FHA Loan vs. Conventional Loan

Our latest mortgage match-up pits FHA loans against conventional loans, both of which are popular options for homeowners these days.

In recent years, FHA loans have surged in popularity, largely because subprime lending (and Alt-A) was all but extinguished as a result of the ongoing mortgage crisis.

Some even claim FHA loans are the “new subprime,” mainly because of the low down payment and credit score requirements, despite originally being designed for low and moderate-income borrowers.

But you don’t have to be a subprime borrower to take advantage of an FHA loan.

FHA Loans Are a Great Low Down Payment Option

As noted, these government-backed home loans have become insanely popular. The main selling point of an FHA loan is the 3.5% minimum down payment requirement.

However, in order to qualify for the flagship low down payment option, you need a minimum credit score of 580.

And 580 is just the FHA’s guideline – individual banks and mortgage lenders still need to agree to offer such loans.

So there’s a very good chance you’ll need an even higher credit score. Of course, a 580 credit score is pretty dismal…

[How to get a mortgage with a low credit score.]

FHA Loans Good for Those with Poor Credit

The other major selling point to an FHA loan is that the minimum credit score is 500. Again, this is subject to lenders actually offering programs for scores this low. And scores between 500 and 579 require a minimum down payment of 10%.

But FHA loans can be a good option for those with poor credit who are determined to get a mortgage.

Another benefit to going with an FHA loan is the higher loan limit, which is as high as $729,750. This can be a real lifesaver for those living in high-cost regions of the country.

Meanwhile, conventional conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are capped at $625,500. Anything above that is considered a jumbo loan, and will come with a higher mortgage rate.

Speaking of rates, FHA loans tend to come with slightly lower interest rates, though one has to consider the entire payment (with mortgage insurance included) to determine what’s the better deal.

FHA Loans Subject to Mortgage Insurance

We’ve talked about some benefits of FHA loans, but there are drawbacks as well.

The major one is the mortgage insurance requirement. Those who opt for FHA loans are subject to both upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums.

The upfront mortgage insurance requirement is unavoidable, and the annual premium can only be avoided if you have 22 percent or more home equity and a loan term of 15 years or less.

All other borrowers must pay the annual mortgage insurance premium for a minimum of five years, which will clearly increase the cost of the mortgage.

[Note that FHA insurance premiums are also slated to increase!]

Keep in mind that FHA loan offerings are also pretty basic. They offer both purchase money mortgages and refinance loans, but the choices are slim.

In other words, you’ll most likely be stuck with a 30-year or 15-year fixed, or a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage. So if you’re looking for something a little different, the FHA probably isn’t for you.

Update: Many FHA loans now require mortgage insurance for life, making them extremely unattractive and expensive!

Conventional Loans Offer More Options

That said, let’s discuss conventional loans, which tend to offer a lot more variety.

With a conventional loan, which includes both conforming and non-conforming loans, you can get your hands on pretty much anything from a 1-year ARM to a 30-year fixed, and everything in between.

So if you want a 10-year fixed mortgage, or a 7-year ARM, a conventional loan will be the way to go.

Conventional mortgages also aren’t capped at a certain loan limit, assuming they are non-conforming. For those who need a jumbo loan, a conventional mortgage will be the only way to obtain financing.

No Mortgage Insurance on Conventional Loans

Additionally, you won’t be subject to mortgage insurance premiums if you go with a conventional loan, assuming you put 20% down, or have at least 20% equity.

Even if you’re unable to put 20% down, there are low down payment programs that don’t require mortgage insurance.

In fact, the Fannie Mae Homepath program only requires a three percent down payment and does not require mortgage insurance.

So in some cases you can put even less down than an FHA loan without that pesky mortgage insurance, though that program is reserved for Fannie-owned foreclosed properties only.

Generally, conventional mortgages require a down payment between five and 20 percent, so low down payment borrowers will still want to consider FHA loans first.

Conventional mortgages are also accepted everywhere, whereas some condo complexes aren’t approved for FHA financing. The same goes for second homes and non-owner investment properties. If you don’t intend to occupy the property, you may have no choice but to go with a conventional loan.

Final Word

These days, both FHA loans and conventional loans could make sense, depending on your unique loan scenario.

Both routes offer competitive mortgage rates and closing costs, so you’ll really have to do the math to determine which is best for your particular situation.

Your loan officer or mortgage broker will be able to tell if you qualify for both types of loans, and determine which will cost less both short and long-term.

Even with mortgage insurance factored in, it may be cheaper to go with an FHA loan if you receive a lender credit or a lower mortgage rate as a result.

Conversely, a slightly higher mortgage rate on a conventional loan may make sense to avoid the mortgage insurance tied to FHA loans.

FHA Loan Advantages

• Lower down payment requirements
• Lower credit score requirements
• Lower mortgage rates
• Higher non-jumbo loan limits
• May be easier to qualify for than a conventional loan
• No prepayment penalty
• Streamlined FHA refinances are fast and easy

FHA Loan Disadvantages

• Subject to mortgage insurance (for full term of mortgage in many cases)
• Mortgage insurance harder to cancel
• Fewer loan options than conventional loans
• Only available on owner-occupied properties
• Some condominium complexes aren’t approved for FHA financing
• Loan limit of $729,750
• Generally only allowed to have one FHA loan

Conventional Loan Advantages

• No mortgage insurance requirement
• Can be used on all property and occupancy types
• More loan program options
• Can hold numerous conventional loans
• No maximum loan limit
• More lender options

Conventional Loan Disadvantages

• Higher down payment requirements
• Higher credit score requirements
• Higher mortgage rates
• May be more difficult to qualify than FHA loan
• Mortgage insurance still required for loans above 80% LTV
• Possible prepayment penalty