FHA loan

More accessible financing through FHA home loans

Loans from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans offer flexible credit and income guidelines, with down payments as low as 3.5%.

Contact us to get started

What is an FHA loan?

FHA loan basics

  • FHA loans are insured by the U.S. Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which allows lenders to offer them to borrowers who might not qualify for other loan types.
  • FHA loans require you to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). These include an upfront fee as well as ongoing premiums that are added to your monthly payments.
  • You can use an FHA loan to refinance, as long as your existing mortgage is also an FHA loan.

FHA loan benefits

  • FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, which makes them a great choice for first time homebuyers, or anyone who is buying a home on a budget.
  • You can use funds from gifts or grants toward your down payment and closing costs.
  • Flexible guidelines may help you qualify even with a lower income or credit score.
  • You can refinance your FHA loan through a streamlined process, with no appraisal, credit check, or income verification.
FHA loans require only a 3.5% down payment, but be sure to consider all costs involved, including up-front and long-term mortgage insurance and fees. Talk with a home mortgage consultant to compare the overall costs of all your home financing options and discuss loan amount, loan type, property type, income, first-time homebuyer status, and homebuyer education requirement to discuss eligibility.

More affordable homebuying programs

Need help with a down payment and closing costs? Find out how our low down payment options can help make homeownership more affordable.

Other mortgage loan types to consider

Fixed-rate mortgage

Predictable payments for the life of your loan

Learn more

Adjustable-rate mortgage

Lower introductory rate, which changes periodically in the future

Learn more

Jumbo loan

Larger loan amounts for buying or refinancing

Learn more

VA loan

Financing for service members through the Department of Veterans Affairs

Learn more

Get a customized rate and payment

See how much you could qualify to borrow and what your estimated rate and payment would be. It takes just a few minutes and won’t affect your credit score.

FHA home loan FAQs

Repeat buyers may also qualify for an FHA loan when they're purchasing or refinancing a primary residence. The lower down payments, flexible credit guidelines, and competitive rates make FHA loans a good choice for many borrowers. 

Please note, you can only use an FHA loan to refinance if your current mortgage is also an FHA loan

The first step in comparing mortgage lenders is to find a reputable lender who has a track record in the market where you're looking to buy. You want to work with someone you trust and who answers your questions clearly and directly.
Once you’ve identified potential lenders, request a loan estimate from each one and compare key details, such as:

Reviewing these details side by side can help you better understand the total cost of each loan and choose the option that fits your financial goals. 

While FHA home loans are designed to be more flexible than many conventional mortgages, you'll still need to meet certain requirements. For example, you typically need a credit  score of at least 580 to qualify for a 3.5% down payment. Some borrowers with a lower credit scores may qualify, but that often requires a down payment of 10%.

Additionally, you'll likely need a qualifying debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and have at least two years of steady employment or income history. The home you're buying must be your primary residence, and it has to meet FHA appraisal and safety standards.

Talk with a home mortgage consultant about loan amount, loan type, property type, income, first-time homebuyer, and homebuyer education requirements to discuss eligibility.  

Talk to a mortgage consultant

Call us

1-877-510-2079

Mon – Fri: 7 am – 8 pm
Sat: 8 am – 6 pm
Central Time

Marque 9 para recibir atención en español.

Let us contact you

Enter your contact information to have a mortgage consultant call you.

Get a call back

Find a consultant

Use our locator to search for mortgage consultants in your area.

Search locations

If you extend your loan term, you may pay more interest over the life of your loan.

If you are a service member on active duty, an eligible spouse, partner, or dependent, or currently receiving SCRA benefits, please consult with your legal advisor prior to seeking a refinance of your existing mortgage loan. In some cases, a refinance may impact your eligibility for benefits under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or applicable state law.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

DT1-04282027-12-8899018-1.1