For the most part, underwriting for conventional loans needs a qualifying ratio of 33/45. FHA loans are less strict, requiring a 31/43 ratio. For these ratios, the first number is the percentage of your gross monthly income that can go toward housing.
How much can that ratio be? According to the FHA official site, "The FHA allows you to use 31% of your income towards housing costs and 43% towards housing expenses and other long-term debt."
FHA loans only require a 3.5% down payment. High DTI. If you have a high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, FHA provides more flexibility and typically lets you go up to a 55% ratio (meaning your debts as a percentage of your income can be as much as 55%). Low credit score.
If you have outstanding collections, your lender may want evidence that you've entered into a repayment plan. If this evidence cannot be obtained, then your lender will have to calculate a monthly payment of 5% of the outstanding balance and calculate that amount into your debt-to-income ratio.
FHA loan limits increase most years, and 2023 was no different. For this year, the FH floor — the cap in most housing markets — increased from $420,680 to $472,030, a 12% increase. The ceiling limit in high-cost markets also increased considerably, jumping from $970,800 in 2022 to $1,089,300.
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.
FHA mortgage insurance for HUD-approved lenders. Eligible Activities: The property must contain at least 5 residential units with complete kitchens and baths and have been completed or substantially rehabilitated for at least 3 years prior to the date of the application for mortgage insurance.
Whether you're interested in a listing or touring an open house, here's a list of things buyers can look for that may be considered red flags to an FHA appraiser: Missing handrails. Cracked windows. Termite damage.
FHA-specifics
If you can show proof that you have now been employed for at least a six-month period before requesting a FHA loan, AND that before any employment gap you worked for two-years straight or longer, you have the potential to get approved.
FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or more. Borrowers with a credit score of 500 to 579 need to put 10% down to get an FHA loan. Conventional conforming mortgages only require 3% down, and VA and USDA loans require no down payment.
Your PTI can be as high as 40% and your DTI as high as 50% if your credit score is at least 580 and you meet additional qualifications. Some lenders will issue FHA loans to borrowers with DTIs higher than 50%, but options are limited.
The maximum DTI for FHA loans is 57%. However, each lender is free to set its own requirements. This means some lenders may stick to the maximum DTI of 57% while others may set the limit closer to 40%. Do your research and speak with each lender you're considering working with.
In order to exclude non-mortgage or mortgage debts from the borrower's DTI ratio, the lender must obtain the most recent 12 months' cancelled checks (or bank statements) from the other party making the payments that document a 12-month payment history with no delinquent payments.
DTI ratio: Your monthly obligations should consume no more than 43 percent of your monthly income, although some lenders allow a higher limit if the borrower has compensating factors. Loan limits: $498,257 or up to $1,149,825 in higher-cost areas.
An FHA loan requires a minimum 3.5% down payment for credit scores of 580 and higher. If you can make a 10% down payment, your credit score can be in the 500 – 579 range. Rocket Mortgage® requires a minimum credit score of 580 for FHA loans.
A conventional loan is often better if you have good or excellent credit because your mortgage rate and PMI costs will go down. But an FHA loan can be perfect if your credit score is in the high-500s or low-600s. For lower-credit borrowers, FHA is often the cheaper option. These are only general guidelines, though.
The Mortgagee must obtain complete individual federal income tax returns for the most recent two years, including all schedules.
If you plan to purchase a flipped home with an FHA loan, you must abide by the FHA 90-day flipping rule. This rule states that a person selling a flipped home must own the home for more than 90 days before home buyers can purchase the property.
The overall structure of the property must be in good enough condition to keep its occupants safe. This means severe structural damage, leakage, dampness, decay or termite damage can cause the property to fail inspection. In such a case, repairs must be made in order for the FHA loan to move forward.
Some reasons a seller might refuse an FHA loan include misconceptions about longer closing times, stricter property requirements, or the belief that FHA borrowers are riskier.
Can Home Sellers Refuse Offers Backed By An FHA Loan? Unfortunately, yes, they can.
Passing an FHA home inspection is harder than passing other types of home inspections because if the inspector identifies serious problems with the property, those problems will have to be dealt with before you can secure a loan.
This required appraisal cannot be charged to the borrower. How long before you can sell your home purchased with an FHA mortgage? The answer is really, whenever you have the need. But depending on circumstances you may find your ability to sell is more limited in the first 90 days of ownership.
FHA First Mortgage
Borrower must have owned property for 12 months AND if encumbered by a mortgage made payments for the last 12 months within the month due.
Often, a down payment for a home is expressed as a percentage of the purchase price. As an example, for a $250,000 home, a down payment of 3.5% is $8,750, while 20% is $50,000.