375+ Reviews from

Get an FHA Loan with just 3.5 % Down

  • Down Payment as low as 3.5%
  • DTI Ratio Up to 57%
  • Co signer allowed
  • Gift money allowed
  • 10-21 days Closing
Get a rate quote
  • No impact on credit
  • Takes 1 min

Is FHA the Right Loan for You?

FHA loans can be a strong option for first-time homebuyers, buyers with limited savings, borrowers who want a lower down payment or borrowers who may not qualify for a conventional loan yet.

FHA is not automatically the best choice for every borrower.

In some cases, a conventional loan may cost less over time. The right option depends on your full scenario.

  • want a low down payment mortgage option
  • are buying your first home
  • need more flexible credit guidelines
  • want to compare FHA with conventional financing
  • need a more practical path to qualifying

FHA Loan Requirements

To qualify for an FHA loan, lenders usually look at:

  • Credit score: typically 580+ for 3.5% down; 500–579 may require 10% down 
  • Down payment: minimum depends on credit profile
  • Occupancy: the home must usually be your primary residence 
  • Income and employment: stable, documented income is required
  • Debt-to-income ratio: lenders review your monthly debts against your income
  • Cash to close: you may need funds for down payment, closing costs, and prepaid items
  • Mortgage insurance: FHA loans require upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance
  • Property standards: the home must meet FHA appraisal and property requirements
  • Loan limits: maximum loan amount depends on the county where the home is located

A Better FHA Loan Experience: Saying Yes to First Time Home Buyers Since 1996

From pre-approval to closing, we help first time home buyers navigate the process with more clarity, better support, and fewer last-minute issues.

Other lenders/Banks

Other

Lenders shopped

Limited to 1

Non QM Loans

Limited

Minimum credit score

640+

DTI Requirements

43%

Fast-track Underwriting

No

Approval Rate

Lower

Closing time

30 days

Dedicated Loan Officer

No

Availability

Limited

Average response time

<1 day

Get a rate quote

Today's live rates

See live lender rates from 100+ wholesale lenders. Customize your details to see your best available options today.

375+ Reviews from

30 years of 5-star mortgage service

For over 30 years, we've built our reputation on excellent service and a mortgage experience that puts borrowers first.

She liked the challenge, consulted a lawyer, made a plan, and we got approved. Adrienne is amazing!

Adrienne Sanchez

Adrienne’s team was always available for any questions. We highly recommend Austin Capital Mortgage!

Adrienne Sanchez

Charlie & Adrienne jumped through hoops for my 30-day close and got it funded right on time. Bravo!

Charlie & Adrienne

Jeff and Brian went above and beyond to help us get our loan over the finish line. Outstanding.

Jeff & Brian

Jeff and team are first-rate. The communication was fast, accurate, extremely helpful, professional, AND personable.

Jeff & Team

Absolutely amazing experience with Jeff Wilkinson. 20/10 would recommend to everyone I know.

Jeff Wilkinson

Jeff simplified every step of my refi as a 1099 contractor and delivered an incredible rate.

Jeff Wilkinson

1099 Contractor

Nicholas Josey helped everything go seamlessly — best rate available, prompt and efficient service.

Nicholas Josey

Nicolas is the best — patient, knowledgeable, and got us the best deal when other lenders failed us.

Nicholas Josey

Tom was always a step ahead and genuinely cared. We’ll never give our business to anyone else.

Tom Oltmann

I can’t say enough good things about Tom and his team at Austin Capital Mortgage! Tom is AMAZING.

Tom Oltmann

Frequently asked questions

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. It is designed to help qualified home buyers purchase a primary residence with more flexible guidelines than some conventional loan programs.

An FHA loan may be a good fit for buyers who want a lower down payment option, need more flexible credit guidelines, or are comparing FHA vs. conventional financing before choosing a mortgage.

Qualified borrowers may be able to buy a home with as little as 3.5% down on an FHA loan. The exact requirement depends on credit profile, lender guidelines, and the overall loan scenario.

Credit score requirements vary by lender and full loan file, but FHA loans are often considered by buyers who need more flexibility than some conventional programs offer. The best way to know what may fit is to review your full scenario with a loan officer.

Yes. Eligible gift funds can often be used toward the down payment, closing costs, or other allowed costs on an FHA loan, as long as they meet documentation and program requirements.

Not always. FHA may be a better fit for some buyers because of lower down payment and more flexible qualification guidelines, while conventional may be a stronger option for borrowers with stronger credit or different long-term cost goals.

In some cases, yes. FHA loans can allow more flexibility on debt-to-income ratio than some other loan types, but approval depends on the strength of the full file, compensating factors, and lender-specific guidelines.

No. FHA loans are popular with first-time buyers, but they are not limited to first-time home buyers. Repeat buyers may also qualify if they meet FHA and lender requirements.

Start Your Pre Approval

Start your pre-approval to view instant live rates and review the right mortgage path with a loan officer.

  • No impact on credit
  • Takes 1 min
  • No docs needed
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