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FHA Loans Closing Cost

Loan Guides      Home Loans      FHA Loans Closing Cost

A program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgages for individuals who might not otherwise be able to attain one.

We Cover in This Guide

  • What are FHA loans?
  • FHA Loan Limits
  • FHA Loans Closing Cost
  • FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans
  • FHA Loan Requirements
  • FHA Loan Advantages
  • How to Get a FHA Loan
  • FAQ

What are FHA Loans?

FHA loans are a great option for first-time homebuyers as they are much easier to qualify for than traditional mortgages.

These mortgages help people with lower credit scores and incomes purchase homes with friendly terms.

They have fixed-rate terms of 15 or 30 years and low down payments (as little as 3.5%).

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FHA Loan limits

Limits vary depending on the area of the country you are in. The Federal Housing Authority updates its lending limits on an annual basis and takes factors such as area and type of home into consideration.

You can use these mortgages to buy your primary residence or a location that will help you earn rental income, as long as that income will cover the amount of the mortgage.

The loan limits for low-cost areas in 2019 are:

  • $314,515 for an individual home (single family, townhouse, condo, etc.)

  • $403,125 for two-unit complexes

  • $487,250 for three-unit complexes

  • $605,525 for a four-unit complexes

For high-cost areas, the limits are:

  • $726,525 for an individual home (single family, townhouse, condo, etc.)

  • $930,300 for two-unit complexes

  • $1,124,475 for three-unit complexes

  • $1,397,400 for four-unit complexes

Depending on where you live, you will have to find a home that falls within these lending limits and meets the other requirements of the Federal Housing Authority. Since the Federal Housing Authority is just insuring the mortgage, not actually providing it, you will have to speak with your chosen lender to get the details for your specific situation.

FHA Loans Closing Cost

The government determines which closing costs are allowed to be charged to borrowers. These requirements are determined by your local FHA office.

Typical closing costs include:

  • Lender's origination fee

  • Deposit verification fees

  • Attorney's fees

  • The appraisal fee and any inspection fees

  • Cost of title insurance and title examination

  • Document preparation (by a third party)

  • Property survey

  • Credit reports (actual costs)

  • Transfer stamps, recording fees, and taxes

  • Test and certification fees

  • Home inspection fees up to $200

FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans

Conventional mortgages and FHA differ in a number of ways.

First, FHA have lower credit score requirements. For conventional mortgages, you typically need a score of at least 620. Additionally, borrowers with credit scores as low as 500 can qualify for a mortgage.

They also have more lenient down payment requirements. These mortgages require a 3.5% down payment for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or greater and 10% for borrowers with credit scores between 500 and 580. Conventional mortgages may require a down payment of up to 20%.

Lastly, conventional options often require borrowers to purchase Private Mortgage Insurance if they are not able to make at least a 20% down payment. FHA loans require an up front Mortgage Insurance Premium and an annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP).

FHA Loan Requirements

You have to meet the following requirements (Page 325) to be eligible for one:

  • FICO score of at least 580 for a 3.5% down payment; 500 - 579 for a 10% down payment

  • Debt-to-income ratio under 43%

  • Proof of steady income

  • Proof of employment

As long as you meet these requirements, you will likely qualify.

FHA Loan Advantages

Government sponsored loans are a great option for buyers for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, they are much easier to qualify for than traditional options. Even those with low credit scores, low income, and/or poor credit history can qualify.

Since they are government-backed and only available through approved lenders, they typically offer very low interest rates.

Even if you do not have a strong credit history, approved lenders can use your payment history from things like utilities, rent, and other bills to prove your financial capabilities.

All things considered, they are often a good option for buyers, particularly those who would have trouble qualifying for a conventional mortgage.

How to Get a FHA Loan

Getting one is a fairly easy process, but it is important to be prepared.

It is important to understand what you can do before applying one and how to apply.

- Save for a down payment

As mentioned earlier, they require a 3.5% or 10% down payment, depending on your credit score.

It is important to know what your current credit score is so that you can accurately determine how much your down payment should be.

Also, make sure to review the limits before shopping for your home.

- Find an approved lender

If you have decided to apply for one and you meet the requirements, you need to find an FHA-approved lender to start the application process.

You can search for lenders near you via the HUD lender list search. Be sure to pick at least a few lenders from this list to compare rates and terms. This will help make sure you find the best lender for your needs.

- Apply

Filling out an application can be a time-consuming process, so it is important to make sure you have the necessary documentation at hand.

You will need:

  • Your social security number

  • Employment history

  • Current pay stubs and proof of income

  • Information on other outstanding debts

  • Bank statements

  • Tax returns

  • Identification

  • Previous address(es)

Having these documents at your side will help you complete your application quickly and accurately.

- Get insurance

Since these products are intended to help riskier borrowers achieve goals of homeownership, there are extra costs to help lenders feel more secure.

At closing, you are required to pay an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (though this is often included in the total amount financed), and each month you will pay a portion of your annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) as part of your mortgage payment.

The amount varies depending on several factors, including the term of your contract and the down payment you made. Your down payment will also affect your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which directly impacts how long you have to pay MIP.

The LTV is a percentage that reflects the amount of your balance divided by the value of your home (the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower). The date of your application and LTV will determine how long you have to pay MIP, which could be as few as 11 years, or as long as the entire life of the debt. Your lender can give you a better idea of the MIP costs and terms for your specific situation.

- Get an appraisal

The government also requires borrowers to get an appraisal for the home they wish to purchase.

An approved appraiser will inspect your home to ensure that it complies with their rules and standards. You may also get a home inspection to make sure that your home is in good condition.

- Closing checklist

Once you have been approved and decided to purchase a home, it is important to review this checklist, which covers all fees and documents that will be required at closing.

At closing, you will need:

  • Identification for all parties involved in the transaction

  • To pay for title insurance that ensures the property is free from claims and liens

  • To purchase a homeowners insurance policy

  • To pay for all closing costs in the form of a wire transfer or cashier’s check

Frequently Asked Questions

- Are there different types ?

There are a number of different FHA loan programs. This includes programs to help people improve the energy efficiency of their home, borrow against their home equity, and more. You can review these programs to find the right product for you.

- How much are mortgage insurance premiums?

You will be required to carry an annual Mortgage Insurance Premium for either 11 years or the lifetime of the mortgage, as well as an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) due at closing. Almost all borrowers will pay 1.75% of the base borrorwed amount as the UFMIP. The annual MIP depends on the base value of the loan and the LTV.

  • As a program administered by the federal government, the full, thoroughly comprehensive, handbook for the program can be accessed here, but you would do much better checking with your lender to see what your situation will require.

- What if I can not afford a down payment?

If you need help with your down payment, you may need to receive help from a third party. The government agency regulates who is able to provide these financial gifts.

You may receive gifts from:

  • A family member

  • Your employer or labor union

  • A friend with a documented interest in you

  • A charitable organization

  • A government agency or public entity that provides homeownership assistance