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FHA Loans

A government-backed loan built to help more people become homeowners. If your credit is still growing or your savings are thin, an FHA loan opens the door with a low down payment and flexible qualifying, often when a conventional loan can't.

3.5%
Minimum down payment
580
Minimum credit score
$541,287
2026 floor limit (1-unit)
Gift OK
Down payment can be gifted

What is an FHA loan?

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The government doesn't lend you the money, it backs the loan, which lets approved lenders say yes to borrowers who might not fit a conventional box. That backing is why FHA is so forgiving on credit and down payment, and why it remains one of the most popular routes for first-time and repeat buyers alike.

The trade-off is mortgage insurance, which we'll cover in plain English below. For the right buyer, that's a fair price for getting into a home now instead of years from now. Whether FHA or conventional is truly cheaper for you depends on your credit and how long you'll keep the loan, and that's the comparison we walk through before you decide.

The numbers for 2026

Who an FHA loan fits best

First-time buyers

Low down payment, gift-friendly funds, and flexible credit make FHA the classic on-ramp to your first home.

Credit still recovering

If your score sits in the 500s or low 600s, FHA will often approve you when a conventional lender won't.

Higher debt loads

Student loans or a car payment stretching your ratios? FHA's more generous DTI limits can make the numbers work.

FHA mortgage insurance, explained

Every FHA loan carries two mortgage insurance charges: an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount, which is usually financed into the loan rather than paid in cash, and an annual premium collected monthly, currently around 0.55% of the balance for most buyers.

Here's the honest catch: on most FHA loans, that monthly insurance stays for the life of the loan. It does not fall off automatically at 20% equity the way conventional PMI does. That's why, once your credit and equity improve, refinancing out of FHA into a conventional loan is a common and smart move, and it's a conversation we'll proactively have with you rather than leaving you paying insurance you no longer need.

FHA vs. conventional

The short version: conventional tends to win for buyers with strong credit because the mortgage insurance is lower and cancellable, while FHA tends to win for lower credit scores or thinner files because it approves more easily. For eligible veterans, a VA loan usually beats both. There's no need to guess, we'll price them side by side so you can see the real monthly and long-term difference for your exact scenario.

Good to know

FHA loan FAQ

How much do I need to put down on an FHA loan?
As little as 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher. If your score is between 500 and 579, you'll need 10% down. The down payment can be a gift from family.
What credit score do I need for FHA?
580 is the minimum for the 3.5% down payment. FHA is one of the most credit-flexible programs available, so it's often the answer when conventional financing isn't yet within reach.
Does FHA mortgage insurance ever go away?
On most FHA loans the monthly mortgage insurance stays for the life of the loan and does not cancel at 20% equity. The common strategy is to refinance into a conventional loan once your credit and equity improve, which we'll help you time.
What are the 2026 FHA loan limits?
They vary by county, from a floor of $541,287 in most areas to a ceiling of $1,249,125 in the highest-cost markets. We'll confirm the exact figure for where you're buying.
Can I use an FHA loan more than once?
Yes. FHA isn't limited to first-time buyers. It's generally intended for a primary residence you live in, and you can use it again on a future home when it's your main residence.
Keep exploring

Other loan programs

See your FHA numbers in 30 seconds

No application, no SSN, and no credit pull. Price an FHA loan for your scenario, or send us a question and get a straight answer, usually the same day.

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