down payment and closing costs
- Compare long‑term MIP to cancellable PMI on Conventional
- Streamline refi may simplify future rate drops
Also Known As
Federal Housing Administration
No. Anyone who qualifies can use FHA.
Yes, up to FHA limits.
Calculate Your Payment
Use our interactive calculators to estimate your monthly payment and see how much you could save.
Payment Example
Loan amount
$482,500
Est. P&I
$3,210/mo
Estimate only. Taxes, insurance, HOA, MI/MIP, and points/credits not included. Not a commitment to lend.
Scenario Snapshot
Down payment
$21,000
Loan amount
$579,000
Typical Documents
- Last 30 days of pay stubs or income docs
- Last 2 years W-2s or 1099s (as applicable)
- Most recent 2 months of bank statements
- Government-issued ID
- Evidence of funds for 3.5% down
- FHA property standards apply
Exact items vary by program and scenario.
Loan Limits (Estimate)
Use your ZIP to check your state and review baseline limits. County limits may be higher.
Enter a ZIP to detect your state. County-specific limits vary.
Conforming baseline (1‑unit)$766,550
FHA floor (1‑unit)$498,257
FHA ceiling (1‑unit)$1,149,825
Actual county/metro limits vary. See official resources at FHFA and HUD.
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