Bad Credit? FHA Home Loans Can Help You Start Fresh

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This guide addresses common inquiries regarding FHA Home Loans. It delves into qualifying for and securing approval on FHA home loans. Lenders vary in their requirements for FHA Home Loans.

HUD, the overseeing body of FHA, provides insurance for FHA loans. These loans are widely favored nationwide due to their forgiving criteria and low down payment mandates.

HUD, the parent of FHA, is the federal agency administering FHA home loans. The role of HUD is to insure HUD-approved private lenders in the event FHA loans default and go into foreclosure.

This guide comprehensively explores FHA Home Loans for homebuyers, homeowners, loan officers, and realtors. It clarifies the nature of FHA loans, identifies the beneficiaries of these loans, and elucidates HUD’s lending stipulations and directives. It outlines the mortgage process and addresses lender-specific criteria known as overlays of FHA Home Loans. Subsequent sections will highlight the advantages accruing to borrowers utilizing FHA Home Loans.

What Are FHA Home Loans?

FHA home loans are facilitated through a process that involves origination, processing, underwriting, and funding by private lenders. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees FHA and provides insurance for these loans. Essentially, HUD is a federal mortgage insurance entity for private lenders, offering protection in the event of borrower default and foreclosure.

HUD insures lenders against loss if the borrower defaults on their FHA home loans. This only holds if the lender followed every aspect of HUD 4000.1 FHA Handbook agency guidelines.

Private mortgage lenders actively promote FHA-insured loans to borrowers, leveraging the government guarantee to provide competitive terms. With down payments as low as 3.5%, FHA home loans are particularly beneficial for various demographics, including first-time homebuyers, individuals with limited or no credit history, those with poor credit scores (even as low as 500 FICO), and homeowners with high debt-to-income ratios.

What Are The Rules For FHA Home Loans?

The rules for FHA home loans come from HUD, which oversees these loans. FHA home loans are only for primary residences where the owner lives. You cannot use them for second homes or investment properties.

There are various types of FHA loan programs that homebuyers can use. We will explain these programs later in this guide. FHA is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Both HUD and FHA do not lend money.

HUD ensures that home loans follow its rules and helps protect banks and lenders that offer these loans. If a homeowner with an FHA loan fails to pay, the government guarantees the loan, which encourages lenders to offer these loans to eligible buyers.

What Is The Difference Between FHA and Conventional Loan?

FHA home loans are backed by the government and have easier credit score requirements than conventional loans. Borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 can qualify for FHA loans. Many people think FHA loans are only for those with poor credit, but they can help many borrowers.

FHA loans have lower mortgage rates than conventional loans. On the other hand, conventional loans are not backed by the government and usually require a minimum credit score of 620 to qualify.

FHA loans are a good option for people with bad credit, low scores, collection accounts, charged-off accounts, bankruptcy, foreclosure, ongoing Chapter 13 bankruptcy, or a high debt-to-income ratio. Unlike FHA loans, conventional loans require higher credit scores for approval.

What Are The Types of FHA Home Loans?

The following types of FHA loans are available for homebuyers:

1. FHA loans for two to four unit  multi-family properties
2. FHA loans for condominiums
3. FHA home loans for mixed-use properties (If 51% of the floor space is zoned residential)
4. FHA 203k loans
5. FHA Reverse Mortgages
6. FHA one-time close construction loans
7. FHA home loans for Manufactured homes
8. Down-Payment Assistance home loan programs

Who Is Eligible To Qualify For An FHA Loan?

The FHA home loan requirements are the following:

• Borrowers must have a valid social security number
• Be a lawful resident of the United States
• Show two-year residential history
• Be of legal age
• Have a 580 credit score to qualify for a 3.5% down payment home purchase FHA loan.
• The maximum front-end debt-to-income ratio cannot exceed 46.9%, and a back-end DTI cannot exceed 56.9% to get an approve/eligible per AUS.
• Outstanding collections and charged-off accounts do not have to be paid
• The down payment and closing costs can be gifted
• Non-occupant co-borrowers related to the main borrower by blood, marriage, or law are allowed on a 3.5% down payment FHA loan.
• Non-occupant co-borrowers not related to the main borrower by blood, marriage, or law are allowed but need a 25% down payment.
• Be employed for at least two years
• Show two years of employment history
• Show that they have consistent document income
• Provide promising future employment with a consistent income to pay for their new FHA Loan.
• Meet minimum credit and debt-to-income ratio requirements
• The borrower needs to apply for a mortgage application as part of the FHA loan requirement

Need to state all income, assets, debt, and credit information.

Documents Required To Start The Mortgage Process on FHA Loans

FHA loan requirement is the borrower must submit the following docs:

• two years of tax returns
• two year W2s
• recent bank statements
• other credit information like bankruptcy papers, divorce decrees, child support, etc.

How Easy Is It To Get An FHA Loan?

Diligent individuals can now achieve their aspiration of owning a home with minimal down payment and flexible credit criteria through FHA Home Loans.

One important thing borrowers need to remember is that not all lenders have the same lending requirements on FHA home loans.

Various lenders impose varying credit prerequisites. Hence, reviewing and comprehending this guide on frequently asked questions about FHA Home Loans by Gustan Cho Associates is crucial.

FHA Loans For First-Time Homebuyers With Bad Credit

First-time homebuyers must be confident about possessing flawless credit to qualify for a home loan. FHA home loans stand out as the preferred loan option for initial homebuyers contending with past issues like bad credit, collection accounts, charged-off accounts, limited credit history, and low credit scores. FHA loans are the foremost and favored choice among the array of mortgage loan programs tailored for first-time homebuyers.

How Can I Qualify For An FHA Loan With Bad Credit?

What are the FHA home loan requirements to get an FHA loan? Borrowers need to consult with the lender and be able to have a 3.5% down payment. The down payment needs to be documented as to where it was derived.

Gifts from family are allowed. The borrower will qualify for a 96.5% FHA home loan plus closing costs. The borrower can pay closing costs. Or the seller can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price to help the borrower pay closing costs.

The lender can assist with the closing costs with a lender credit instead of a higher interest rate. The borrower will qualify for a one to four-unit residential owner-occupied property. By owner-occupied, the home needs to be the borrower’s principal residence. It cannot be a rental home or an investment home.

FHA Loans After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Homebuyers can qualify for an FHA loan two years after the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge date. Lenders expect rebuilt and re-established credit after the discharge date—no late payments after the discharge date of Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. ] Homebuyers can qualify for an FHA loan after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy after two years from the discharge date.

The team at Gustan Cho Associates has helped countless borrowers get their credit scores to over 700 FICO after the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge date.

FHA loans require a two-year waiting period after the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge date. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy gives consumers a fresh start on their finances, where they are debt-free after the discharge. Lenders expect borrowers to re-establish and rebuild their credit after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. No late payment after the bankruptcy discharge date is a must. Late payments after bankruptcy can be potentially a deal killer, so borrowers must ensure they are always on time.

Can I Qualify For An FHA Loan After Bankruptcy?

A large percentage of our business at Gustan Cho Associates is helping borrowers get qualified and approved for an FHA loan during and after bankruptcy. A prior bankruptcy will not affect the borrower’s mortgage rates. Homebuyers can qualify for home loans after bankruptcy.

There are two types of consumer bankruptcies: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Each type of bankruptcy has its separate mortgage guidelines on FHA loans. We will cover each type of mortgage guideline after bankruptcy in the following paragraphs. Regardless of what type of bankruptcy, lenders want to see no late payments after bankruptcy and rebuild and re-establish credit.

FHA Loans During Chapter 13 Repayment Plan

It is possible to qualify for an FHA Loan even if you are in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment plan. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need your bankruptcy trustee’s consent to purchase a home and obtain the mortgage. Additionally, it will require a manual underwriting process.

Once your Chapter 13 Bankruptcy has been discharged, you may be eligible for FHA home loans with no waiting period. However, a manual underwrite will still be required if it has not yet been seasoned for two years. It’s important to point out that both government and conventional loans often impose waiting periods following bankruptcy, though these durations can differ depending on the particular loan program.

What Is The Downside of FHA Home Loans?

While FHA home loans offer significant advantages for various groups, including first-time homebuyers, individuals with low credit scores, those with outstanding collections, and those unable to qualify for other mortgage programs, they have drawbacks.

Gustan Cho Associates is one of the few national mortgage companies with no lender overlays on FHA loans.

Among the primary disadvantages of FHA home loans is the considerable expense of the upfront FHA mortgage insurance premium. Additionally, FHA loan limits typically fall below conforming loan limits by an average of 37%. For instance, in 2023, conforming loan limits stood at $726,200, whereas the FHA loan limit was capped at $472,030.

FHA Home Loans With No Credit Tradelines

FHA Home Loans stand out as the top choice for numerous groups in the United States, including first-time homebuyers, individuals lacking credit history, those with a high debt-to-income ratio, individuals with low or no credit scores, and homebuyers with poor credit.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the parent of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees FHA Home Loans and establishes the lending criteria and loan ceilings through the HUD 4000.1 FHA Handbook. The following sections will discuss the different kinds of FHA home loans, their benefits, and the eligibility requirements for potential and current homebuyers.

Who Provides Funds For FHA Home Loans?

Because of the government backing provided by HUD, mortgage lenders face fierce competition to secure FHA Home Loans. This guarantee enables lenders to provide FHA home loans to first-time homebuyers or those with less-than-perfect credit, requiring only a 3.5% down payment at competitive rates and through a streamlined mortgage process.

HUD and FHA do not originate, process, underwrite, fund, or service FHA loans.

Financial institutions and private mortgage companies that have received approval from HUD are responsible for originating and financing FHA loans. As the parent organization of FHA, HUD is a federally backed mortgage insurer, ensuring lenders against defaults on FHA loans they have originated and funded. In case of a borrower’s default, HUD will partially reimburse the lender for any losses incurred during the defaulted loan period. This government guarantee empowers lenders to offer FHA Home Loans.

Understanding Why FHA Loan Requirements Is Different Among Lenders

The Federal Housing Administration is a governmental agency insures mortgage loans against default to mortgage lenders. The Federal Housing Administration has its own rules and requirements that lenders need to adhere to to be insured by HUD. The Federal Housing Administration has its minimum guidelines.

The mortgage lender can set more strict overlays than the minimum FHA home loan requirements.

An FHA-insured loan is a great option for homebuyers who do not meet the tougher conventional mortgage loan underwriting guidelines. It is a great loan program for those with recent bad credit. It is a great program for first-time homebuyers as well. As long as borrowers meet the minimum FHA home loan requirements, they will get approved for an FHA loan.

The key is which lender will offer them a loan with no lender overlays on FHA loans. We will discuss how to qualify for an FHA loan for first-time homebuyers, borrowers with prior bad credit, and borrowers with credit scores down to 500 FICO.

How Does HUD Insure Private Lenders?

To be eligible for insurance from HUD, lenders must ensure borrowers meet all agency mortgage guidelines. Thanks to the assurance provided by the government, lenders approved by HUD actively offer FHA Home Loans with flexible credit score criteria, requiring only a 3.5% down payment and offering competitive interest rates.

FHA loans at low down payments to first-time homebuyers, borrowers with less than perfect credit, and lower credit scores.

FHA Home Loans are the preferred choice for numerous groups, including first-time homebuyers, individuals with less-than-ideal credit histories, those with lower credit scores, and those facing high debt-to-income ratios. HUD’s mortgage guidelines are notably accommodating, particularly for borrowers with previous instances of poor credit, outstanding collections, or charged-off accounts.

Do Lenders Have Different Mortgage Guidelines on FHA Loans

Indeed, every mortgage lender enforces criteria beyond the basic standards outlined by the HUD agency for FHA Home Loans, known as lender overlays. These overlays represent elevated lending prerequisites established by individual lenders regarding credit standards. Lenders can impose overlays on various aspects of the loan process. It’s common for loan officers not to explicitly mention that while you may meet the minimum HUD Agency Guidelines, you may still not qualify solely because of the lender overlays in place.

Getting Denied By Mortgage Lender Due To Overlays

Facing rejection for an FHA Home Loan from one lender doesn’t imply ineligibility. Thanks to HUD’s lenient guidelines, FHA Home Loans remain an option for homebuyers with less-than-ideal credit. However, it’s crucial to recognize that each lender may have its requirements, potentially exceeding HUD’s minimum standards. Therefore, while you may qualify for an FHA loan, securing approval from every lender is only guaranteed if you have received it.

Homebuyers need to understand the basic HUD agency guidelines on FHA loans. You know you qualify for an FHA loan if you meet the minimum HUD agency guidelines.

Navigating the landscape of FHA Home Loans involves understanding that while HUD offers flexibility, individual lenders may have varying criteria. Homebuyers should be prepared to explore multiple lenders to find one whose requirements align with their financial situation and goals.

Are Mortgage Advisors or Mortgage Bankers Best For Bad Credit?

Lenders such as Gustan Cho Associates offer FHA Home Loans without any lender overlays. Opting for a mortgage advisor over mortgage bankers is your optimal strategy for securing a lenient mortgage lender with relaxed guidelines on FHA Home Loans. Mortgage advisors possess a network of wholesale lenders that do not impose lender overlays.

Mortgage bankers are captive lenders who normally cannot go outside the box and only deal with their products.

Compared to mortgage bankers, mortgage advisors typically receive lower commissions. Consequently, borrowers can secure more favorable mortgage rates through brokers. Additionally, mortgage advisors can provide government loans, conventional loans, non-QM loans, and various alternative mortgage options that may not be accessible through mortgage bankers.

How Do I Choose A Lender With Lenient Guidelines on FHA Loans?

Although originated and funded by private lenders, FHA Home Loans are backed by HUD, which serves as the parent organization of the FHA. These loans are the preferred choice among first-time homebuyers and individuals with less-than-ideal credit histories.

Not all lenders have the same mortgage guidelines on FHA home loans. Most lenders have increased their lending standards and added many lender overlays.

Securing FHA home loans with credit scores below 620 proves challenging, as only a few lenders are willing to extend such financing. Additionally, many lenders have ceased offering manual underwriting and FHA 203k loans. Some impose strict credit score requirements, setting lender overlays at a minimum of 680 FICO for FHA loans. Nonetheless, there are exceptions, such as Gustan Cho Associates, who operate without imposing such lender overlays.

Can I Get Approved With A Lender After Being Denied?

More than 75% of our clientele consists of individuals who were previously unable to secure loans from other mortgage firms, either because of lender overlays or sudden loan rejections. Not all mortgage lenders adhere to identical guidelines for FHA Home Loans. However, all lenders must ensure their borrowers fulfill the minimum HUD Agency Guidelines.

Each lender can set their lending requirements on FHA loans called lender overlays.

Understanding the fundamental lending criteria established by HUD for FHA loans is crucial. Gustan Cho Associates, licensed mortgage brokers in 48 states, collaborate with over 210 wholesale lenders. We connect mortgage lenders and investors without imposing lender overlays on FHA loans.

What Is FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium?

FHA Home Loans come with certain insurance premiums that borrowers should know. Apart from the one-time FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium (FHA UFMIP), an annual FHA mortgage insurance premium (FHA MIP) of 0.55% applies throughout a 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgage. This annual premium contributes to the overall cost of the loan and is an essential consideration for borrowers seeking FHA financing.

Along with the upfront FHA mortgage insurance premium, the annual FHA MIP goes towards the fund to pay lenders for borrowers who default or foreclose on their FHA loans.

Furthermore, FHA loans have a lifetime annual FHA mortgage insurance premium of 0.85%, which remains constant regardless of the down payment amount. This means that borrowers will continue paying this premium for a 30-year fixed-rate FHA mortgage, underscoring the importance of factoring in these insurance costs when evaluating the affordability of FHA financing options.

What Is The FHA Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium?

What Is The FHA Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium?

The Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UPMIP) for FHA loans is a one-time charge of 1.75% of the total loan amount. Typically, this cost is incorporated into the overall loan balance. It serves to safeguard lenders if a borrower defaults on their FHA loan and may be at risk of foreclosure.

By charging this upfront fee, the FHA helps stabilize its mortgage insurance fund and gives lenders some backup for potential losses. The money collected from the FHA UPMIP goes into a fund that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) uses for FHA loans that fall into default.

When FHA loans go into foreclosure, lenders can use a fund to get reimbursed. This upfront payment protects both borrowers and lenders. By adding it to the loan balance, the FHA keeps its insurance program strong and ensures lenders have protection against losing money.

What Is The HUD 4000.1 FHA Handbook?

The FHA Home Loans Handbook, or the HUD 4000.1, is a detailed document with over 1,000 pages that covers everything about FHA lending requirements. HUD updates this handbook regularly to keep it accurate with new rules and guidelines.

The FHA HUD 4000.1 Handbook is updated from time to time and includes more than 1,000 pages of rules set by the HUD agency. Lenders must follow these rules for their loans to be insured by HUD. All approved lenders must follow these basic guidelines.

While all HUD-approved lenders must comply with these minimum guidelines, individual mortgage lenders may have their own additional requirements beyond what the HUD 4000.1 FHA Handbook states.

HUD Credit Score Guidelines on FHA Home Loans

To qualify for an FHA home purchase loan with a 3.5% down payment, prospective buyers must maintain a minimum credit score of 580. However, even individuals with credit scores as low as 500 FICO can still be eligible for FHA home loans. Customers with credit scores between 500 and 579 need to make a down payment of 10% to secure the loan.

Homebuyers who aspire to benefit from the lower 3.5% down payment option can strive to enhance their credit scores to meet the minimum requirement of 580 FICO.

Per HUD, the parent of FHA, agency guidelines, the minimum credit score requirement to qualify for an FHA loan is 500 FICO.

FHA home loans offer a viable path to homeownership for individuals who may need to meet the stringent credit requirements of conventional loans. By extending financing options to those with lower credit scores, FHA loans promote accessibility to homeownership, contributing to a more inclusive housing market. Prospective homebuyers should carefully consider their credit standing and down payment capabilities to determine the most suitable FHA loan option that aligns with their financial goals and circumstances.

What Is The Difference Between Manual and Automated Underwriting System (AUS)?

Securing FHA Home Loans involves obtaining an approved/eligible status through the automated underwriting system (AUS) or meeting the requirements for an FHA manual underwrite. In the following paragraphs, we will explore the intricacies of manual underwriting.

Eligibility for manual underwriting hinges on a borrower’s ability to showcase timely payments for the preceding 24 months, with a strict requirement of no late payments within the last 12 months.

Furthermore, all manual underwriting loans mandate the verification of rent to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the borrower’s financial history and reliability.

The key to getting an approve/eligible per automated underwriting system (AUS) is to have been timely on all of your monthly debt payments that report to credit bureaus for the past 12 months.

In summary, the pathway to FHA Home Loans entails navigating the automated underwriting system or fulfilling the criteria for manual underwriting. The latter, involving a meticulous examination of payment history and rent verification, underscores the commitment to ensuring financial stability and responsibility among potential borrowers.

FHA Debt-To-Income Ratio Guidelines

FHA Home Loans are the preferred choice among homebuyers grappling with debt-to-income ratios. The program permits a maximum front-end DTI of 46.9% and a back-end DTI of 56.9% for approval via automated underwriting systems (AUS). A credit score of at least 580 is requisite for borrowers aiming for these ratios. However, those with FICO scores below 580 face more stringent limits, with a front-end DTI capped at 31% and a back-end DTI at 43%.

FHA Guidelines on Collection Accounts

At Gustan Cho Associates, a lot of folks wonder if they can snag FHA home loans even with some unpaid collection accounts. Some lenders want you to pay those off first to qualify for FHA loans. Just keep in mind that different lenders have their own rules when it comes to FHA loans.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), does not mandate that borrowers settle existing collection accounts to qualify. Each mortgage lender determines how strictly they adhere to HUD’s regulations regarding these accounts.

If a lender tells you you must clear your collection accounts to get an FHA loan, consider looking for other lenders who don’t have these extra requirements.

Gustan Cho Associates is different because we don’t impose additional rules on collection accounts. This means we offer a more flexible and supportive way for borrowers to qualify for FHA home loans.

FHA Guidelines on Charged-Off Accounts

When a creditor writes off bad debt, it results in charge-off accounts, which are then reported as charged-off or profit and loss write-off accounts on credit bureaus. Typically, collection accounts evolve into charged-off accounts, but it’s important to note that a charged-off account does not absolve the consumer of responsibility for unpaid debts.

Creditors can sell charged-off accounts to third-party collection agencies or zombie debt collectors.

Under most states’ statute of limitations debt collection laws, credit card charged-off accounts remain on the record for about five years. Importantly, regardless of size, outstanding charged-off accounts do not need to be settled to meet the eligibility criteria for FHA home loans. This principle remains applicable, highlighting that even substantial outstanding charged-off accounts do not hinder qualification for FHA home loans.

FHA Loans After a Housing Event

Individuals who have experienced a housing event such as foreclosure, deed in lieu, or short sale may be eligible for FHA home loans. It is essential to note that a mandatory waiting period exists following a housing event before becoming eligible for FHA home loans. This waiting period is calculated from when the home deed was officially transferred from the homeowner’s name.

Suppose the borrower had a home foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or short sale. In that case, there is a three-year waiting period from the recorded date of the foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure or the date of the sheriff’s sale.

During this waiting period, homebuyers can still qualify for FHA Loans despite facing challenges such as bad credit, prior bankruptcy, foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, short sale, outstanding collections, or outstanding charge-off accounts. The FHA Home Loans aim to provide opportunities for individuals to secure financing for a new home, recognizing that financial setbacks may occur, and applicants can overcome these hurdles with the required waiting period.

FHA Waiting Period After Foreclosure and Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure

Homebuyers can qualify for a mortgage after foreclosure or after a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. Government and conventional loans have mandatory waiting period requirements after a foreclosure to be eligible to apply for a mortgage.

The waiting period requirement depends on the individual loan program.

The waiting period after a foreclosure is the same as the period for a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure on FHA loans. For FHA home loans, there is a three-year waiting period requirement after foreclosure. Homebuyers can qualify for FHA home loans after a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure after three years of the recorded date of the deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

What Is The Waiting Period After Short-Sale on FHA Home Loans?

After a short sale, a three-year waiting period is required to qualify for an FHA loan. However, if the borrower was not late with a monthly mortgage payment leading up to the short sale date, there is no waiting period requirement.

The waiting period start date is when the deed of the property has been transferred from the borrower’s name to either the lender’s or the new borrower’s name.

The waiting period start date is when the property was sold at the sheriff’s sale. If the borrower has made their monthly mortgage payment in full up to the short sale closing date, the waiting period requirement is waived. However, most mortgage lenders require you to skip the last month’s mortgage payment for them to approve the short sale.

Can I Qualify For an FHA Loan After a Short Sale?

Homebuyers with a prior short sale are eligible to qualify for a mortgage after a short sale after meeting the waiting period requirements. Each mortgage loan program has its waiting period requirement after a short sale . The waiting period start date after a short sale starts the date of the short sale, which is reflected on the HUD-1 Settlement Statement or the Closing Disclosure (CD).

FHA Versus Non-QM Mortgages For Bad Credit

Our top mortgage options include FHA Home Loans and various non-QM programs. These options include bank statement mortgages, loans available one day after foreclosure or bankruptcy, non-QM Jumbo loans, asset-depletion mortgages, VA construction loans, fix and flip mortgages, P and L stated income loans, ITIN and Foreign National Mortgages, bridge loans, and commercial loans.

You can find us on Google. Gustan Cho Associates is well-known nationwide for getting loans that other lenders might not be able to provide.

Mortgage Options For Bad Credit

There are other mortgage options for bad credit borrowers besides FHA home loans. Non-QM loans are a great option for borrowers with bad credit. You can qualify for non-QM loans with late payments in the past 12 months. Non-QM mortgages one day out of bankruptcy and foreclosure have no waiting period requirements.

Non-QM loans require a minimum of a 20% down payment versus a 3.5% on FHA home loans.

The team at Gustan Cho Associates is available seven days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Gustan Cho Associates has a national reputation for being a one-stop mortgage shop. We offer government and conventional loans and every non-QM loan program available today.

If you have any questions about FHA home loans or borrowers who need to qualify for FHA loans with a lender with no overlays on government or conforming loans, please contact us at Gustan Cho Associates at 800-900-8569. Text us for a faster response. Or email us at alex@gustancho.com.

This blog about the waiting period after foreclosure requirements for borrowers on title but not on mortgage was updated on February 7, 2024.

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Frequently Asked Questions About FHA Home Loans:

Q: What are FHA Home Loans, and How do They Work?

A: FHA Home Loans are government-backed mortgages that help people buy homes with lower credit scores and smaller down payments. They are insured by HUD and offered through private lenders.

Q: Can I Get Approved for FHA Home Loans with Bad Credit?

A: Absolutely! You can qualify for FHA Home Loans with a credit score as low as 500, but a larger down payment will be required. If your score is 580 or above, you can purchase with only 3.5% down.

Q: What is the Minimum Down Payment for FHA Home Loans?

A: If your credit score is 580 or higher, you only need a 3.5% down payment. If your score is between 500 and 579, you’ll need to put down 10%.

Q: Can I Use Gift Money for My Down Payment or Closing Costs on FHA Home Loans?

A: Yes! FHA Home Loans allow you to use gift money from family or friends for your down payment and closing costs.

Q: What Kind of Home Can I Buy with FHA Home Loans?

A: You can use FHA Home Loans to buy a house, condo, 2–4 unit property, or even a fixer-upper using an FHA 203k loan. But the home must be your primary residence, not a rental or vacation property.

Q: Can I Get FHA Home Loans After Bankruptcy or Foreclosure?

A: Yes, you can. For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you need to wait 2 years after discharge. The waiting period for a foreclosure or short sale is usually 3 years.

Q: What Documents do I Need to Apply for FHA Home Loans?

A: You’ll need two years of tax returns, W2s, bank statements, bankruptcy, divorce, or child support paperwork.

Q: Why Did I Get Denied for FHA Home Loans if I Meet the Basic Rules?

A: Even if you qualify under HUD’s rules, some lenders have extra rules called lender overlays. If one lender says no, another may say yes. Look for a lender with no overlays on FHA Home Loans.

Q: What is Mortgage Insurance on FHA Home Loans, and do I have to Pay it?

A: Yes, FHA Home Loans come with mortgage insurance. You’ll pay a one-time fee called UFMIP (1.75%) and a monthly premium as long as you have the loan.

Q: Are FHA Home Loans Better Than Other Loan Options for First-Time Buyers?

A: For many first-time buyers, yes! FHA Home Loans offer low down payments and lenient credit requirements, and they allow help from family or the seller. They’re often the easiest way to buy your first home.

This blog about “Bad Credit? FHA Home Loans Can Help You Start Fresh” was updated on May 13th, 2025.