Atlanta Real Estate Services

What is an FHA loan? National Home Search An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Borrowers with FHA loans must pay for mortgage insurance, which protects the lender from a loss should the borrower defaults on the loan. Because of the mortgage insurance, lenders can offer FHA loans at attractive (lower) interest rates with less stringent and more flexible qualification requirements to borrowers. Here are some facts about FHA loans. Credit does not have to be perfect!  The minimum credit scores for FHA loans depend on the type of loan a borrower needs.  A credit score of 580 or higher can get a borrower a mortgage with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent.  With credit scores of 500-579, you will need down payments of at least 10 percent. Those with credit scores under 500 generally are not eligible for FHA loans. However, FHA will make allowances under certain circumstances for applicants who have what it calls "nontraditional c

National Home Search If you are in the market to buy a home, the process can seem overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin your home search. Contact a local real estate agent The first step is to find a local real estate agent who is familiar with the market which you are interested in. This alone can be a process, so make sure you are well informed. Do your research and ask questions until you find someone who is experienced and one you can trust. Know what you are looking for Remember it is hard to get everything you want when buying a home. So, think about what most important to you. It’s good to jot down the requirements of what most important to you. What are your must-haves and what you willing to compromise on? Communicate those needs to your real estate agent. Consider the Cost of Homeownership Owning a home costs more than just the mortgage payment so, budget accordingly. In addition to your monthly payments, consider pro