FHA LOAN

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to help lower-income and first-time homebuyers afford to purchase a home. These loans are popular due to their lower minimum down payment requirements and more lenient credit score standards compared to conventional loans. Typically, FHA loans require a down payment as low as 3.5% of the purchase price if the borrower has a credit score of 580 or higher. FHA loans also allow for higher debt-to-income ratios, making them more accessible to individuals with modest incomes or less-than-perfect credit histories. Additionally, the loan is backed by the government, which protects lenders in case of a borrower default, thereby encouraging lenders to offer these loans to a broader range of borrowers. However, borrowers are required to pay for mortgage insurance, which adds to the overall cost of the loan. FHA loans are a popular choice among first-time homebuyers and those who may not qualify for conventional financing.

  • As low as 3.5% with 580+ credit score. Below 580 requires at least 10% down.

  • Down Payment: Initial cash payment made by a buyer, representing a percentage of the property's purchase price, reducing the amount financed.

DOWN PAYMENT INFO

  • Front-End Ratio: Up to 45%  

  • Back-End Ratio: Up to 55%

  • Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): A key financial factor used by lenders to assess a borrower's financial health, calculated by dividing the total monthly debt payments by the gross monthly income.

  • Front-End Ratio: Calculates the percentage of a borrower's gross income that goes toward housing costs, including mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, and homeowners insurance.

  • Back-End Ratio: Encompasses all monthly debt obligations, including housing expenses (mortgage, property taxes, insurance) along with other recurring debts such as car loans, credit card payments, student loans, and any other financial commitments.

DEBT TO INCOME RATIO INFO

  • The maximum FHA loan limits in California for a single-family home vary by county, determined by the county's median home prices. In high-cost areas like parts of Los Angeles and San Francisco, the limit is higher, around $970,800, while in other regions, it can be lower, around $420,680. These limits may change annually based on home price fluctuations and adjustments by regulatory agencies.

  • Max Loan Limit:The maximum amount set by lenders or government entities that determines the highest loan amount available to borrowers when applying for a mortgage, usually based on factors like location and the type of mortgage program.

MAX LOAN LIMIT INFO

  • MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) lasts the life of the loan if less than 10% is put on downpayment.

  • Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is a mandatory insurance required for FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans, designed to protect lenders against borrower default. Borrowers pay MIP both upfront and as part of their monthly mortgage payments, enabling them to secure FHA loans with lower down payments and more lenient credit qualifications. 

MORTGAGE INSURANCE INFO

  • At least 500.

  • Credit Scores: Numeric representations, typically ranging from 300 to 850, used by lenders to assess an individual's creditworthiness based on their credit history, payment behavior, and financial reliability.

CREDIT SCORE INFO

  • Are gift funds allowed? - Yes, for downpayment and closing costs. Gift funds can cover 100% of these costs!

  • Are downpayment assistance programs available? Yes.

  • Gift Funds: Monetary gifts provided by family members, employers, charitable organizations, or other eligible sources to help borrowers cover the down payment, closing costs, or reserves required for a home purchase.

  • Downpayment Assistance: Financial aid or grants provided by government agencies, nonprofits, or employers to help homebuyers cover a portion or the entire down payment required when purchasing a home. These programs aim to make homeownership more accessible by offering financial support to eligible buyers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION