An FHA 15-year fixed mortgage is a home loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) with a fixed interest rate and a 15-year repayment term. This loan type offers several benefits:

• Lower credit score requirements compared to conventional loans
• Lower down payment options (as low as 3.5% for those with credit scores of 580 or higher)
• Fixed interest rate for the entire 15-year term, providing predictable monthly payments
• Faster equity building compared to 30-year mortgages

These loans are particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers or those with less-than-perfect credit who want to pay off their mortgage quickly.

While both loan types offer a 15-year fixed rate, there are several key differences:

• Credit Requirements: FHA loans typically have lower credit score requirements.
• Down Payment: FHA loans often require lower down payments (as low as 3.5%) compared to conventional loans (usually 5-20%).
• Mortgage Insurance: FHA loans require mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for the life of the loan in most cases, while conventional loans only require private mortgage insurance (PMI) until 20% equity is reached.
• Loan Limits: FHA loans have lower loan limits compared to conventional loans in most areas.
• Property Standards: FHA loans have stricter property standards that the home must meet.

The best option depends on your individual financial situation, credit score, and homeownership goals. Consult with a mortgage professional to determine which loan type is right for you.

The credit score requirements for an FHA 15-year fixed mortgage are generally more lenient than those for conventional loans:

• Minimum credit score of 500: Eligible for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment
• Credit score of 580 or higher: Eligible for an FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down payment

However, it's important to note that while these are FHA minimums, individual lenders may have higher credit score requirements. Additionally, a higher credit score typically results in better interest rates and loan terms.

Remember, your credit score is just one factor in the loan approval process. Lenders also consider your debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and other factors when evaluating your loan application.

Choosing a 15-year term for your FHA loan offers several advantages:

• Lower Total Interest: You'll pay significantly less in total interest over the life of the loan compared to a 30-year term.
• Faster Equity Building: You'll build equity in your home more quickly.
• Lower Interest Rates: 15-year loans typically offer lower interest rates than 30-year loans.
• Faster Debt Payoff: You'll be mortgage-free in half the time compared to a 30-year loan.
• Potential for Higher Loan Approval: Some lenders may be more willing to approve a 15-year loan due to the lower overall risk.

However, it's important to note that 15-year loans come with higher monthly payments. Make sure you can comfortably afford these payments before choosing this option. For personalized advice on whether a 15-year FHA loan is right for you, speak with one of our mortgage experts.

FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance premiums (MIP):

1. Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP): This is a one-time fee of 1.75% of the loan amount, typically added to the loan balance.
2. Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (Annual MIP): This is an ongoing fee, calculated annually but paid monthly as part of your mortgage payment. For a 15-year FHA loan, the annual MIP rates are:
   • 0.45% for loan amounts ≤ $625,500 with an LTV > 90%
   • 0.70% for loan amounts > $625,500 with an LTV > 90%
   • 0.45% for loan amounts ≤ $625,500 with an LTV ≤ 90%
   • 0.70% for loan amounts > $625,500 with an LTV ≤ 90%

For 15-year FHA loans with an LTV of 90% or less, the annual MIP will be canceled after 11 years. For loans with an LTV above 90%, the MIP remains for the life of the loan.

It's important to factor in these insurance costs when budgeting for your mortgage payments. For the most current MIP rates and personalized advice, speak with one of our mortgage experts.