Articles Published in: November 2018

November 6, 2018

FHA Loan Approval And Your Credit Scores

What do you need to know about FHA loan approval and your credit scores? There are some important factors that can help you in the planning stages for your new mortgage loan. Don’t go into the mortgage application process without being armed with this information-you’ll be glad you know before you sign. FHA Minimum FICO Scores And Your FHA Lender FHA minimum FICO score requirements are not necessarily the same as your lender’s requirements. FHA Loan rules establish a minimum for credit scores (580 or higher for maximum financing) but your lender may require higher scores. An average is between 640 and 700, with scores between 640 and 680 being common requirements for the lowest down payment. FICO Score Requirements May Vary Depending On The Type Of FHA Loan Your | more...

November 5, 2018

How Do I Know If I Qualify For An FHA Mortgage?

By Bruce Reichstein

How do you know if you qualify for an FHA mortgage? There are several minimum requirements you should know, but keep in mind that we are not discussing an individual lender’s standards (which will vary depending on the lender) but the FHA Single Family Home Loan program’s basic rules. When you talk terms with a participating FHA lender, you can discuss what additional requirements may apply with that financial institution. The Basics FHA home loans are for financially qualified borrowers regardless of their status as first time buyers or experienced home owners. There is no minimum or maximum income dollar amount specified for FHA home loan approval. Borrowers may be eligible even if they have a bankruptcy or foreclosure in their history as long as good credit has been re-established | more...

November 2, 2018

Five Reasons Lenders May Deny Your Home Loan Application

By Joe Wallace

There are many reasons why a home loan application might be denied. If you seek an FHA home loan, credit requirements and other rules may be more forgiving of past credit mistakes, but lender standards and other factors do mean the borrower is held to certain minimums for FICO scores, debt ratios, and other financial qualifications. #5: FHA Loan Rules Require A Minimum FICO Score Requirement If your FICO scores are below 500, FHA loan rules say you are not eligible for an FHA mortgage loan. But that 500 minimum score is the FHA requirement, NOT the lender’s. Your participating lender’s requirements may be higher than 500 as a minimum, and meeting the bare minimum can result in a higher down payment. FHA FICO score requirements for the lowest down | more...

November 1, 2018

Get Out Of An Adjustable Rate Mortgage With An FHA Refinance Loan

By Bruce Reichstein

Are you currently paying on an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) and concerned about your next interest rate hike? It’s possible to end the uncertainty about your mortgage payments and how the next interest rate increase will affect them by refinancing into a fixed-rate FHA mortgage loan. FHA Refinance Loans Are Available As Fixed Rate Loans You can refinance an existing FHA mortgage or a non-FHA loan such as a VA mortgage, conventional loan, etc. FHA loans are designed to help borrowers get into affordable mortgages using your current income and FICO scores to qualify. If you have an FHA adjustable rate mortgage, you can refinance to an FHA fixed-rate loan using the FHA Streamline Refinance loan program. The main feature of the FHA Streamline refi is that it generally requires | more...