The property needs to be free of known hazards that affect health and safety, the home's use, or may affect the structural soundness of the house and its marketability. These include, but are not limited to: Toxic chemicals. Radioactive materials.
Here's an overview of the FHA's minimum mortgage requirements: Credit score: 500 (10% down payment), 580 (3.5% down payment) Down payment: 3.5% (score 580 or higher), 10% (score of 500 to 579) Debt-to-income ratio: 43%
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.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have requirements, including minimum property standards, which help protect lenders and buyers. Homes financed with FHA loans must meet safety, security, and soundness standards, which include areas like roofs, electrical, water heaters, and property access, among others.
Conventional loans aren't insured or guaranteed by government agencies. They are usually available with fixed or adjustable-rate 2 terms, and may require higher credit scores and down payments than FHA loans.
For recent FHA loans, you will need to pay insurance premiums for at least 11 years, and you may need to pay them for the life of the loan. Some FHA homeowners refinance into a Conventional loan to stop paying for mortgage insurance. Learn more about how to stop paying for mortgage insurance.
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.
FHA appraisal and inspection checklist
Must have an undamaged exterior, foundation and roof. Must have safe and reasonable property access. Must not contain loose wiring and exposed electrical systems. Must have all relevant utilities, including gas, electricity, water and sewage functioning properly.
The FHA's three requirements are that a property must be safe, secure, and structurally sound to qualify for one of their loans. Properties cannot have adverse conditions that might imperil the homeowner, and must meet proper building codes.
FHA-insured loans require borrowers to pay an up-front mortgage insurance premium of 1.75% of the total loan amount. FHA-insured loans also require an annual insurance premium as a percentage of the loan amount, and is based on the loan's size and down payment.
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.
Damaged or inoperable plumbing, electric and heating systems should be repaired. The FHA appraiser will check these areas! Structural or foundation problems must be repaired.
Perhaps the biggest downside of taking out an FHA loan is that you're stuck paying mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) for the life of your loan. MIP consists of two parts: the up-front mortgage premium, which is 1.75% of your base loan amount, and the annual MIP, which depends on various factors.
FHA mortgage loans don't require PMI, but they do require an Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium and a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) to be paid instead. Depending on the terms and conditions of your home loan, most FHA loans today will require MIP for either 11 years or the lifetime of the mortgage.
FHA loan benefits include low down payments, great interest rates, easier credit rules, and financing for 1-4 units.
For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.
Either the seller will have to tend to these repairs or the buyer must pursue alternative funding options, such as an FHA 203(k) Loan. Common issues that may result in a failed inspection include: Heating, plumbing, or electrical issues. Leaking, damaged, or inadequate roofing.
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.
In summary, here's what we found: You need to make at least $54,000 per year to afford a $200,000 house. You need to make at least $81,000 per year to afford a $300,000 house. You need to make at least $109,000 per year to afford a $400,000 house.