FHA Loans

Flexible Mortgage Options for First-Time Buyers and Beyond

FHA loans provide a reliable path to homeownership for those who may not qualify under conventional loan guidelines. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are designed to support buyers with low down payments, moderate credit scores, or limited savings. Whether you’re buying your first home or getting back on your feet after financial challenges, this program offers one of the most accessible financing options on the market. Learn more about how FHA loans compare to other programs.

What Is an FHA Loan?

FHA loans are mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This insurance reduces risk for lenders, allowing them to offer more flexible qualification terms. Borrowers can benefit from as little as 3.5% down, use gift funds for closing costs, and qualify with lower credit scores. These features make FHA loans ideal for buyers who may not meet conventional lending requirements but are still financially ready to own a home. Start your FHA application now.

Key Benefits of FHA Loans

The FHA loan program offers powerful advantages for homebuyers:

• Down payments as low as 3.5%
• Credit scores as low as 580 (or even lower with larger down payment)
• Flexible debt-to-income (DTI) ratios
• Gift funds allowed for down payment and closing costs
• Option for non-occupying co-borrowers (such as family members)
• Available for 1-4 unit properties, including condos and manufactured homes

These features can open the door to homeownership when conventional loans aren’t an option. Explore your loan options here.

Who Should Consider an FHA Loan?

FHA loans are an excellent fit for a wide range of homebuyers, including:

• First-time homebuyers with limited savings
• Buyers with credit blemishes or past financial hardship
• Those who’ve been denied a conventional loan
• Individuals looking to purchase with gift funds or a co-borrower

If any of these apply to you, an FHA loan may be the most strategic step forward. Schedule a free consultation with the JD.Mortgage team.

FHA Loan Requirements

To qualify for an FHA loan, you’ll typically need:

• A minimum credit score of 580 for 3.5% down (500–579 may qualify with 10% down)
• Stable income and employment history
• A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio typically under 43%
• An FHA-approved property meeting basic safety and condition standards

Our team can walk you through the full checklist and help you understand which documents you’ll need. Use our mortgage glossary to understand these requirements in more detail.

The FHA Loan Process

The FHA mortgage process is designed to be efficient and transparent. Here’s how it works:

1. Complete our quick online FHA Loan Qualifier
2. Get matched with personalized rate and loan options
3. Choose the terms that best suit your budget
4. Submit required documentation and get conditionally approved
5. Close on your new home—often faster than expected

Our team works hard to make sure every step is streamlined and stress-free.

FHA vs. Conventional Loans

Wondering how FHA compares to conventional loans? Here are a few distinctions:

• FHA: Lower credit score requirements, more lenient guidelines, mortgage insurance for the life of the loan (in most cases)
• Conventional: Stricter credit and DTI requirements, but no lifetime mortgage insurance with 20% down

We’ll help you weigh both options and choose the one that’s right for your goals. See how conventional loans stack up.

FHA Refinance and Streamline Options

If you already have an FHA loan, refinancing may lower your monthly payment. The FHA Streamline Refinance offers reduced documentation, no appraisal (in most cases), and minimal underwriting—helping you take advantage of today’s rates with less paperwork. You can also explore cash-out refinancing if you have equity. Ask our team if you qualify.

FHA Loan Limits and Property Guidelines

FHA loan limits vary by county and are based on local median home prices. Properties must be primary residences and meet HUD’s minimum property standards. If you’re purchasing a fixer-upper, the FHA 203(k) rehab loan may allow you to finance the home and renovations together. Explore renovation loan options here.

Your FHA Mortgage Partner

The JD.Mortgage team specializes in helping buyers navigate FHA financing in all 49 states where we’re licensed (excluding NY). We don’t add overlays, which means we follow true FHA guidelines—nothing more restrictive. Our goal is to help you qualify even when others say no. Read what our clients have to say.

Close With Confidence—And Explore All Your Options

Even if you’re leaning toward an FHA loan, we’ll help you explore all mortgage options—so you feel confident about your decision. We offer a wide range of programs including VA, USDA, Down Payment Assistance, Investment Property Loans, Non-QM (DSCR, Bank Statement, ITIN), HELOCs, Second Mortgages, Reverse Mortgages, and Construction Loans.