What Is A FHA Home Loan?
An FHA home loan is a flexible mortgage program offered by a participating lender like Scion Lending FHA home loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
What Are The Benefits?
Because the FHA insures the loan, Scion Lending can offer you financing with advantages like:
- A down payment requirement as low as 3.5%.
- The option for the seller to contribute up to 6% of the sale price.
- No debt-to-income ratio restrictions.
- A parent or relative can be a co-applicant on your loan as a non-occupant.
Note: That FHA loans require mortgage insurance to protect lenders against losses that result from defaults on home mortgages. You’ll be able to finance the upfront mortgage insurance premium into your loan. You will also be responsible for paying an annual premium.
Eligible Borrowers
When you apply for your loan, the underwriter will consider your income, assets, liabilities and credit history. Don’t worry — having less than perfect credit is not a barrier to qualification. To be eligible for an FHA home loan, you must also meet the following criteria:
- You must have a down payment of at least 3.5%.
- Your total monthly mortgage payment must not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.
- You must have consistent employment for at least two consecutive years and verifiable income.
Eligible Properties
An FHA home loan may be used to purchase or refinance:
- A family home with 1–4 units
- A condominium unit
- A manufactured housing unit (must be on a permanent foundation)
Scion Lending is an FHA Approved Lending Institution and is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the Federal government. Guidelines subject to change without notice.
Advantages for Homeowners
Thinking about buying your first home? An FHA loan may be just what you need. These mortgages benefit first-time homebuyers in that you can have a non-occupant like a parent or relative be a co-applicant the loan with you. Your down payment can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, and closing costs and fees can be included in the loan.
Useful For Fixer Uppers
In addition to low upfront out-of-pocket requirements, the FHA also offers the 203(k) home loan. This program allows you to buy a home and finance qualifying improvements or repairs. It’s available in two forms:
- Streamline — Allows you to finance up to $35,000 in renovations, though only certain types of repairs are eligible.
- Standard — Allows you to finance a minimum of $5,000 in repairs with no maximum, though all repairs must be supported by the property appraisal. More extensive structural repairs are permitted with the Standard version of this program.
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