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.
Reasons for an FHA Rejection
What are the other factors that could contribute to the lender not approving the FHA loan in the end? There are three popular reasons – bad credit, high debt-to-income ratio, and overall insufficient money to cover the down payment and closing costs of a home.
The FHA says that examples of such problems include but are not limited to the following: Missing handrails. Cracked or damaged exit doors that are otherwise operable. Cracked window glass.
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.
In general, it's easier to qualify for an FHA loan than for a conventional loan, which is a mortgage that isn't insured or guaranteed by the federal government. Here are some key differences between FHA and conventional loans: Credit score and history: FHA loans allow for lower credit scores than conventional loans.
No, FHA loans don't have a set minimum income requirement. However, lenders will assess your income in relation to your monthly debts. They'll look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine if you can manage your mortgage payments.
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.
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.
Leaking Roof: Must be repaired or replaced. Leaking Pipes: Leaks must be corrected professionally. Heat Sources: Central heating capable of maintaining 50°F in all areas of the house is required. Flooring: Acceptable floor coverings are necessary; plywood is not acceptable.
Although the FHA appraisal guidelines have developed a reputation for being unnecessarily strict, the standards have been relaxed. Today, most FHA appraisal requirements are easy to meet or relate to major hazards most home buyers and homeowners shouldn't ignore under any circumstances.
Exposed concrete, concrete flooring or concrete floor that is acid stained or painted is no longer acceptable flooring. It is considered to be exposed foundation to FHA and must be covered with a finished, marketable flooring.
Structural issues include problems with the foundation, load-bearing walls, or roof. Signs of structural damage might consist of large cracks in the walls or foundation, uneven floors, and doors or windows that don't close properly. Roof Problems: A roof in poor condition can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold.
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.
Can Home Sellers Refuse Offers Backed By An FHA Loan? Unfortunately, yes, they can.
This comparison can offer valuable insights for borrowers as they navigate their mortgage options. Conventional Loans: In 2022, conventional loans had a denial rate of 7.6%, significantly lower than the FHA's 14.4%.
The safety checks that are done as part of an FHA appraisal have to do with whether the property is move-in ready. If there are exposed floorboards or the utilities don't work, that can be a health and safety issue. We'll get into some FHA-specific standards a little bit below.
The FHA flip rule and the requirement for a second appraisal are related to certain restrictions on financing recently sold or flipped properties. Under the FHA flip rule, if a property is being resold within 90 days of its acquisition by the seller, the lender may require a second appraisal.
An FHA appraiser might only spend 45 minutes evaluating a one-bedroom condo, but you can expect a 3,000-square-foot home on half an acre of land to take several hours. Once the site appraisal is complete, it may take several days or more to receive the full appraisal report.
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.
While there's no rule that you have to be in a certain job for a certain period of time to get approved for an FHA loan, lenders will look at job history closely. If your job history shows frequent job changes, more than three in a 12-month period, you will need to demonstrate why you made those job changes.
In fact, anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can apply for an FHA loan. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, if you're looking for a loan with a low down payment and flexible credit requirements, an FHA loan could be right for you.
For 2023, the FHA loan limits range from $472,030 – $1,089,300 for a 1-unit residence, depending on where you live. Loan limits are set on a county-by-county basis. These limits are also higher based on the number of units being purchased. Rocket Mortgage® lends on up to 4-unit properties.
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." Those percentages should be examined side-by-side with the debt-to-income requirements of a conventional home loan.