Referenced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

There are lots of good reasons to choose an FHA loan, especially if one or more of the following apply to you:

  • You’re a first-time homebuyer
  • You don’t have a lot of money to put down on a house
  • You want to keep your monthly payments as low as possible
  • You’re worried about your monthly payments going up
  • You’re worried about qualifying for a loan
  • You don’t have perfect credit
  • You’re worried about what will happen if you fall behind on your payments

If any of these things describe you, then an FHA loan may be right for you. Why? FHA-insured loans offer many benefits and protections that you won’t find in other loans including:

Lower cost: FHA loans have competitive interest rates because the Federal government insures the loans for lenders. Always compare an FHA loan with other loan types.

Smaller down payment: FHA loans have a low 3% down payment and the money can come from a family member, employer or charitable organization as a gift. Other loan programs don’t allow this.

Easier qualification: Because FHA insures your mortgage, lenders may be more willing to give you loan terms that make it easier for you to qualify.

Less than perfect credit: You don’t have to have perfect credit to get an FHA mortgage. In fact, even if you have had credit problems, such as a bankruptcy, it’s easier for you to qualify for an FHA loan than a conventional loan.

More protection to keep your home: The FHA has been around since 1934 and will continue to be here to protect you. Should you encounter hard times after buying your home, the FHA has many options to help you keep you in your home and avoid foreclosure.

The FHA does not give money to people for a home and it does not set the interest rates on mortgages it insures. FHA insures loans for lenders against defaults. For the best interest rate and terms on a mortgage, you should compare mortgages from several different lenders. An FHA-approved lender can help you start the loan application process.

You may use an FHA-insured mortgage to purchase or refinance a new or existing 1-4 family home, a condominium unit or a manufactured or mobile home (provided it is on a permanent foundation).