Idaho FHA Loans: What You Need to Know

by | Jul 12, 2023

The FHA loan program strives to open the door to homeownership to homebuyers who may not qualify for a conventional loan. Homebuyers can obtain this type of loan through an FHA-approved lender like Jaro Team.

How are Idaho FHA loan limits determined?

FHA loan limits are the highest sums that the FHA will guarantee for various property types. They vary by county, adjusted annually based on changes in average U.S. home prices and shaped by the conforming loan limits established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

What are the requirements to obtain an FHA loan in Idaho?

For those considering obtaining an Idaho FHA loan, there are several key points to be aware of. For an FHA loan, the standard minimum down payment is usually 3.5% of the buying price. However, if your credit score isn’t as high, this requirement could rise to 10%.

Regarding the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, it generally needs to be 43% or less for FHA loans, though exceptions might be made in certain circumstances, such as strong credit history or additional savings.

The loan must be used on a primary residence and can’t be used for investment properties or vacation homes.

While the main features of FHA loans remain consistent across the country, some differences can arise based on local factors and individual lender practices. FHA lenders in Idaho may have their own requirements or processes for FHA loans, which could slightly differ from those in other states.

Things to consider regarding FHA loans

While FHA loans can be advantageous for many homebuyers, here are a few things to take note before choosing this as your mortgage option:

  1. Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP): FHA loans require mortgage insurance. Borrowers pay this at closing. Plus, an annual premium is charged, split into monthly installments and incorporated into your mortgage payment.
  2. Property Standards: Properties bought using an FHA loan are required to adhere to specific safety, security, and structural integrity (soundness) criteria. If a home doesn’t meet these criteria, it may not qualify for an FHA loan, or the seller or buyer may need to make repairs before the sale can proceed.

Jaro Team is here to help you decide if an Idaho FHA loan is right for you

A home loan is a financial commitment for years to come. It’s important to weigh the benefits of all of your options before choosing the one that is right for you.

Local real estate market conditions might influence your decision between an FHA loan and other types of mortgages. For instance, the cost of living and average home prices in your specific area in Idaho could impact how much you choose to borrow. In Ada County, Boise City prices may differ than that of Twin Falls County.

While an FHA mortgage may be a good choice for first-time homebuyers due to the lower down payment requirement compared to conventional loans, there are also various down payment assistance programs available in Idaho, which can help make buying a home more affordable.

Jaro Team can help you make an informed decision on what home loan program meets your goals. We pride ourselves in the knowledge and expertise of the numerous loan solutions in the market and place a high priority on ensuring that our clients fully understand each step of the mortgage loan process, from application through to closing. Contact us today to discuss if an FHA loan is right for you.

Source: https://www.hud.gov/buying/loans

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Premier Mortgage Resources, LLC is not affiliated with or an agency of the federal government. All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is expressed or implied. Underwriting approval required.  Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures.  Any rates, terms, programs, and underwriting policies are subject to change without notice.