FHA -VS- Conventional
The main difference between FHA loans and conventional loans is that conventional loans are not insured by the government. FHA loans are backed by the government which provides protection to the lender. However, both come with lower downpayments, but some of its features make it relatively better from one to the other, depending on the situation.
Through this article you will know the difference between FHA and current loan and which loan will be best for you in your situation.
What is an FHA loan?
An FHA loan is a government-backed loan that provides protection to the lender, especially if the borrower defaults or is unable to repay the loan. For borrowers who have low credit card scores and limited savings for downpayments, this is the best option for them and they can easily qualify.
What is a Conventional loan?
The loan is not insured by the government and its qualifications and requirements are set by the lender. Compared to FHA loan, higher qualification of conventional loan is required.
FHA Vs Conventional loan comparation
Conventional loans come with a 3% down payment, while FHA loans come with a 3.5% down payment. Which loan is best for you will depend on your financial situation.
The comparative differences between FHA and conventional loans are:
| Comparison | Conventional loan | FHA loan |
| Minimum Down Payment | 3% | 3.5% |
| Minimum Credit Score | 600 | 580 |
| Maximum Debt-to-Income Ratio | 43% | 50% |
| Income Limit | No income limit | No income limit |
| Mortgage Insurance | Annual fee | Annual and upfront fee |
| Loan Limit for 2022 (in most areas | $647,200 | $420,680 |
Differences between conventional loans and FHA
Credit Score Requirements
The main requirement of any loan is credit score. The lender will know your credit score requirements no matter what type of loan you apply for.
Conventional loan
You must have a credit card score of 600 or higher to qualify for a conventional loan. The better your credit card rate, the higher your interest rate.
If your home becomes a foreclosure, you may have to wait seven years before applying for a loan.
FHA loan
To qualify for an FHA loan, the minimum credit card score must be 500 and the down payment must be 10%. However, if your credit card score is 580 or higher, you will need a 3.5% down payment.
Down Payment Requirements
There is a down payment requirement for both loans.
FHA Loan
If the borrower’s credit card score is 500 to 579, then 10 percent down payment is required. If the credit card score is 580 or higher, the minimum downpayment is 3.5%.
Conventional Loan
Conventional loans require a minimum downpayment of 3%. However, this downpayment varies from lender to lender.
If your down payment is less than 20 percent, you will need to pay private mortgage insurance until your 20% equity is created.
Debt to Income Requirements
DTI is the ratio of debt to monthly income. The percentage of your monthly income that goes into debt repayment is your DTI. It is calculated by dividing your total debt by the total income.
FHA loan
You will not need a high standard of DTI to qualify for an FHA loan. If your maximum DTI is 57%, you will qualify for the loan. However, in the case of some lenders, it may be less.
Conventional Loan
There is no fixed DTI for conventional loans. You need 50% or less DTI to qualify for this loan. However, this may vary from lender to lender. In some cases, the borrower qualifies for a conventional loan with a DTI of 65%.
Loan Limits
Both loans have loan limits which vary in price and location. Also these loan limits change annually.
FHA loan
As of 2022, the FHA loan limit for single family homes in most countries is $420,680. However, in high-cost countries this loan limit may increase, even if the unit increases the loan limit will increase.
Conventional loan
As of 2022, the conventional loan limit is $ 647,200 for a single family home. However, this loan limit may increase in high-cost areas.
Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance protects the lender if the borrower defaults.
FHA loan
If you make a downpayment of more than 10%, you will have to pay Mortgage Insurance Premium for the life of the loan. This mortgage insurance premium expires after 11 years.
Conventional loan
If your down payment is less than 20% then you have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance. This insurance will expire if your home is 20 percent.
