What can stop me from getting an FHA loan?
An FHA loan can be declined because of credit problems, debts that are too high for the file, income or funds that cannot be documented, or a home that does not meet program requirements. I first check whether the obstacle comes from FHA rules, that lender's extra rules, or something we can resolve.
What this actually means.
Borrower-side stoppers: credit (recent late payments hurt more than the score itself, fresh collections, recent bankruptcy or foreclosure inside FHA's seasoning window), income (gaps, brand-new self-employment, declining trends), DTI without strong reserves or compensating factors, large deposits without documentation, assets that aren't seasoned. Property-side stoppers: FHA appraisal flags MPR violations the seller won't repair, the appraised value comes in below contract price and the seller won't renegotiate, the property is a condo on a project not approved by FHA, the property type isn't FHA-eligible, or the loan amount exceeds the county FHA limit. Program-side stoppers: ineligible occupancy intent (investment property, second home), unresolved 90-day flip rule issues, identity-of-interest concerns. Lender-side stoppers: overlays above FHA's rules. Subject to FHA/HUD guidelines and lender overlays.
What this looks like on a real file.
Where this can move.
Income type, employment history, debt ratio, reserves, automated underwriting findings, and lender overlays can change the answer.
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Educational only. FHA guidelines, lender overlays, rates, fees, and underwriting requirements can change. Final eligibility depends on full underwriting review. Mortgage Expert, Inc. is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, or any government agency.