The Federal Housing Administration was created in 1934 as an effort to bolster homes sales during the Depression. By financially guaranteeing loans, the FHA lifts much of the risk of non-payment and foreclosure from private lenders. It is important to remember that the FHA is not a lender; they just guarantee your loan.
Advantages:
- Bankruptcy not an automatic disqualification (min. requirements)
- Lower interest rates
- Down payment is less (3.5%; of which can also be a gift)
- Lower mortgage points and other closing cost requirements
- Resale can be made more quickly
- Is backed by the U.S. government
Features:
- Down payment required (3.5%; of which can also be a gift)
- Higher upfront MIP than on conventional loans but monthly MIP is lower
- Loan Limits are lower than conventional
- MIP required regardless of the Loan-to-Value (LTV)
