FHA Loans from Neighbors Bank

Breaking Down the FHA Loan

An FHA loan is a mortgage product that is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. It is commonly used by first-time homebuyers due to its low up-front costs, minimal down payment, and less stringent credit and underwriting requirements compared to other home loan options.

FHA Loan Eligibility

Due to the FHA's requirements, the FHA loan is a great option for first-time and subsequent homebuyers alike. The eligibility requirements are typically less strict than other loan options and open up financing to those who may not have qualified for a conventional mortgage.

To qualify for an FHA loan, a homebuyer typically will need:

Generally, a 3.5 percent down payment is required.
Consistent employment for the last two years
A debt-to-income ratio, including your mortgage, of 43 percent or less of your gross monthly income (50 percent may be allowed in some situations)
No bankruptcies in the last two years and no foreclosures in the last three (those with Chapter 13 bankruptcies may qualify as soon as one year with court permission)

Additionally, the property must be used as the homebuyers primary residence, meet FHA and HUD guidelines and appraise for the total loan amount.

FHA Loan Pros and Cons

Relaxed requirements and the low down payment options are some of the biggest benefits of an FHA loan — particularly for first-time buyers.

Additional perks include:

Down payment options as low as 3.5 percent
Down payment funds may be gifted

As for disadvantages, expect the following:

Not available for investment or income-producing properties
Mortgage insurance, both up-front and annually
Set loan limits, which depend on the area you’re buying in

5 Things Homebuyers Should Know About FHA Loans

If you’re considering an FHA loan for your upcoming home purchase, make sure you keep these six things in mind as you're applying:

They come with annual and up-front fees. An upfront fee of 1.75 percent of the loan amount is added to the total amount you’re borrowing. Annually, you’ll owe anywhere from .45 to .85 percent of the balance — divided into 12 monthly payments. Your annual fee depends on your loan term and loan-to-value.
You can use gift funds for your down payment and closing costs. This money needs to be a gift from an acceptable source, with no expectation of repayment. Acceptable sources include but are not limited to relatives, friends and down payment assistance programs. Gift funds cannot come from anyone involved in the real estate transaction.
You can purchase a single-family, two-unit, three-unit or four-unit property. If you’re buying a multi-family home, you must intend to live on the property in order to qualify.
There are multiple FHA-friendly refinancing options. FHA loans come with several refinancing options, including the FHA Streamline Refinance or the FHA Cash-out Refinance.
Your property must meet certain standards. FHA loans can only be used to purchase properties that meet guidelines set by HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) as safe and viable living quarters.

FHA loans also allow other parties — such as sellers, builders and even mortgage lenders — to help cover portions of a buyer’s closing costs, appraisal fees and more. Lenders contributing to these costs may charge higher interest rates as a result.

How to Apply for an FHA Loan

To apply for an FHA loan, get in touch with a Neighbors Bank home loan specialist here. They’ll be able to guide you through your specific scenario and determine if an FHA loan best suits your homebuying or refinance needs.