FHA Requirements
Closing Costs and Allowable Charges
While FHA requirements define which closing costs are allowable as charges to the borrower, the specific costs and amounts that are deemed reasonable and customary are determined by each local FHA office. All other costs are generally not allowed and are usually paid by the seller when buying a new home, or paid by the lender when refinancing your existing FHA loan.
- Lender's origination fee
- Deposit verification fees
- Attorney's fees
- The appraisal fee and any inspection fees
- Lender's origination fee
- 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
Allowed in an FHA refinance loan are wire transfer fees, courier fees, reconveyance fees, and fees to payoff bills.
FHA Loan Requirements
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
November 30, 2023 - In the last week of November 2023, the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development issued FHA loan limits for 2024. There are different rates for single-unit homes all the way up to FHA loan limits for four-unit properties.
November 28, 2023 - What can a first-time homebuyer use an FHA mortgage to do? You can use it to build or buy a home. You can also use an FHA loan to renovate a home you already own or want to purchase and renovate. You can refinance and even apply for a reverse mortgage.
November 27, 2023 - Major career changes may make your lender reconsider your loan application until you have had enough time in the new job to prove your new income is likely to continue. Your lender typically needs at least 24 months as a self-employed person, freelancer, or new contact employee.
November 25, 2023 - The basic rule of thumb to know is the FHA policy for occupancy which requires at least one borrower obligated on the mortgage to take up residence in the home as the “primary residence” within a reasonable time of loan closing, typically 60 days.
November 23, 2023 - Most borrowers are told up front they cannot bring cash or checks to closing day. You must deliver payment to the lender in the form your loan officer requires. You won’t be able to make a down payment on an FHA mortgage in cash, and you typically can’t do it with a personal check.
