For common FHA questions, please refer to our frequently asked questions guide.

We are constantly working to improve our website. Please feel free to contact us by starting the short form below if you have any questions.

The FHA does not lend the money; it simply insures that the total mortgage will be paid to the lender if the buyer defaults. It is always the decision of the private lender (a bank, credit union, or savings and loan) to decide whether or not they will lend the money.

The FHA mortgage program tends to be more forgiving than conventional mortgages in terms of past credit history. A bankruptcy discharged as little as two years ago may not hinder a homebuyer from qualifying for the FHA program.

Typically, FHA mortgages do not require more than a 3-5 percent down payment. Unlike traditional loans, this money may also be a gift to the homebuyer and does not need to be secured as the homebuyer's own money. Often, there are "points" associated with FHA mortgages that are usually worth about 1 percent of the total mortgage value. These points are paid to lenders to help lower the interest rate of the mortgage.

Borrowers will also have to pay PMI (private mortgage insurance) on the mortgage. PMI is used to ensure that the total amount of the mortgage will be paid to the lender if the buyer defaults. Usually, a PMI will not?? be put into effect until 20 percent of the mortgage has been paid.

FHA mortgages have no mortgage value cap. In other words, you can take out a FHA mortgage for $150,000 - $300,000 without any restrictions, other than credit applicability.

Closing costs on FHA (or conventional loans) are usually between 2-3 percent of the total mortgage amount and are the responsibility of the buyer. However, FHA closing costs can be financed into the total amount of the mortgage and paid off accordingly.

Learn more about the different types of FHA loans.