Down payments as low as 3.5%. Flexible credit options. Personalized guidance you can trust.
Buying a home should feel exciting, not overwhelming.
At KTL Performance Mortgage, we help homebuyers across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Florida use FHA home loans to achieve homeownership with confidence.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or simply need more flexible credit guidelines, FHA loans offer one of the most accessible paths to homeownership.
FHA Loan Benefits
What Is an FHA Home Loan?
An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Because of this backing, lenders can offer more flexible credit and down payment guidelines than many conventional loans.
FHA loans are especially popular with:
- First-time homebuyers
- Buyers with moderate credit scores
- Borrowers with limited savings
- Buyers who need higher debt-to-income flexibility
FHA Loan Requirements
Credit Score
FHA allows credit scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment. Credit scores between 500 and 579 may qualify with a 10% down payment.
Down Payment
The minimum down payment is 3.5% in most cases.
Debt-to-Income Ratios
FHA allows higher DTI ratios depending on your overall financial profile, income stability, and compensating factors.
Recent Credit Issues
If you’ve experienced a bankruptcy or foreclosure, you may still qualify for an FHA loan after meeting waiting period requirements.
Mortgage Insurance
FHA loans require both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and an annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP), which is paid monthly. Mortgage insurance protects the lender and makes flexible qualification possible.
FHA Loan Requirements by State
Because FHA loan limits and housing markets vary, requirements may look slightly different depending on where you’re buying.
We regularly help borrowers with FHA home loans in:
KENTUCKY
INDIANA
OHIO
FLORIDA
Including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and St. Petersburg, and nearby communities.
We serve the entire state of Florida.
Learn more about FHA Loans in Florida
FHA vs. Conventional Loans
FHA loans aren’t the only option! However, this program may be a good fit if you need credit score flexibility or a smaller down payment.
For some homebuyers, Conventional loans may offer long-term cost advantages. Your KTL Loan Originator will help you compare both options so you can make a confident decision.
| FHA Loans | Conventional Loans | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | 3.5% | 3%-5% |
| Minimum Credit Score | 500 (10% down) 580 (3.5% down) | 620 (may allow down to 580 with blended credit scores) |
| Loan Limits for 2026 (in most areas) | $541,287 (1-unit home) | $832,750 (1-unit home) |
| Income Limits | None | None |
| Mortgage Insurance | Upfront + Annual MIP | PMI required with less than 20% down – many PMI programs and options available |
Is an FHA Loan right for you?
An FHA loan may make sense if:
- You need a program with flexible credit score requirements
- You have limited down payment savings
- You want more forgiving approval guidelines
The best way to know for sure is to review your full financial picture with a licensed mortgage professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About FHA Loans
Many borrowers qualify with a credit score of 580 or higher and a 3.5% down payment. Credit scores between 500 and 579 may qualify with a 10% down payment. Additional requirements may apply depending on your full financial profile.
The minimum down payment for an FHA loan is typically 3.5% of the purchase price. Down payment funds may come from personal savings, gift funds from family members, or other approved sources.
No. While FHA loans are popular among first-time homebuyers, they are available to repeat buyers as well. Eligibility depends on your financial qualifications and occupancy requirements.
FHA loan limits vary by county and are updated annually. For 2026, the baseline loan limit for a single-family home in most areas is $541,287. Higher limits may apply in certain counties.
Approval timelines vary based on documentation and property type, but most FHA loans close within a standard mortgage timeframe once all required documents are submitted.
FHA MORTGAGE FACTS:
- Can be used to purchase 1 to 4-unit properties.
- Loan limits start at $541,287 for a single-family home and go up to $1,041,125 for a 4-unit property.*
- Homebuyers with credit scores above 580 may qualify with as little as 3.5% down.
- Homebuyers with credit scores between 500 and 579 may qualify with 10% down.
- Homebuyers who do not have a credit score may qualify with additional requirements.
- FHA loans can be used on HUD-approved Condos and manufactured homes, with additional requirements.
- While FHA home loans are a great solution for many first-time home buyers, anyone can take advantage of an FHA loan.
*2026 FHA loan limits
Ready to explore your FHA loan options?
At KTL Performance Mortgage, we combine Knowledge, Trust, and Love to guide you through every step of the mortgage process.
Let’s build a plan that works for you!