Articles Published in: 2026

January 12, 2026

FHA Loan Rules: Title Issues For Non-Borrowing Co-Owners and Spouses

FHA Loan Rules: Title Issues for Non-Borrowing Co-Owners FHA loan transactions do not always involve every property owner being a borrower on the mortgage. In many cases, two or more people may hold ownership interest (be on title) to a property purchased with an FHA-insured loan, even though only one of those individuals applies for and qualifies for the mortgage itself. FHA policy allows for these arrangements, provided certain conditions are met. Non-Borrowing Owners and the FHA Mortgage Note Under current FHA guidelines, if two or more parties have an ownership interest in a property but only one party applies for and independently qualifies for the FHA loan, the non-borrowing owner is not required to sign the mortgage Note. The borrower who applies for the FHA loan is the only | more...

January 7, 2026

FHA Appraisal Rules On Peeling Paint

By Bruce Reichstein

Does peeling paint cause FHA loan problems? Yes—peeling paint can delay or prevent FHA loan approval, depending on the age of the home and the severity of the condition. FHA appraisal rules treat defective paint as a potential health and safety issue, not merely a cosmetic concern. Why FHA Appraisers Flag Peeling Paint FHA appraisal standards focus on: Borrower safety / Property durability and Loan collateral protection Peeling, chipping, or flaking paint can signal deeper problems and must be evaluated carefully. FHA Peeling Paint Rules for Homes Built Before 1978 Homes built before 1978 fall under federal lead-based paint regulations. If peeling paint is present: The appraiser must require repairs, lead-safe work practices must be used and repairs must be completed before FHA loan endorsement. Sellers must disclose known lead | more...

If Your Home Was Damaged In A Federally Declared Disaster Area

January 2, 2026

FHA Loans For Your First Home Mortgage

By Bruce Reichstein

Why should first-time home buyers start thinking about their FHA refinance loan options sooner instead of later? It’s not because you are actively planning to refinance, but there are circumstances which may make you reconsider your refi loan options. As a millennial home buyer, first-time homeowner, or any other type of borrower, unforeseen events or situations may have you re-thinking your long-term financial plans. There are FHA refinance loan options for first-time home buyers and new homeowners, but some are more appropriate for certain needs than others. FHA Refinance Loans For Upgrades, Repairs, And Home Improvements If your home is damaged in a storm, you experience a fire or flood, or need to repair your roof, an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan is the refinance you should ask a participating FHA | more...

January 1, 2026

Higher FHA Loan Limits For 2026

By Bruce Reichstein

Thinking about buying a home but worried you might not qualify for a loan? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) made changes in 2026 that could help make your homeownership dreams a reality. Bigger FHA Loan Limits in 2026 The FHA increased its loan limits for 2026. This means you can borrow more money to buy a home, which is great news in today’s market. What are the New Limits? For a typical single-family home in most parts of the U.S., the new loan limit is $541,287. But if you’re looking in a high-cost area, like California or the Northeast, the limit may go up to $1,249,125. And it’s not just for single-family homes! The FHA also has options if you’re interested in a duplex or other multi-unit property. These increased | more...

The FHA Loan That Helps You Build On Your Own Lot

January 1, 2026

FHA One-Time Close (OTC) Construction To Permanent Loan Limits Are Higher In 2026

By Bruce Reichstein

If you want to build a home from the ground up using an FHA One-Time Close Construction Loan, there’s good news for you in 2026. Your buying power has increased thanks to FHA loan limits published at the start of the new year. The Department of Housing and Urban Development issues updated FHA loan limits on an annual basis. The limits vary depending on whether the housing market in a given zip code is considered typical, high-cost, or low-cost. In 2026, the limits for all FHA forward mortgages (including FHA One-Time Close Construction Loans) increased in many areas across the USA. FHA loan limit calculations include a nationwide forward mortgage limit ‘floor’ and ‘ceiling’ for a one-unit property. If you want an FHA One-Time Close Construction Loan in 2026, the | more...