The Accessible Path · Everyone Welcome
FHA Home Loans
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans exist to make homeownership reachable: 3.5% down, credit guidelines that forgive a thin or bruised file, and competitive rates even when your score isn't perfect.
3.5%
Minimum Down
Flexible
Credit Guidelines
Allowed
Gift Funds
1–4 Units
Property Types
How FHA loans work
The FHA insures the loan, which lets lenders approve profiles conventional pricing punishes — lower scores, higher debt-to-income ratios, shorter credit histories. You'll pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium (financeable) plus a monthly premium.
The trade-off to know honestly: with the minimum down payment, FHA's monthly insurance lasts for the life of the loan. The classic play is FHA to buy the home, then refinance into conventional once your equity and credit have grown — dropping the insurance entirely. We flag that moment for our clients.
FHA loan limits
FHA limits are set per county and run below conventional conforming limits in most areas. We check your exact county's limit in the first conversation — in many markets it comfortably covers the median home.
Straight Answers
FHA Loans: what buyers ask
What credit score does FHA require?
FHA guidelines allow 3.5% down at 580+, and lower scores with 10% down. Individual lenders add overlays — one advantage of a broker is finding the lender whose overlay fits your file.
Can my down payment be a gift?
Yes — the entire 3.5% can be a documented gift from family. Sellers can also contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs.
Does FHA mortgage insurance ever go away?
With less than 10% down, the monthly premium lasts the life of the loan — the standard exit is refinancing to conventional at 20% equity. With 10%+ down, it drops after 11 years.
Can I buy a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with FHA?
Yes — with 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. Projected rent from the other units can even help you qualify. It's one of the most accessible house-hacking programs there is.
Is FHA only for first-time buyers?
No — anyone can use FHA, and there's no income cap. It's simply priced and structured to be most useful for buyers earlier in the wealth-building curve.
Compare
Other programs worth pricing
The Everyday Workhorse
Conventional Loans
The $0-Down Secret
USDA Loans
Above the Limit
Jumbo Loans
Same Home, Better Terms
Rate & Term Refinance
Serving in the military, or served? The VA loan is our specialty — $0 down, no PMI, and usually unbeatable if you qualify.