Fha Loan Pros And Cons

FHA loans are one of the financing options to think about if you’re prepared to buy a home. FHA loans are typically simpler for borrowers to be approved for, but you should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of FHA loans to make the best choice.

What Is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan is regulated and insured by the U. S Federal Housing Administration and released by a mortgage lender with approval FHA loans typically have lower minimum credit score requirements and down payments than conventional mortgage loans in order to assist low- to moderate-income families in obtaining homeownership.

FHA loans also offer a safety net to lenders. There is less risk for lenders if the borrower defaults on the loan because the FHA guarantees the loans. Because of this, lenders provide FHA loans with more lenient eligibility requirements.

According to the FHA’s 2021 Annual Financial Report, the FHA has insurance on more than 7.8 million single-family forward and reverse mortgages. FHA loans are especially popular among first-time homebuyers.

A record high of more than 84% of all FHA loans went to borrowers buying their first homes.

Total Mortgage can help you purchase your first home more quickly if you’re trying to get approved for a mortgage. We have branches across the country. Find a Total Mortgage branch near you.

FHA Loans Pros and Cons Explained

Like any other loan product, an FHA loan has advantages and disadvantages, and not everyone should choose one. It’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of an FHA loan before making a decision.

Advantages and Benefits of FHA loans

There’s a lower credit score requirement. Most conventional mortgage loans require a minimum FICO credit score of 620, but FHA loans are not as strict. To qualify for an FHA loan, your credit score must be at least 580; however, each lender has different requirements.

You can make a low down payment. If you don’t have the cash reserves, FHA loans give the option for a smaller down payment. The minimum down payment you make on an FHA loan also depends on your credit score. If your credit score is 580 or higher, you may qualify for a down payment as low as 3.5%. If your credit score is lower, you may still qualify for a loan (depending on the lender) but you will need to make a 10% down payment.

A higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is accepted. Your DTI ratio is a metric that lenders use to measure your ability to manage your monthly payments. FHA loans typically offer more leniency over conventional mortgages. Your DTI ratio can be as high as 43% to qualify.

There are no income limitations. FHA loans are not only available to first-time buyers or buyers with limited income. There are no minimum or maximum income requirements for FHA home loans that would otherwise disqualify you.

You can potentially qualify for a better interest rate. Because FHA loans are backed by the federal government, there’s less of a financial risk to lenders. This allows lenders to give borrowers a lower interest rate on FHA loans.

There’s less of a wait time after a bankruptcy or foreclosure. A bankruptcy stays on a credit report for seven to 10 years, but the FHA allows borrowers to qualify for an FHA loan within 2 years after a chapter 7 bankruptcy and 12 months after a chapter 13 discharge. After a foreclosure, you may qualify in as little as three years.

You’re required to pay a mortgage insurance premium (MIP). You won’t have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is typical with conventional loans if you make a down payment under 20%. However, FHA loans do require you to pay MIP, regardless of the amount of down payment, upfront at closing and annually. You’ll need to MIP for the life of the loan unless you made a minimum 10% down payment, after which it will end after 11 years.

There are loan maximums. An FHA loan may not work if you want to borrow a large amount of money. For 2022, the FHA limit was set at $420,680 for single-family home loans or $970,800 for a single-family home loan in a high-cost area.

There are minimum property standards. Similar to other government-backed loans, the property that is being purchased with an FHA loan must meet certain guidelines. An appraiser must report the property’s condition on the FHA’s appraisal form. This means no fixer-uppers.

Some sellers might be less likely to accept offers coming from FHA buyers. FHA loans are sometimes viewed as less favorable than conventional loans in a competitive market.

You could end up paying more over the long term. Your interest rate may be lower, but your APR, which is the annual cost of the loan, can sometimes be higher than conventional loans.

Is an FHA Loan the Right Option for You?

If you have good or fair credit and lack the cash reserves to make a significant down payment, an FHA loan may be the best option for you. FHA loans make it possible for people to become homeowners much faster than they could with a conventional loan.

On the other hand, even if you don’t have the cash set aside for a 20% down payment, you might be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage if you have good or excellent credit and a low DTI ratio.

Additionally, some conventional mortgages only require 3% down, but those with lower credit scores or higher DTI ratios may need to put down a larger amount.

FHA Loans With Total Mortgage

There are numerous FHA benefits and drawbacks to take into account, but your decision will ultimately be influenced by your financial situation. An FHA mortgage loan may be a viable option for you if your credit is less than ideal or you don’t have much money to put down.

Currently, 15, 20, 25, or 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgages are available from Total Mortgage. FHA adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) are also available.

Apply now for a Total Mortgage FHA loan, and we’ll close on your new purchase in less than 21 days.

Filed Under: Home Loan Programs

FAQ

What is the downside of FHA loan?

Unless you made a minimum 10% down payment, you will need to make monthly mortgage insurance payments for the duration of the loan. In that case, the MIP will end after 11 years. There are loan maximums. If you want to borrow a large sum of money, an FHA loan might not be the best option.

Is getting an FHA loan a good idea?

Advantages of FHA Loans Down payment: The 3. FHA loans have a 5% minimum down payment requirement, which is less than many (but not all) conventional loans. The low down payment requirement is probably the main reason you’d be considering an FHA loan if you have a credit score of 650 or higher.

Is it better to go conventional or FHA?

If you have good or excellent credit, a conventional loan is frequently preferable because it will result in lower mortgage rates and PMI costs. However, if your credit score is in the high 500s or low 600s, an FHA loan may be the best option. For lower-credit borrowers, FHA is often the cheaper option.

Why do people not accept FHA loans?

The requirements for appraisers to look for specific flaws that could pose health, safety, or security risks as well as concerns about habitability are another significant factor contributing to sellers’ dislike of FHA loans. Before the sale, the seller is required to fix any discovered flaws.