Your closing costs are so high because of the property taxes, transfer tax, origination fee, and VA funding fee. I'm guessing you are not a disabled veteran since you're paying the funding fee?
Closing costs can be negotiated. If you have a good credit score, it will be easier to negotiate. However, not having perfect credit shouldn't stop you from asking for reductions in fees. Lenders make money off of borrowers in interest, which means they want to do what they can to ensure you take their loan.
Buyer closing costs are usually between 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price. For example, if the home costs $300,000, you might pay between $6,000 and $15,000 in closing costs.
When you choose to get an FHA loan, you'll pay an upfront mortgage premium (UFMIP), which amounts to 1.75% of your base loan amount.
For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.
Government Assistance
For example, California has the CalHFA program available to qualified low-income buyers. The program provides grants and loans to eligible borrowers, and the money can either directly subsidize part of a down payment, or cover the entire thing, depending on certain factors.
Closing costs are typically 2% to 4% of the loan amount. They vary depending on the value of the home, loan terms and property location, and include costs such as mortgage insurance, property taxes, title fees and other property-related fees.
Most lenders and title companies do not accept credit cards for your closing cost payments, but you may be able to use one to pay certain fees leading up to closing. Speak with your lender to learn more about your options.
Finally, because of the added requirements and government oversight, FHA loan approvals often take longer than on conventional mortgages. That means sellers who accept FHA loans will often have to wait longer to get to the closing table.
FHA appraisals are required, while inspections are highly recommended but optional. An FHA appraisal is valid for 180 days from the effective date of the appraisal report. The borrower is responsible for paying for the FHA appraisal. They average between $300 and $600.
If you have an FHA-insured mortgage, these options may be available to you. Informal or Formal Forbearance Plan: A Forbearance plan allows a borrower to work with their mortgage servicer to temporarily pause or reduce their monthly mortgage payments and may provide specific terms for repayment.
They feel that buyers who can secure any other financing option are 'stronger buyers. ' FHA buyers have a reputation for having low credit scores, little money to put down, and less than optimal qualifying requirements. Sellers want a 'sure thing' when they sell their home.
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.
Some lenders offer no-closing-cost loan options, usually in exchange for a higher interest rate. While this saves you from having to pay the money upfront at the closing, it ultimately costs you more in the long run because your lender is effectively absorbing these costs while you pay a higher rate.
If you can't afford to pay your closing costs up-front, you may be able to roll all or some of the fees into your loan. You won't pay anything at closing, but the lender adds the fees to your principal, increasing your total loan amount and monthly mortgage payment.
Roll the costs into your loan Yes, closing costs can be included in your loan amount if your lender offers a no-closing cost loan. → How to finance FHA closing costs on a purchase loan: Increase your interest rate and ask the lender to pay the fees, or increase your loan amount to pay them.
These can add up to a hefty sum, typically 3% to 6% of your mortgage amount. Typically, you can take out a personal loan to cover those closing costs and help you across the finish line of a property purchase. You can often tap other funding sources as well.
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.
The FHA approves loan amounts based on factors like your credit score, living expenses, assets, debt-to-income ratio, household income, and the value of the property. As of 2025, the FHA maximum loan limit for a one-unit property is $524,225 in low-cost areas and $1,209,750 in high-cost areas.