For many first-time homebuyers or those with limited savings, purchasing a home may feel out of reach. That’s where FHA loans come in. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, This loans are designed to make homeownership more accessible to a broader range of borrowers. With low down payment options, flexible credit requirements, and competitive rates, FHA loans are one of the most popular financing choices in Houston and across the country.
Designed to help people who may not qualify for a conventional loan. This program is particularly attractive to first-time homebuyers, individuals with lower credit scores, or those who can’t afford a large down payment.
Because the loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, lenders are more willing to offer favorable terms even to those who might not meet traditional lending criteria. Borrowers still work with private lenders, like Clear Mortgage, but the FHA provides a safety net that reduces risk for the lender.
One of the biggest advantages of an this loan is the low down payment. Buyers can qualify with 100% financing or as little as 3.5% down — a major benefit if you’re just starting to build your savings.
FHA loans are more forgiving when it comes to credit history. While conventional loans often require a credit score of 620 or higher, FHA loans may be available to borrowers with scores as low as 580. In some cases, even lower scores may be approved with a larger down payment.
Thanks to the backing of the federal government, FHA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to other loans available to borrowers with similar credit profiles
If you have other financial obligations — like student loans or car payments — FHA loans are often more flexible in terms of how much debt you can carry compared to your income.
FHA loans allow borrowers to use gift funds from family members or approved sources to cover down payment and closing costs, making the process even more accessible.
FHA loans are assumable, which means a qualified buyer can take over your mortgage if you decide to sell. This can be a strong selling point in a rising interest rate environment.
Ideal for:
If any of these scenarios apply to you, our team at Clear Mortgage can help you determine whether an FHA loan is your best path to homeownership.
To qualify, borrowers must meet several basic criteria:
A minimum credit score of 580 (or 550 with a 10% down payment)
Proof of steady income and employment history
A manageable debt-to-income ratio (typically below 55%)
The home must be a primary residence (not a second home or investment property)
The property must meet FHA appraisal and safety standards
This loans are subject to maximum loan limits, which vary by county. As of 2025, the loan limit in Harris County (including Houston) is $498,257 for a single-family home. Higher limits are available for multi-unit properties:
Our team can help you determine your eligibility and walk you through homes that fit within your loan limits
This loan are designed for a wide range of borrowers, especially those who might not qualify for conventional financing. You may be eligible if you have a credit score of at least 580, a steady source of income, and plan to live in the home as your primary residence. Even if your credit score is as low as 550, you might still qualify with a 10% down payment. At Clear Mortgage, we’ll review your financial profile and help determine if an loan is the right fit.
One of the biggest advantages of this loan is the low down payment requirement. Most borrowers only need 3.5% down to qualify or even 0% down. If you’re purchasing a $250,000 home, that means just $8,750 down. And the best part? FHA guidelines allow this amount to come from gift funds provided by family members or other approved sources, making homeownership more attainable.
This loans are intended for primary residences only, not for second homes or investment properties. However, you can use a loan to purchase a single-family home, a condo, or even a multi-unit property (up to four units) as long as you plan to live in one of the units. The home must also meet FHA appraisal and safety standards.
As of 2025, the loan limit in Harris County is $498,257 for a single-family home. If you’re buying a multi-unit property, the limits increase — for example, a duplex is capped at $637,950. These limits are set by the Federal Housing Administration and may change annually. Our team at Clear Mortgage will make sure you understand your options based on current guidelines.
Yes, loans require both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) and a monthly mortgage insurance payment (MIP). The upfront premium is usually 1.75% of the loan amount, and the monthly premium varies based on the loan terms and down payment. Unlike conventional loans, FHA mortgage insurance often stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance. We’ll break down these costs for you during the pre-approval process.
