FHA Loan Guide -Shop Mortgage Rates & FHA Approved Lenders

FHA loans have been a driving force in the housing industry offering affordable home financing for over five decades. Are you considering an FHA mortgage to buy your next home? If so, you probably have a lot of questions about the FHA loan process and what you need to do to be approved. It is important for perspective house buyers to know what the qualifications are to be approved for an FHA loan.

Apply for an FHA Loan at a Payment You Can Afford from a FHA Mortgage Lender You Trust

This is the ultimate home buyer’s guide below, which explains the process to qualify for an FHA mortgage, so you know what to expect. This free guide will define the updated FHA requirements and rules, so you understand what is needed to qualify for an FHA mortgage loan at a competitive interest rate with the least amount of pain possible. The RefiGuide will help you apply for an FHA loan at a payment you can afford from a lender you trust.

Step by Step Guide for FHA Loan Requirements

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. This means that the full faith and credit of the US government backs every loan approved by FHA. This support means that if the borrower does not pay the loan, the FHA will pay back the lender. This allows many FHA-approved lenders to offer favorable credit and down payment terms to people who would not otherwise qualify for the mortgage. FHA loans can be approved with a 580-credit score with a 3.5% down payment, and also feature very flexible debt to income ratios and income requirements. The FHA mortgage is one of the easiest to be approved for in America today. But depending upon your circumstances, the approval and closing process can take up to a few months.

In most loan situations, the FHA loan approval process includes the steps below.

6 Simple Steps to Qualify for an FHA Loan with the Best Rate

For people who want to buy a home but lack the credit or big down payment, don’t worry. The FHA cash out loan program is one of the easiest to qualify for. Low down payments and credit score flexibility make it easier for millions of people to buy a home today. This article will give you all the steps and vital things to know about these very useful home loans.

Overview of FHA Loan Requirements

FHA loans are home mortgages that are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Borrowers must pay for mortgage insurance each month that totals .85% or so of the loan each year. But this additional monthly cost means you can get a home loan faster than you otherwise would with a low credit score, and with only 3.5% down in many cases. FHA loans offer a lower rate than a conventional loan. Even if you have a below average credit score, you can get a super low rate.

Other Key Benefits of an FHA Loan:

• Higher debt to income ratios are allowed.
• The loan can be assumed: If you sell the home and it is in a higher interest rate market, someone who wants an FHA loan can assume the loan at the lower rate, if they qualify for the FHA loan.
• Seller can pay up to 6% of your closing costs. It is possible to have an FHA loan with very little out of pocket.
• Co-borrowers who do not live in the home can sign onto the mortgage.
• FHA loan limits are higher than conventional limits in some areas around the country.

To qualify for FHA loans, here are the steps you need to follow:

What Does FHA Stand for?

FHA is an acronym for Federal Housing Administration. It was founded in 1934 during the Great Depression in an effort to provide better access to home financing for everyday people that wanted to become homeowners but had difficult securing financing at an affordable mortgage rate. Since then, FHA has been a beacon of hope for millions of home buyers looking to buy a home with affordable FHA loans. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is in charge of the Federal Housing Administration and the U.S. Congress sets the FHA loan limits annually. HUD has worked diligently to create several types of FHA loans that still remain popular today. Compare conventional loans to FHA,

Credit Score Requirements for FHA Loans

FHA loans are a good deal for many of us with lower credit score. As of 2023, the Federal Housing Administration dropped the minimum credit score requirement for FHA loans to 500. In comparison, the minimum credit score for a conventional loan is 620 and 640 for USDA loans. While it is getting easier for people to get FHA loans, having a 500-credit score can make things difficult. Recent statistics show that you are better off with a higher credit score to qualify for an FHA loan. Learn more about the current FHA credit score requirements.

FHA Loan Credit Requirement Overview

What are the FHA loan requirements for a FHA insured mortgage this year? FHA approved lenders now will approve more than 96% of people who have a FICO score of 580. If your score is at least that high, you may qualify for a 3.5% down payment as well. This is one of the most lenient down payment requirements on the market. Plus, underwriting standards are very forgiving in terms of credit score and debt to income ratios. Let’s consider what it takes to qualify for FHA loans today.

If you have a 500-credit score, that is the minimum score that will be considered per FHA requirements. But know that you will have to put down 10% to get a loan at that FICO score. Only 2% of FHA loans in the past year have gone to people with 500 to 549 credit scores. Your best chance for a FHA approval with this low of a credit score is to show a clean payment history for the past 180 days and a good sized down payment.

There are many reasons you could have a lower credit score and still qualify for an FHA loan:

• You are using a lot of your available credit. This can lower your score by 50 points in some cases. But as you pay it off, your score will rise.
• You have a lot of credit accounts, or a lot of new credit accounts
• Your credit history is limited
• You had a foreclosure or bankruptcy in the past

FHA guidelines state that if you have made timely payments on your credit obligations in the recent past, you are a reduced risk. So, if you have a bankruptcy on your credit report from two years ago with sub 600 credit, this will not prevent you from getting an FHA loan. On the other hand, if your credit report shows you have enough income to support your bills but have a lot of late payments, you are less likely to be approved, even if your score is higher. FHA and its approved lenders care the most about a steady payment history on your obligations in the past 12 to 24 months. This indicates a degree of financial stability that reduces lender exposure.

Getting a Loan from FHA With No FICO Score

You might not think so, but you can get a loan from FHA even with minimal credit history. For instance, you may pay for everything in cash and have no credit cards or car loans. FHA states that lenders may not reject an applicant out of hand with no credit. Instead, the lender should gather payment history for accounts similar to credit accounts, such as cell phone bills, rent payments, utility payments and insurance payments. In some cases, FHA may be able to approve your application if you only have non-traditional credit sources.

How to Qualify for FHA Loans After a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Many individuals hold the mistaken belief that obtaining a mortgage after a bankruptcy is a prolonged process spanning seven to ten years. This misconception is far from the truth. In the aftermath of the mortgage crisis, a substantial number of people found themselves declaring bankruptcy. For the housing market to thrive, it’s crucial that lenders do approve loans for individuals with recent bankruptcies.

The established standard for securing approval for an FHA loan after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a two-year waiting period, and it shortens to just 12 months for Chapter 13. The primary focus here is demonstrating to both FHA and its lending institutions that you’ve maintained a solid payment history over the past 12 to 24 months. In such cases, a prior bankruptcy need not be an impediment. Furthermore, FHA home loans remain a viable option even after a foreclosure. Significantly more individuals faced foreclosures following the mortgage crisis than those who declared bankruptcy. Typically, the waiting period for FHA loans is three years, although some lenders may have more flexible criteria. It’s advisable to inquire within the lending community to explore your options.

3.5% Down Payment Requirements for Most FHA Mortgage Loans

A major benefit of the FHA program is the 3.5% down payment option for people with a 580 credit score or higher. While it is technically possible to get a loan with a 500 score, it is unlikely, and you need 10% down. As you are working towards getting an FHA loan, it is advised to get your score as far above 600 as you can. Once you get into the 620’s, most FHA approved lenders will work with you and approve your loan. FHA loans are perfect for people with past credit problems BUT are current on their monthly obligations in the recent past. With a 580 credit score, you may be able to get a home loan with only 3.5% down.

Rules on Financing Closing Costs and Lending Fees on FHA Loans

Closing costs and lending fees have been steadily rising in recent years. New mortgage loan regulations and financial safeguards mean lenders have higher costs, and many of those are passed on to borrowers. According to Bankrate.com, mortgage closing costs increased 1.6% in 2023 on average.

This can make it harder for some people short on cash to finalize their loan. Closing costs can amount to 3-5% of the loan amount. What should you do if you are getting an FHA loan and are worried about closing costs and lending fees? One option is to finance part of the closing costs, and there are other options as well to deal with those costs. Below is more information about how to finance closing costs and other costs on FHA loans. The FHA streamline refinance has unique rules that make financing closing costs more challenging.

Overview of Financing Closing Costs with a FHA Mortgage

Part of the FHA closing costs can be financed as long as you meet LTV maximum guidelines. What this means is the loan plus closing costs do not exceed 96.5% of the fair market value or selling price of the home, whichever is less. In this case, you can roll some of the closing costs into your loan.

To finance the closing costs, you should talk with your FHA-approved lender. Financing options on closing costs depend upon your income, credit history, employment and related factors.

For example, if you have a lower income and are barely qualifying for the loan, rolling closing costs into the loan could make you ineligible for the loan. Your mortgage broker will be able to look at your specific financials and determine how much of the closing costs you can finance. The Federal Housing Administration only allows you to roll closing costs into the loan if you qualify for the higher loan amount. Learn more from HUD on home financing rules.

Another option with some lenders is to take a slightly higher interest rate in exchange for the lender paying at least some of the closing costs. They might do this by giving you a lender credit at closing and increasing your rate by .5%. FHA also allows the seller to pay part of your closing costs. This does not always happen, but some sellers may need to move the property ASAP and may agree to do so.

What to Do If You Cannot Qualify for Financing Closing Costs

Every lender is different, and some may look at your financial situation and not allow you to finance closing costs. Or, FHA may outright deny financing your closing costs. In this case, you may look for a small line of credit at a national bank or credit union that you can use to pay the closing costs. Other people sometimes ask close family to help them with closing costs and pay them back with interest over a few years.

What Is Included in FHA Loan Closing Costs?

You can expect to pay for the following closing costs on FHA mortgages. A percentage of these closing costs can be rolled into or financed into the FHA loan:

• Loan origination fee: Percentage of the amount of the loan that the lender charges you
• Discount points to lower rate: 1-point equals 1 percent of the loan amount
• Appraisal fee: What you have to pay to have the home appraised
• Credit report: Charge to pull your credit report
• Tax service: Lender hires a company to ensure there are no liens or taxes owed
• Title insurance: Covers any legal damages if the seller cannot transfer the title legally. This protects the mortgage lender and borrower.
• Attorney fees: What the attorney charges for overseeing the transaction at the title company
• Document fees: FHA lender will charge you to have the many documents ready for closing
• Property taxes: You are charged the remaining yearly property taxes on the home
• Home inspection: Covers cost of having the home inspected
• Survey: The fee to get accurate boundary and property measurements by the surveyor
• FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium: Borrowers that get an FHA loan will be required to pay mortgage insurance every month.

The bottom line is that in some cases, you can reduce your out of pocket expenses when you buy the home by having your closing costs financed or otherwise paid for. Check with your lender to see what options you when considering buying a home with FHA financing.

Gift Rules for Down-Payment Sources Guidelines on FHA Mortgage Programs

One of the biggest obstacles to buying a home for Americans is the down payment. There was a time when you needed a 20% down payment and a high credit score to buy a home. But this year, you can buy a home with average to below average credit and a low down payment in some cases.

One of the most popular loan programs for these buyers if the FHA loan. A major advantage of the FHA mortgage loan is you can get approved with only a 3.5% down payment with a 580 or higher credit score. If you have a lower score than that, you need a 10% down payment.

Still, there are situations where the borrower is having trouble coming up with the down payment for the loan. What to do then? FHA loan guidelines do allow other options.

More on FHA Down Payments and Approved Sources

As we note above, you are required to have at least a 3.5% down payment to be approved for an FHA loan. The money must be verified by the FHA-approved lender to come from an ‘approved source.’ What is an approved source, anyway? Most people get their down payment from cash reserves, investments, borrow from 401k or IRA, etc. The idea behind verifying where the money came from is to make sure the borrower did not get the down payment from a credit card or payday loan, etc.

But there are other options for your down payment. According to the Federal Housing Administration FHA funds also can come from a gift. The gift and the giver do need to meet FHA requirements, but this flexible guideline makes it possible to get into an FHA loan with, technically, zero money down. To determine if the down payment gift can be used or not, it is necessary to check HUD rules. According to HUD 41.55.1 Chapter 5 Section B, for the funds to be a gift, there cannot be any expected repayment of the money.

Also, FHA will scrutinize the giver of the gift. Chapter 5 of the HUD Code states the cash gift is ok if it comes from your relative; employer or labor union; close friend with a defined interest in you; charitable organization; government agency or public entity.

FHA also states who cannot give gift funds to you for the down payment. These are the seller; the real estate agent or broker on the deal; the builder or an associated entity.

Gift Terms Explained

The gift for your down payment cannot be made based upon paying it back later. You are required to get a gift letter from the person or organization. The letter should state that you are not required to pay the money back. It also should provide the contact information for the borrower, such as name, address, and phone number. Also included should be the bank account from which the funds will be sent.

The gift donor should be OK with giving a bank statement with the letter. Also, he or she should ensure that the transfer amount matches what is in the gift letter and what is deposited into your account.

FHA rules are very specific on these areas to ensure that the home buying process through FHA is fair and just. But as long as you follow the FHA loan requirements you should be able to get help with your down payment from a friend or relative.

Don’t Have Friends or Family Who Can Help?

Not every borrower has friends or family who can give them a gift for their down payment. But HUD lists many government programs spread throughout the country in most states that can offer down payment and closing cost help for certain borrowers.

It also is worth checking if your employer and state have employer assisted housing. This program can help people with moderate incomes to get a loan to cover closing costs and down payment. Look up EAH in your state on Google to see what is available.

Experts say that down payment help is available for nearly 90% of homes in the US. There is a good chance that you can get help on your down payment through one of these organizations.

How to Shop FHA Mortgage Rates Today Efficiently

There have been some shifts in FHA mortgage rates. At the start of the current year, rates had held steady at under 4% for nearly half a year. However, the rates for 30-year mortgages began to climb and have continued their upward trajectory since. The encouraging news is that potential mortgage rate shoppers seeking FHA loans might still secure fixed rates at affordable levels.

FHA mortgages remain the top choice for individuals whose credit doesn’t meet the requirements for conventional loans. Even with a credit score in the lower 600s, it’s possible to secure a lower rate compared to conventional loans. As the current FHA mortgage rates edge higher in response to economic improvement, having an FHA loan can be advantageous for securing a favorable deal. While mortgage insurance costs are higher with FHA loans, the reduced interest rate often offsets this expense.

Regarding the outlook for FHA rates in the current year, most experts anticipate that they will hover around the mid-4% range by year-end. Historically, both conventional and FHA mortgage rates have remained relatively low, given market conditions. Therefore, if you are contemplating an FHA loan, the present moment is likely an opportune time to act. It’s anticipated that rates will experience an upturn once the effects of the recent tax cut fully materialize.

Below is more information about how to shop for an FHA loan these days.

Look at a Lot of FHA Lenders with Experience Approving Lower Credit Scores

Shopping for an FHA loan is easier than a conventional loan. FHA loans are backed by the US government, so lenders can extend credit to you at better terms than you might expect. FHA only has a minimum credit score of 500 to get an FHA loan.

But if you have a credit score under 600, you should start shopping for your FHA mortgage rate by checking with several poor credit score mortgage lenders.

The reason is that FHA approved lenders can have what are called overlays. This simply means lenders have  the discretion to require a credit score higher than the 500 minimum set by FHA.

Some FHA approved lenders may have a minimum of 600, 620, or 640. The lower your score, the more lenders you should check. You could find a very similar program with two lenders where one has a rate .5% lower than the other.

Remember to Account for Mortgage Insurance

FHA loans are great for many situations, but you have to pay for expensive mortgage insurance to get that low interest rate. There are two types of mortgage insurance on FHA mortgages. The first one is an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount. That is $1,750 for a $100,000 loan. That can be rolled into the mortgage. The other type of FHA mortgage insurance has the annual premium that is paid each month. The amount varies on the loan length and the loan to value or ‘LTV’. For a 30-year FHA loan with a down payment of less than 5%, your annual insurance premium with be .85% of the loan amount. The reality is that the FHA mortgage insurance premium is the reason people can get an FHA loan with only a 3.5% down-payment in 2023.

The Lender Must Be Approved to Issue FHA Loans

Know that FHA does not lend money; it merely insures the loan issued by a lender. So borrowers need to get an FHA mortgage through a lender approved by the agency. Not all lenders offer the same rates. Some have investors who want more security and charge a higher rate, while others are willing to offer a lower rate.

Are FHA Loans Assumable?

FHA mortgage loans offer the advantage of being assumable, a feature that can prove beneficial for both buyers and sellers. In essence, an assumable mortgage permits a homebuyer to take over the existing FHA loan along with its terms when purchasing a property.

For prospective buyers, assuming an FHA mortgage holds several advantages, particularly if the current FHA mortgage rate is lower than the prevailing market rates. This can result in substantial savings over the duration of the FHA home loan. Furthermore, the process of assuming an FHA loan often involves less rigorous credit requirements compared to securing a new mortgage.

Sellers can also reap the rewards of the assumable feature. It can enhance the marketability of their property, particularly when interest rates are on the rise. The ability to offer a potential buyer an assumable FHA loan can make the property stand out in a competitive real estate market.

However, it’s crucial to note that not all FHA home loans are assumable. For FHA loans initiated after December 1, 1986, the assumption necessitates approval from the lending institution, and specific criteria must be met. The prospective buyer must also qualify for the assumption by demonstrating their creditworthiness and their capacity to meet the obligations of the FHA loan. It’s essential for all parties involved to have a comprehensive understanding of the terms and payment responsibilities associated with assuming an FHA mortgage before committing to this option. It’s important to be aware that if a homebuyer takes over an FHA loan, they will also be obliged to make monthly payments for FHA mortgage insurance premiums.

Remember to Lock in Your FHA Mortgage Rate Early

As we noted earlier, it appears that rates generally are on the way up this year. Mortgage rates have stayed abnormally low despite the Fed raising the Prime Rate several times in the past 18 months. Rates have edged up in the last few months, but overall FHA mortgage rates remain attractive and competitively priced. It seems likely this trend will persist. If you plan to close a loan in the next few months, it is smart to lock the rate for as long as you can. Even paying to lock it beyond two months is not out of the question. According to CNBC, interest rates are only going to go up this year as the economy gets even better than it is now.

FHA loans are great products that provide you with a lower than market rate even with average credit. You do have to pay a higher cost for mortgage insurance, but this cost is somewhat offset with the low rate. This means you really should be watching FHA mortgage rates like a hawk if you plan to close soon. This probably is not a market to let the rate float and hope for lower rates. Time is running out on the artificially low rate environment for all loans – FHA, conventional and others.

How to Qualify for a FHA Loan with No Mortgage History

Do you want to buy a home and have limited credit history, no credit history, or no mortgage history? You are not alone. Many first-time home buyers face significant challenges in buying their first house. Specifically, many lack a long credit history. This makes it more difficult for lenders to determine your risk profile and decide to give you a loan.

Most first-time home buyers have never had a mortgage or have not had one in years. They also may own their car in cash and may use their debit card rather than credit cards. These traits make many new house buyers off the grid when it comes to credit and may make getting a mortgage more challenging.

If you think there is no hope, you are wrong: The FHA loan is available to people buying a home for the first time with little credit or no credit. And, FHA backed mortgages can be had from most mortgage lenders in the US.

FHA Loans and Non-Traditional Credit

First-time home buyers typically possess lower credit scores compared to homeowners, primarily because they have had less time to establish a credit history. Payment history plays a pivotal role in determining one’s FICO score. However, it’s important to note that the solution is not necessarily obtaining a credit card or taking out a car loan, as these actions can temporarily negatively impact your credit score. Credit score algorithms tend to view acquiring new credit lines as a drawback. Moreover, the impact on your credit score remains limited until the payment history on the account spans at least 12 months.

A more advisable approach, as recommended by many experts, is to explore mortgage loans tailored for individuals with limited credit histories, such as the FHA loan. Sponsored by the Federal Housing Administration, this program explicitly states on its website that a lack of credit history or limited credit usage should not serve as grounds for rejecting a loan application. Instead of turning away applicants lacking credit history or prior mortgage experience, FHA guidelines necessitate lenders to scrutinize every facet of the loan application.

FHA has the flexibility to consider your rental history as a crucial aspect. If you can demonstrate consistent, on-time rent payments over the last one or two years, provided they are in line with potential mortgage payments, this can serve as a basis for approving a mortgage. Furthermore, FHA allows lenders to require minimal down payments, with the current minimum being just 3.5%, a highly reasonable option for first-time home buyers. Often, these buyers face challenges in amassing substantial down payments, especially when they lack equity in an existing home. Additionally, issues related to bad credit loans for first-time home buyers are not insurmountable with FHA, as they permit lenders to accept credit scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. The program also accommodates higher debt-to-income ratios.

Approval Up to the FHA Mortgage Lender

FHA home loans are underwritten by private lenders that have been approved to do FHA loan programs. All lenders must follow FHA guidelines, but these rules are not absolute when it comes to credit score. Some lenders may work with a borrower with a 580-credit score, while others only work with borrowers with a higher score. If you have a credit score lower on the scale, it is wise to check with several lenders. If you cannot qualify with one lender, you might be able to with another.

Generally, getting an FHA loan approved with a 500 score will be arduous. You will need to have solid income, 10% down payment, and probably some cash reserves. People with a 580 or higher score only need 3.5% down usually, and no cash reserves are needed.

In addition to an acceptable credit score, you must demonstrate enough income to pay the loan and a reasonable amount of debt. Generally, you should have a front-end ratio of 31% and a back-end ratio of 43% to qualify for an FHA loan program. This means your mortgage debt compared to your gross monthly income should not be a ratio of more than 31%, and your total debt compared to your gross monthly income should not be more than 43%. However, some approved FHA lenders might allow those ratios to go higher if you have enough income and reserves. Others with higher credit scores may also be able to be approved with higher debt to income ratios.

According to current FHA statistics, there is a big market in the country for loans for people with a limited credit history – up to five million households across the country. So, it is important to not let your lack of credit history discourage you from applying for a mortgage.

What is the Energy Efficient FHA Mortgage?

The FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a special FHA financing program designed to empower homeowners to make energy-efficient improvements to their properties. This unique FHA loan program allows borrowers to include the cost of energy-efficient upgrades into their FHA insured mortgage. By doing so, homeowners can finance projects such as solar panels, insulation, or energy-efficient HVAC systems, facilitating the creation of an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient houses. The primary advantage of the FHA EEM is that it enables borrowers to make these improvements with minimal upfront costs. The cost of the energy-efficient upgrades is rolled into the mortgage, and the increased monthly payments are offset by the anticipated energy savings, making it a financially sensible choice. This innovative FHA loan program aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable living and allows homeowners to contribute to both a greener environment and long-term cost savings. FHA EEM serves as a practical and accessible avenue for those seeking to enhance their homes while embracing energy efficiency.

What is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage?

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage is often referred to as a HECM.  This is a specific type of reverse mortgage program designed to help senior homeowners access the equity built in their homes while allowing them to remain in their primary residence. Home equity mortgages are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are available to individuals aged 62 or older. These reverse mortgage loans enable older homeowners to convert a portion of their home’s equity into tax-free funds, which can be received as a lump sum, regular payments, or a line of credit.

What Are the FHA Property Requirements to Get Approved?

Home buyers who want to buy their home with an FHA mortgage may discover an unpleasant surprise: They are not allowed to buy a certain property because it is not up to FHA standards. To qualify for a FHA loan, the house must meet the property requirements outlined by the Federal Housing Administration. Below are some helpful financial resources that can assist you as you are getting your credit to buy a home:

Minimum Property Standards Set by FHA

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development states that FHA requires properties that it finances with its loans to have these standards at minimum:

• Safety: The home should be of good enough quality to protect the safety and health of all occupants
• Security: The home must protect the overall security of the property
• Soundness: The property should not suffer from major physical deficiencies that affect the overall structure

When you put a contract on a property you want to buy with an FHA loan, the FHA approved appraiser will review the condition of the home and report the results to FHA. For a single-family home, the appraiser will use the Uniform Residential Appraisal Report. The form requires the appraiser to describe the features of the home, including these items:

• Square footage
• Year it was built
• Number of stories
• Number of rooms and where they are

The appraiser must also describe the overall condition of the home, such as needed repairs, deterioration, remodeling and renovations done. The form also asks if there are any physical deficiencies that will affect the soundness and livability of the property.

FHA does not require minor defects to be fixed, nor does normal wear matter if it does not affect the soundness and security of the home. Some examples of minor issues that do not affect the home sale are:

• Cracked windows
• Missing handrails
• Worn out counters
• Defective paint
• Minor plumbing leaks
• Trip hazards
• Damaged doors that are operable

However, there are many areas of the home that FHA will require to be fixed for the sale to be closed and the FHA loan to be funded . Some of the most common problems that can delay a closing on a home are:

• Electrical and heating issues, such as electrical box problems; lack of heating source for each room
• Roof and attic, such as the roof will not last at least two more years, and general roof problems seen upon attic inspection
• Water heater – must meet local building standards and must be left with the home
• Hazards and nuisances, such as hazardous waste site nearby, contaminated soil, heavy traffic, oil and gas wells, airport noise, near high power lines, near a radio or TV tower

Also, the home must provide ‘safe and adequate accesses for vehicles and pedestrians. The street must have an all-weather surface so emergency vehicle can access the home in any weather condition.

Further, the home must have at least one function toilet, shower and sink; it is not uncommon for people to take these things when the home is foreclosed. The home should also have a functioning stove, but there are not any specific appliance requirements stipulated in the regulations.

The FHA loan limits are set each by the US Congress and will continue to be a popular choice for home buyers in 2024.

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