What is an FHA Loan

What is an FHA Loan?

For lower income or bad credit borrowers, the Federal Assistance Mortgage (FHA) loans can be the answer to their loan problems. With the FHA loan program, sub prime borrowers can get their loan approved, often at rates lower than other financial institutions. This article will go over how FHA mortgage loans work, as well as what steps to take to get an FHA loan.

The first thing to understand with FHA loans to that the FHA doesn't actually loan out money; instead they guarantee mortgage loans granted by private institutions. What this means is a FHA backed loan from a back will have a lower interest rate and requirement for being approved, because the bank carries less risk.

The FHA loan program is great for borrowers who have a sub prime loan or would like to get a fixed product and need some assistance. Rather than looking at a FICO credit score, the FHA looks at their credit history. To be approved for an FHA loan, you must have a good payment of your mortgage & credit history for the last 12 months, the longer the better. You also get the chance to explain any blemishes on your credit report.

For example, if you had an accident that cost you thousands of dollars, not being able to pay this debt can often cause your credit score to plummet. Fortunately, if you're still on time with all your consumer debt, you're still likely to be granted an FHA loan. The FHA is looking for signs of a responsible borrower, and exceptions can often be made, unlike the impersonal FICO score.

FHA only guarantees the loan as a bank or mortgage bank is the one that funds the loan & does all due diligence on the borrower.