What Is an FHA Loan?

An FHA loan can turn house hunting into a more stress-free process because it provides borrowers with the ability to buy a house with low income. Through the FHA loan program in Nevada, borrowers can secure their dream homes with a down payment as low as 3.5% and credit scores that cover the mid-to-low range. These loans are extended by private lenders, ensuring that home buyers have access to affordable financing with competitive interest rates.

In the vast and expansive landscapes of Nevada, the FHA loan program is a popular choice when compared to traditional mortgage options due to its lenient down payment requirements and more adaptable credit standards. Nevada FHA loans are particularly favored by first-time home buyers and those without substantial savings who are seeking a route to homeownership.

FHA Loan Requirements in Nevada

Nevada FHA loans are made available through private lenders, who are required to follow FHA qualification requirements but also have the freedom to set their own requirements in some areas. Key FHA loan requirements in Nevada include: 

  • Credit score: Griffin Funding is open to credit scores as low as 550 for FHA loans.
  • Proof of income: Lenders usually require verification of at least two years of consistent employment history.
  • FHA inspection and appraisal: The property must undergo an FHA inspection to ensure compliance with specific safety and security standards.
  • Limited to primary residences: The property should serve as the primary residence for the borrower and not an investment property.
  • Minimum DTI ratio: Those hoping to obtain an FHA loan in Nevada should ideally make sure their debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is less than 43%. 

Before embarking on your Nevada FHA loan journey, it is important to review and understand the FHA loan requirements in Nevada. Reach out to a Griffin Funding loan representative today to get more information and assess your eligibility.

FHA Loan Limits in Nevada

Attractive benefits, such as lower down payments and credit scores requirements, make the FHA loan in Nevada an appealing alternative to conventional mortgage loans. Every year the FHA determines the maximum amount you can borrow using an FHA loan, with loan limits varying based on location and market conditions.

In most counties, the 2023 FHA loan limit in Nevada for a single-unit home is set at $498,257. The limit rises in other counties across Nevada. Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, has a limit of $498,257, while Douglas County, including Lake Tahoe, is set at $657,800. The FHA loan limits in Nevada increase for multi-unit homes.

Find Out If You Qualify for an FHA Loan in Nevada

Aspiring homeowners should consider Nevada FHA loans and discover specific qualifications by contacting a Griffin Funding representative. An FHA loan in Nevada perfectly suits the needs of those entering the realm of homeownership for the first time, individuals with credit scores in the lower-to-middle range, and those encountering hurdles in gathering a substantial down payment.

Embark on the journey towards homeownership in Nevada, and consider submitting an application for an FHA home loan through Griffin Funding. A Griffin Funding representative can help prospective buyers explore various options and set the wheels in motion for the American dream of homeownership in Nevada. 

For additional insights and guidance, consider downloading the Griffin Gold app. Using our app, you can explore home financing options, track home values, privately browse real estate listings, and manage your finances — all in one place! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Nevada FHA loans?

Nevada’s FHA loan program extends a valuable opportunity to potential homeowners who harbor concerns about their credit score or face challenges in assembling a substantial down payment. Key benefits of the Nevada FHA loan encompass:

  • Low down payments: Aspiring homeowners in Nevada can qualify for an FHA loan with a down payment as low as 3.5% for qualifying borrowers.
  • Highly competitive interest rates: Nevada FHA loans offer competitive interest rates when compared with other home financing options. 
  • Flexible DTI requirements: Nevada FHA loans offer a more flexible DTI ratio when compared to conventional loans, providing borrowers with increased financial flexibility.
  • Forgiving credit eligibility criteria: Lenders in Nevada tend to be flexible when it comes to credit scores for FHA loans, enabling prospective home buyers with extensive credit histories to make their homeownership dreams a reality. FHA loans can be used to purchase or refinance homes.

What types of FHA loans are available in Nevada?

In Nevada, several FHA loan options are available to borrowers. Prospective home buyers should explore the following FHA loan types:

  • FHA 203(k) loan: This type of FHA loan is a home improvement loan in Nevada designed to assist in the purchase of a new home or homes in need of renovations or repairs. It’s a valuable choice for those looking to refurbish their existing properties.
  • FHA 245(a) loan: Nevada offers this unique FHA loan tailored for borrowers expecting an increase in their income. This loan type starts with lower initial payments that gradually increase over time. 
  • Home equity conversion mortgage (HECM): A home equity conversion mortgage—commonly referred to as a reverse mortgage—empowers borrowers to tap into their home’s equity and access cash based on the appraised value of their property.

What is the difference between FHA loans vs conventional loans? 

One of the primary distinctions between an FHA loan and a conventional mortgage lies in the qualification requirements, particularly concerning creditworthiness. FHA loans exhibit greater flexibility when it comes to borrower credit assessments, offering a more accessible path to homeownership. In contrast, conventional mortgages uphold stricter standards, placing significant emphasis on the applicant’s credit score. 

FHA loans are also federally backed, while conventional loans are not. The backing of the FHA allows private lenders to extend beneficial rates and terms to borrowers who may not have excellent credit or the savings to make a significant down payment. 

Another important distinction between FHA loans and conventional loans is the structure of mortgage insurance. Conventional loans typically require private mortgage insurance (PMI) when borrowers make a down payment of less than 20%, but PMI can be removed after the borrower builds 20% equity in the home. On the other hand, all FHA mortgages require an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) that, in most cases, cannot be removed during the life of the loan.