Is it hard to get FHA approved?

Asked by: Flavio Pagac  |  Last update: June 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (26 votes)

Credit score requirements are low compared to most other loans. Your lender can accept a low down payment. Qualifying for an FHA loan can still be possible even if you have a bankruptcy or other financial issues in your financial history.

Are FHA loans hard to get approved?

It's not difficult at all. The biggest issue is the appraisal because it's a government backed loan. They will be tougher on appearance, such as no chipped or peeling paint. It will fail an appraisal because of that issue, so be aware of that. It's great for first-time home buyers. Definitely don't be afraid to go FHA.

What disqualifies you for an FHA loan?

The three primary factors that can disqualify you from getting an FHA loan are a high debt-to-income ratio, poor credit, or lack of funds to cover the required down payment, monthly mortgage payments or closing costs.

How often do FHA loans get denied?

In 2022, 9.1% of applicants were denied a home-purchase loan, according to data collected under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act. However, some loan programs have a higher denial rate than others. Here's how it breaks down. Federal Housing Administration loans: 14.4% denial rate.

How long does it take to get approved for FHA?

After you apply for an FHA loan, the approval process can vary in duration but typically takes between 30 and 45 days, depending on the completeness of your documentation and the lender's backlog.

NEW FHA Loan Requirements 2024 - First Time Home Buyer - FHA Loan 2024

20 related questions found

What qualifies a house to be FHA approved?

Homes must meet the following appraisal requirements, or be repaired to meet requirements, to be approved for an FHA loan: Must have an undamaged exterior, foundation and roof. Must have safe and reasonable property access. Must not contain loose wiring and exposed electrical systems.

Why would a house not qualify for FHA?

Health and safety concerns: Properties with potential health and safety hazards, such as lead-based paint, asbestos, or mold, may not qualify for an FHA loan. The FHA prioritizes the well-being of borrowers and aims to ensure that the homes they finance are safe and healthy environments for residents.

Will I lose my deposit if I am denied a mortgage?

Can My Security Deposit Be Returned If My Mortgage Is Denied At Closing? If you have a contingency in place that includes an offer and purchase contract, you may be able to get your earnest money back. However, if you don't have it, you could lose it.

What is a high debt-to-income ratio?

Key takeaways

Debt-to-income ratio is your monthly debt obligations compared to your gross monthly income (before taxes), expressed as a percentage. A good debt-to-income ratio is less than or equal to 36%. Any debt-to-income ratio above 43% is considered to be too much debt.

What is the downside to an FHA loan?

FHA Loan: Cons

Here are some FHA home loan disadvantages: An extra cost – an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 2.25% of the loan's value. The MIP must either be paid in cash when you get the loan or rolled into the life of the loan. Home price qualifying maximums are set by FHA.

What are the income requirements for a FHA loan?

The answer to this question is "no." There are no minimum income requirements for FHA loans.

What won't pass the FHA inspection?

Common issues that may cause a property to fail an FHA appraisal include: Significant structural problems. Peeling paint. Safety hazards like exposed wiring or lack of smoke detectors.

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?

For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.

What disqualifies you as a first-time home buyer?

Credit score requirements

Most first-time home buyer programs require a minimum credit score, often around 620, to qualify for conventional loans. However, some programs, like FHA loans, are more lenient, allowing scores as low as 580 or even lower with higher down payments.

Can you be denied on closing day?

If there are any changes to your credit score or employment status, your loan can be denied during the final countdown.

Do mortgages look at your bank account?

Generally, yes. You'll almost certainly be required to submit bank statements to be considered for a mortgage loan — at least one to two months' worth.

How often do FHA loans fall through?

The report also shows that the denial rate of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan applications differed from the overall average, at 12.4% in 2021.

What will disqualify an FHA loan?

You may be denied for an FHA loan if you have declared bankruptcy but you have not had the bankruptcy discharged. You may be denied if you are delinquent on federal taxes or otherwise owe money to the federal government but without an approved payment plan.

Why do sellers avoid FHA?

The largest concern sellers have with FHA loans is the appraisal/inspection process. FHA loans have the reputation of having strict requirements for appraisals and inspections. The FHA has what they call 'Minimum Property Requirements,' if a property doesn't meet even one of them, financing falls through.

Is an FHA appraisal hard to pass?

Although the FHA minimum property requirements are strict, they're not prohibitive. In fact, most homes will pass an FHA appraisal, so don't let these requirements scare you off FHA loans.

What is the FHA 75% rule?

FHA Rule 75 states that 75% of the rental income must exceed the monthly mortgage for the property to be self-sufficient. This percentage must be at least enough to cover the mortgage payment, known as PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.)

Can I rent out my FHA home after 1 year?

Can I rent out my FHA home after the first year? Yes, after fulfilling the initial one-year occupancy requirement, you can rent out your FHA home. However, if you plan to purchase another property with an FHA loan, you will need to meet specific conditions and justifications for maintaining the original FHA loan.

Is there an income limit for FHA loans?

There are no minimum or maximum income requirements for FHA home loans. Rules do not say that it's possible to earn too much to qualify for an FHA loan.