
FHA Loan Requirements for 2026
FHA loan requirements include a minimum credit score of 500 as well as limits on your total monthly debt load.

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For creditworthy borrowers who don’t meet traditional lending requirements, a non-QM loan can provide a (more expensive) path to homeownership.

You don't need equity in your home to get an FHA Title 1 loan, but there are maximum loan amounts to consider.

Construction loans pay for home building or renovations and are paid in full or converted to permanent mortgages when the work is completed.

For mortgage interest rates, Federal Reserve policy wields an indirect influence, along with inflation and jobs.

A mortgage rate lock freezes your interest rate until loan closing to protect your homebuying power from rate hikes.

Most refinances cost 2% to 6% of the new loan amount — and even a “no closing costs” refinance doesn’t come free.


You may be able to refinance a mortgage with a lower credit score. Credit requirements vary by lender and the type of loan.

With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.

TL;DR: Rates are down today as markets mull the odds of a Fed rate hike.


Some mortgage lenders are already advertising rates above 7%.


TL;DR: Rates didn't move a ton this morning, but they've already risen substantially this week.


TL;DR: Rates were slightly lower this morning, but given intensifying fighting in Iran they're likely to rise again.


TL;DR: Rates moved significantly higher today as hostilities in Iran appear to be intensifying.


TL;DR: Markets' changing expectations around a Fed rate hike in September are sending mortgage rates upward.


TL;DR: Mortgage rates went up today, but not enough to bust your homebuying budget.


An influx of tech bonds and new inflation data sent mortgage rates up this week.


Wednesday's Treasury announcement bolstering the bond market might ease mortgage rates.


Mortgage rates gave home buyers a little breathing room this week — but not much.


You can choose between raw, unimproved or improved land, each with its own level of development.


Mortgage rates were mostly the same this week, as markets juggle jobs data and news from Iran.


Renewed fighting in Iran and a lack of clarity from the Federal Reserve are likely to push up mortgage rates.


Mortgage rates rose this week as the Federal Reserve voted to leave overnight borrowing rates unchanged.


Whether today's mortgage rates feel discouraging or encouraging depends on when your home search began.


TL;DR: Mortgage rates went up again today.


This week, mortgage interest rates reached their highest point since September.


Renewed conflict rekindles inflation fears, pushing up mortgage interest rates.


Here are the numbers for home buyers — and what you can do to make them manageable.


With a Fed rate cut out of the question, mortgage interest rates are likely to remain near their current levels.
