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Are you looking for an FHA loan in North Carolina or South Carolina? Dash Home Loans offers FHA loans for qualified home buyers throughout the Carolinas.
FHA loans, which are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), may help qualify for a home if you do not meet other requirements. They’re ideal for individuals and families with low to moderate income and less-than-perfect credit scores.
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What Is an FHA Loan?
An FHA loan is a type of home loan³ designed to help borrowers who may not qualify for a traditional or conventional home loan to afford real estate.
FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which makes them less risky for mortgage lenders to offer and allows for lower credit score requirements and down payment minimums. Because of their more lenient credit score and minimum down payment requirements, FHA loans make it easier for individuals and families without high incomes to buy a home.
FHA Loan Requirements
in NC & SC
FHA loans in Charlotte, NC or other areas in the Carolinas are available to buyers as long as they meet FHA loan requirements. North and South Carolina FHA loan requirements include:
- A credit score of at least 580. However, if your score is between 500 and 579, you may still be eligible for an FHA loan if you make a down payment of at least 10% of the home’s purchase price.
- Borrowing no more than 96.5% of the home’s value through the loan, meaning you need to have at least 3.5% of the sale price of the home as a down payment.
- Choosing a home loan with a 15-year or 30-year term.
- Purchasing mortgage insurance, paying 1.75% upfront and 0.45% to 1.05% annually in premiums. This can be rolled into the loan rather than paying out of pocket.
- A debt-to-income ratio less than 57% in some circ*mstances.
- A housing ratio of 31% or less.
FHA lenders in the Carolinas will provide you with all the information you need and can help determine if you qualify for an FHA loan.
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Income Requirements for NC & SC
FHA Loans
There’s a common misconception that FHA loan requirements include income restrictions. While FHA income guidelines can be confusing, FHA loans are available to those who have any type of income. There are no minimum or maximum income requirements.
Income confusion may arise from debt-to-income ratio requirements, which is used to make sure you can afford the loan. Your debt-to-income ratio is the balance between the amount of debt payments you have to make per month compared to how much income you have every month.
Currently, FHA loan requirements state that your debt-to-income ratio cannot be more than 57% with compensating factors. Also, the housing ratio cannot be more than 31%. This includes all principle, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and PMI you pay.
Recommended Reading
How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit
FHA Loan or Conventional Loan: Which Is Right for You?
FHA loans are commonly compared to conventional home loans to determine which will best fit your situation.
When you meet with your Mortgage Coach at Dash Home Loans, we’ll look at various types of loans available to you. We’ll help you compare FHA loans to conventional loans as well as others thatare applicable in your situation. Our Mortgage Coaches are experienced and will provide in-depth information, but as you’re researching loans yourself, here are a few differences to keep in mind:
- The minimum credit score for an FHA loan is 500. For a conventional loan, it is 620.
- Down payments for FHA loans are 3.5%, at least. For conventional loans, it is typically 3% to 20%, depending on the lender.
- Loan terms for FHA loans are 15 or 30 years, while conventional loans offer 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-year loans.
- You have to purchase mortgage insurance with FHA loans, but not with most conventional loans.
- Conventional loans can be more restrictive with what is allowed to be used for gifts for down payment. 100% of your down payment can be a gift with an FHA loan regardless of the down payment percentage. However, there are restrictions here, too. If your credit score is below 620 and you get an FHA loan in NC, SC, or another state, you may need to pay at least 3.5% of the down payment yourself.
Benefits & Disadvantages of FHA Loans
There are several benefits to FHA loans. They have lower credit score requirements, lower down payment requirements, and their overall qualifications and standards are easier for more individuals to meet. Conventional loan terms are set by private mortgage lenders. That means they tend to be harder to achieve.
However, FHA loans do require mortgage insurance. This is an added cost to your loan purchase and should factor into your monthly payment.
You’ll likely benefit from an FHA loan if:
- You can afford the FHA minimum down payment requirement
- You have a credit score under 680
- You have little experience with mortgage loans
An FHA loan may not be right for everyone, especially those with a high credit score and a sizable down payment. Click here to explore other types of home loans.
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Work With Dash for FHA Loans in the Carolinas
Dash Home Loans offers FHA loans in North and South Carolina. When you apply for an FHA loan with us, our team will go to work to help you find the best rates available to you. We’ll discuss each type of FHA loan, what the qualifications are, and help you understand the options available based on your unique situation.
When you apply, we can give you an idea of how much of a home loan you qualify for, as well, so you have a better idea of just how much house you can afford. If you already have a home with a specific purchase price in mind, our team can use an FHA loan mortgage calculator to provide insight into what your estimated monthly payment will be.
But most importantly, applying for an FHA loan from Dash means you’ll experience a simpler, easier mortgage process with the best support available. Skeptical? Check out our reviews.
The Dash Home Loans Process for
FHA Loans
Getting a home loan is often a stressful process, especially when most mortgage lenders work with a middleman (i.e., a loan processor) who you never meet.
Dash simplifies the process for you by cutting out the middleman. With our team, the process of getting an FHA loan is very easy. Our Mortgage Coaches will work with you to pre-qualify you for these loans, going to bat for you as your advocate with the underwriters who review your application. We’ll work closely with you to ensure you meet all FHA loan requirements, including completing the necessary application and all required paperwork.
And if you don’t qualify for an FHA loan? We’ll tell you immediately and work with you to find another option that meets your needs.
Ready to get started? Contact our team online or call us at 704-286-9328 for FHA loan assistance in the Carolinas!
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Apply for an FHA Loan With Dash Today
If you’d like to discuss your options further or have any questions about our service, contact us to speak with one of our friendly Mortgage Coaches.
Ready to get started? Great! Click “Apply now” below to begin your application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
NC & SC FHA Loan FAQs
What is an FHA loan?
An FHA loan is a type of mortgage loan³ that allows people to buy a home with federal loan backing. That means, if you default on the home loan, the lender is able to file a claim for any lost principal paid to you.
While this does not help you, it does help to reduce the amount of risk you are to lenders. In turn, that reduces what you have to pay in interest to your lender. There are several types of FHA loans as well. If you’d like more information on which types are available to you, contact us.
What does FHA stand for?
FHA is an abbreviation for Federal Housing Administration, a branch of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Are FHA loans bad?
No. FHA loans are a great option for many individuals and families who want to buy a home. While FHA loan rules can sometimes make them seem hard to obtain, they are actually very accessible to many people. They are also an excellent way to help you to secure a home when you otherwise would not qualify for a home loan.
Who can qualify for an FHA loan?
FHA loan qualification is easier to obtain than most people realize. You need to meet the FICO®* score guidelines noted (between 500 and 579 with a 10% down payment or have a score over 580). You also need to have at least 3.5% down, verifiable employment history over the last two years, and meet the required debt-to-income ratio of up to 57% with compensating factors.
What are South Carolina FHA loan requirements?
FHA is a federal program, meaning the terms for North Carolina and South Carolina are the same as those in the rest of the country. However, not all mortgage lenders offer FHA loans. If you want an FHA loan in NC or SC, make sure your lender is approved to offer FHA loans.
When can you drop PMI on an FHA loan?
You can remove PMI after 11 years if you put more than 10% down on your original loan balance. Your loan to home value ratio must be 78%.
Legal information
*FICO® is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation.
This ad is not from HUD or FHA and was not approved by HUD or any government agency.
¹ Dash Loan Closing Guarantee Disclaimer: Guarantee is based on loan closing; restrictions apply.
² No-Down-Payment Disclaimer: Closing costs and fees may still apply.
³ Lending Disclaimer: Mortgage rates are subject to change and are subject to borrower(s) qualification. APR rate(s) quoted is/are based upon a (loan amount), (loan term, including whether fixed or ARM) year.
⁴ Refinancing Disclaimer: When it comes to refinancing your home loan, you can generally reduce your monthly payment amount. However, your total finance charges may be greater over the life of your loan. Your PRMI loan professional will provide you with a comprehensive refinance comparison analysis to determine your total life loan savings.
⁵ VA Home Loan Disclaimer: VA home loan purchases have options for 0% down payment, no private mortgage insurance requirements, and competitive interest rates with specific qualification requirements. VA interest rate reduction loans (IRRRL) are only for veterans who currently have a VA loan – current loan rate restrictions apply, and limits to recoupment of costs and fees apply. VA cash-out refinances are available for veterans with or without current VA loans. Policies and guidelines may vary and are subject to the individual borrower(s) qualification. Program and lender overlays apply.
⁶ Down Payment Assistance Disclaimer: First lien interest rates may be higher when using a DPA second.
⁷ Pre-Approval Disclaimer: Pre-approvals are given to clients who have met qualifying approval criteria and specific loan requirements at the time of applications. Results may vary.
General Disclaimer: The content on this page has not been approved, reviewed, sponsored, or endorsed by any department or government agency.
NMLS® Consumer Access℠: https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org/
North Carolina Mortgage Branch License: L-112833-200
South Carolina-BFI Branch Mortgage Lender/Service License: MLB-1439905, MLB-1439905 OTN #2
I'm an expert in the field of home loans and mortgages, with a deep understanding of FHA loans, their requirements, and the mortgage industry as a whole. My expertise is rooted in practical knowledge and experience, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the nuances of obtaining an FHA loan.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
-
FHA Loans Overview:
- FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration.
- They are designed to help those who may not qualify for traditional home loans.
- Lower credit score and down payment requirements make them accessible to individuals with moderate incomes.
-
FHA Loan Requirements in NC & SC:
- Minimum credit score of at least 580, but a score between 500 and 579 may still qualify with a higher down payment.
- Borrowing no more than 96.5% of the home's value, requiring a minimum 3.5% down payment.
- Choice between 15-year or 30-year loan terms.
- Purchase of mortgage insurance with upfront and annual premiums.
-
Income Requirements for NC & SC FHA Loans:
- No specific income restrictions, but a focus on debt-to-income ratio.
- Debt-to-income ratio must be less than 57%, including all relevant monthly payments.
-
Comparison with Conventional Loans:
- FHA loans have a lower minimum credit score (500) compared to conventional loans (620).
- Down payments for FHA loans are 3.5%, while conventional loans range from 3% to 20%.
- FHA loan terms are 15 or 30 years, while conventional loans offer more options.
- FHA loans require mortgage insurance, unlike most conventional loans.
-
Benefits & Disadvantages of FHA Loans:
- Benefits include lower credit score and down payment requirements.
- Disadvantages include the additional cost of mortgage insurance.
-
Dash Home Loans Process for FHA Loans:
- Dash Home Loans simplifies the process by eliminating the middleman.
- Mortgage Coaches assist in pre-qualifying applicants and advocating with underwriters.
- Clear communication about FHA loan eligibility; alternative options are explored if FHA loans are not suitable.
-
FAQs:
- Explanation of what FHA loans are, what FHA stands for, and debunking the idea that FHA loans are bad.
- Qualification criteria include FICO® score guidelines, down payment, verifiable employment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
If you have any specific questions or need further details on a particular aspect, feel free to ask.
