An FHA loan can open the door when a big down payment can't.
FHA loans are built for buyers with smaller savings or a thinner credit history. We'll show you whether the lower down payment and flexible guidelines add up for your family — and explain every cost in Spanish or English.
Who this is for
- First-time buyers without a large down payment saved up
- Borrowers whose credit is still recovering or being built
- Families who'll receive gift funds from relatives toward the down payment
- Buyers who want every requirement spelled out clearly, in English or Spanish
How to apply for an FHA loan
Check the basics together
We review your income, credit, and savings to see whether FHA is the strongest fit — or whether another program would serve you better.
Map out your down payment
We confirm how much you'll need at 3.5% down and whether gift funds from family can help cover it.
Get pre-approved
With your documents in hand, we issue a pre-approval so you can shop for a home in your range with confidence.
Close with the costs explained
We walk you through the mortgage insurance and every fee before signing, so there are no surprises.
Just 3.5% down
FHA's low down payment makes buying possible long before you've saved 20%.
Flexible credit guidelines
FHA is more forgiving of past credit bumps than many conventional programs.
Gift funds welcome
Down payment money can come as a gift from a relative — a real help for many first-time buyers.
Costs explained in plain words
We break down the upfront and monthly mortgage insurance so you know the full picture before you commit.
Today's sample FHA loan rates
Common questions
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?
FHA guidelines are more flexible than many conventional programs, and many borrowers qualify with scores in the 600s — sometimes lower with a larger down payment. We'll review your full picture, not just the number.
Does an FHA loan require mortgage insurance?
Yes. FHA loans include an upfront mortgage insurance premium plus an annual premium paid monthly. We'll show you exactly what those cost so you can compare an FHA loan against your other options.
Can I use gift money for the down payment?
Yes. With proper documentation, your 3.5% down payment can come as a gift from a family member. We'll explain the simple paperwork the lender needs.
Can I use an FHA loan if I'm not a first-time buyer?
Yes. FHA loans aren't limited to first-time buyers — they're available to any qualifying borrower buying a primary residence.
What property types can I buy with an FHA loan?
FHA covers single-family homes, FHA-approved condominiums (or a single-unit approval), townhomes, and 2–4 unit properties as long as you live in one of the units. Manufactured homes can qualify when they're on a permanent foundation and meet FHA's rules. The home also has to pass an FHA appraisal for condition and safety — we check the property type early so nothing stalls your closing.
Can I ever get rid of FHA mortgage insurance?
On most FHA loans the mortgage insurance stays for the life of the loan — but you're not stuck with it forever. Once you've built enough equity, many homeowners refinance into a conventional loan to drop it. We'll keep an eye on that milestone with you and run the numbers when the time comes.
Is there a limit on how much I can borrow with an FHA loan?
Yes. FHA sets a maximum loan amount that changes by county each year, so what you can borrow in one California county may differ from the next. We check the current limit for the area you're buying in before you start shopping.
I'm self-employed — can I get an FHA loan without tax returns?
Standard FHA underwriting asks self-employed borrowers for tax returns, and write-offs can make those returns look smaller than the business really is. Certain lenders offer an FHA Self-Employed P&L program where a profit-and-loss statement prepared by your CPA or licensed tax preparer takes the place of tax returns — while keeping FHA's low down payment and flexible credit guidelines. We work with lenders who offer it and can tell you quickly whether your file fits.