3.5% down opens the door
FHA's signature: a small down payment with credit guidelines built for real people, including buyers rebuilding after a rough stretch.
Gift funds and assistance welcome
Down payment gifts from family are standard on FHA files, and assistance programs can stack where eligible. We document it cleanly so underwriting never blinks.
Wholesale FHA pricing
FHA rates often run below conventional for the same buyer. With wholesale pricing and zero lender fees on top, the monthly number gets genuinely competitive.
MIP explained in dollars
FHA charges upfront and monthly mortgage insurance. We show both in dollars on your quote, next to a conventional option when your file supports one, so you pick with full information.
A path out of MIP
Monthly MIP doesn't have to be forever. Many borrowers refinance into conventional once equity and credit allow, and we track your file for exactly that moment.
Streamline refinances later
Already have an FHA loan? The FHA Streamline program can lower your rate with reduced documentation when rates drop. We watch for it.
How People Use It
Three ways this plays out.
First home, smaller savings
3.5% down plus gift funds plus seller credits can make the cash-to-close surprisingly manageable. We build the whole stack and show you the real number.
Credit still healing
FHA guidelines are more forgiving on credit events and scores than conventional. We quote both paths when your file qualifies for both, and the cheaper monthly wins.
FHA vs conventional, decided by math
Near 700 FICO with 5%+ down, the answer flips file by file once mortgage insurance is priced. We show the side-by-side instead of defaulting to either.
Questions
FHA loan questions, answered straight.
FHA program guidelines allow 3.5% down with scores of 580 and up, and individual lenders set their own minimums above that. Where your score lands mostly affects pricing, which is exactly what shopping 40+ lenders is for.