3.5% down with credit scores from 580 — the government-backed path that puts homeownership within reach for first-time buyers and anyone rebuilding credit.
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which lets lenders say yes to buyers a conventional loan might turn away — lower credit scores, higher debt ratios, smaller savings. It's the most common first home loan in America for a reason.
580+ for the 3.5% down program. Scores of 500–579 can still qualify with 10% down. If you're a few points short, we'll tell you exactly what to work on.
With less than 10% down, MIP lasts the life of the loan — but there's a common play: start FHA, build equity, then refinance to conventional and drop the insurance entirely.
Yes — FHA is the most common pairing with state and county assistance programs, including Charlotte County's SHIP program, where BayPort is an approved lender.
Get pre-approved in minutes — we'll compare FHA against conventional so you see both paths.