Understanding Basic FHA Requirements for Mortgage Loans
By: Ask Bill
Submitted: 2010-12-13 04:16:08 | Word Count: 752
This is the story of my friend, Philips
My friend Philips was under the impression that obtaining a home mortgage loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was the easiest and most cost-effective way to finance the purchase of his new home. That was until he discovered that the FHA is all-set to increase its premium charges for mortgage insurances from the previous 1.75% to the new 2.25%. The new FHA requirements have also made it compulsory for potential borrowers with low credit scores to apply for lower loan sums. In other words these borrowers need to fork out larger down payments for their home purchases. The new FHA requirements have also effectively reduced the amount of money that a seller can provide a buyer in terms of closing costs, and would also effectively tighten enforcement of lenders that are backed by the FHA. With these new rules being enforced, Phillips realized that obtaining a large loan through FHA would now be slightly more difficult, especially as his credit score is hardly in the best of condition. Nevertheless the security that comes with these mortgage loans is something that would still attract plenty of homebuyers, as FHA’s home loans are backed by the government itself.
Before you think of applying for an FHA-backed mortgage loan, let us browse through the fundamental requirements that are attached to these FHA mortgage loan packages. If you are fortunate you could end up purchasing a home with only 5% down payment submitted from your side, such is the attractiveness of some of the loan packages that are offered through the FHA. Let us now look at some of the most basic of requirements when you are considering FHA mortgage loans:
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1)You are required to hold a steady job, with a stable employer. The two years should be preferably with the same employer to allow your lender to have more confidence in the stability of your employment
2)Your income should preferably be rising each year, or if that does not happen, it should at least be the same
3)You should hold a credit score of at least 600 (the higher the better). And in terms of missed or late payments, you should have less than two such negative marks in your credit report within the last two years
4)If you have faced foreclosure proceedings before, this should have occurred at least three years prior to application, and you should be holding a perfect credit report within the three year period
5)If you have been declared bankrupt before, this should have happened at least two years prior to you filing an application for a home loan to FHA. And your credit report within that two year period after being discharged from bankruptcy should be flawless
6)Last but not least, your mortgage payment with the new home loan should be 30% or less of your monthly gross salary, which translates to your income before taxes are charged
Once you fulfil these fundamental requirements, you should be able to qualify for a mortgage loan through FHA without too many complications. Before you apply for your mortgage loan, always ensure that you have obtained a free copy of your credit report, and scrutinized it to ensure that everything is in place. If your credit score is low, try to increase it before applying for your mortgage loan. This would undoubtedly help you obtain better mortgage deals when you apply for a home financing package through FHA. Also ensure that you have all the relevant documents that you may need (for instance your personal details, credit report, bank statements, credit card statements and others) during your mortgage loan application ready before you apply for your loan.
If you are unsure of what documents you require, or what type of information you may need to provide for a home loan application, head over to FHA’s website and find out for yourself! There is plenty of information in regard to home financing available on the website for your benefit. For instance you would find information such as the current lending rates, income-to-debt ratio guidelines, closing costs information and other loan processing requirements that you need to be aware of on this site. Thus if you are planning to apply for a mortgage loan through FHA, it is highly advisable that you visit the agency’s website first before you proceed any further. All the best in obtaining the ideal home financing package for you and your home!
