Texas FHA Loans

An FHA loan is a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government agency under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its primary purpose is to make homeownership more accessible, especially for individuals who may have lower credit scores or limited savings for a down payment. 

Borrowers are required to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and an annual MIP. Similar to private mortgage insurance (PMI) associated with conventional loans, these payments are designed to protect the lender in case of default. Read our blog on PMI vs. MIP to learn more about the differences between these types of mortgage insurance.

FHA loan requirements in Texas align with the general guidelines set by the Federal Housing Administration. Here are some of the key FHA loan qualification requirements:

• Credit score: Credit score requirements vary among lenders, but Griffin Funding accepts credit scores as low as 550 for FHA loans.
• Down payment: The minimum down payment for FHA loans in Texas is as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, making homeownership more accessible for those with limited savings.
• Debt-to-income ratio: Borrowers are generally advised to maintain a front-end debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of no more than 31% (related to housing expenses) and a back-end DTI of no more than 43% (covering total debt, including housing expenses).
• Steady income: Demonstrating a steady source of income is crucial to meet FHA loan eligibility requirements.
• Property standards: The property must meet specific safety and habitability standards as set by the FHA.
• Only for primary residences: FHA loans in Texas are intended for owner-occupied properties, not investment properties or vacation homes. 
• Residency requirement: Eligible borrowers must be either U.S. citizens or legal residents with a valid Social Security number.

Learn more about the home financing options available to you using the Griffin Gold app. It puts complete financial control at your fingertips, from consolidating accounts and transactions to providing insightful cash flow analysis. Plus, our handy calculators simplify critical financial decisions, making home affordability and debt consolidation a breeze. 

FHA loan limits are the maximum loan amounts that the Federal Housing Administration is willing to insure for FHA loans in a specific area, such as a county or metropolitan region. These limits are established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and vary across the United States to account for differences in real estate markets. 

They are designed to ensure that FHA loans remain accessible to a wide range of borrowers while also considering regional variations in property values. In 2024, Texas loan limits start at $498,257. However, the limits rise in higher-priced and metro areas.

Secure your FHA loan in Texas through a trusted lender like Griffin Funding. With competitive interest rates, lower down payment requirements, and flexible credit criteria, our Texas FHA loans provide a pathway to making the Lone Star State your home. 

Griffin Funding is here to guide you through the FHA loan process. We accept credit scores as low as 550, making homeownership more accessible for those with varying credit profiles. Don’t miss the chance to experience the charm and opportunities that Texas has to offer. Apply for your FHA loan today and start your homeownership journey with Griffin Funding. Apply now.

What are the benefits of a Texas FHA loan?

Texas FHA loans offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for many home buyers. Some of the key advantages include:

• Lower down payment: FHA loans typically require a lower down payment, often as low as 3.5% of the purchase price. This can be especially beneficial for first-time home buyers or those with limited savings.
• Flexible credit requirements: FHA loans are more lenient when it comes to credit scores, making them accessible to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. Griffin Funding, for instance, accepts credit scores as low as 550 for FHA loans.
• Accessibility: FHA loans are available across the state of Texas, providing access to financing in both urban and rural areas.

What types of FHA loans are available in Texas?

Several types of Texas FHA loans are available to cater to the diverse needs of home buyers and homeowners. The most common types of FHA loans in Texas include:

• FHA purchase loans: These loans are designed for first-time home buyers and others who may not have substantial savings for a large down payment. With a minimum down payment requirement of just 3.5% of the purchase price, FHA purchase loans are an attractive option for those looking to buy a home in Texas.
• FHA streamline refinance loans: This type of loan is available to homeowners with existing FHA loans in Texas who want to refinance their mortgages to secure a lower interest rate or reduce their monthly payments. 
• FHA cash-out refinance loans: FHA cash-out refinance loans are for existing homeowners with or without an FHA loan. FHA cash-out is a flexible way to pull equity out of your property.
• FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loans: These loans are for home buyers who want to purchase a fixer-upper in Texas and finance the cost of renovations and repairs into their mortgage. This can be a great way to turn a house with potential into your dream home.
• FHA reverse mortgages: Available to homeowners aged 62 and older, FHA reverse mortgages, also known as home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs), allow homeowners to convert a portion of their home equity into tax-free income. This is an option for those looking to supplement their retirement income.

How do I apply for an FHA loan in Texas?

To apply for an FHA loan in Texas through Griffin Funding, follow these steps: 

• Mortgage pre-approval: Start by reaching out to Griffin Funding, either online or at our office, to get pre-approved. You’ll provide your financial details, including income, employment history, credit score, and outstanding debts.
• House hunting: Armed with your pre-approval, you can confidently search for your dream home. Collaborate with a real estate agent, make offers, and when you find the right property, proceed to the next step.
• Mortgage application: You’ll complete the full mortgage application process with Griffin Funding. We’ll assist you with the necessary documentation and information, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Appraisal: As part of the application process, we’ll arrange for a home inspection and appraisal to confirm the property meets FHA loan standards.
• Final approval: Upon successful evaluation of your application, we’ll grant final approval for your FHA loan.
• Closing: You’ll move on to the closing process, where you’ll sign the required documents and officially become the owner of your new property.