FHA changes – The Real Estate Beat

A shout out to my friend and lender Christian Carr – NMLS #1466899 for posting this information I felt I should share here.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) updates its loan limits and the mechanics of its loan programs each year. For 2025, there are key changes that homebuyers—especially first-time and moderate-income borrowers—should be aware of.

FHA Loan Limits in 2025

• Single-family homes: Loan limits range from $524,225 in low-cost areas (floor limit) to $1,209,750 in high-cost counties (ceiling limit).

• Multi-unit properties:

◦ 2-unit: $671,200 – $1,548,975

◦ 3-unit: $811,275 – $1,872,225

◦ 4-unit: $1,008,300 – $2,326,875

• These limits are tied to median home prices and align with conforming loan ceilings set by the FHFA ($806,500 standard / $1,209,750 high-cost).

Why it matters: Higher limits allow FHA financing for more expensive homes without needing a jumbo mortgage.

FHA Repayment Terms & Refinancing Options

✅ Fixed Terms and Gradual Payment Options

• Standard FHA mortgages come with 15- and 30-year terms

• Graduated Payment Mortgages (GPMs) are also available, allowing payments to increase gradually (e.g., 2.5%–7.5% annually) during the first 5–10 years before leveling out en.wikipedia.org.

🔄FHA Refinance Programs (2025 Highlights)

FHA homeowners may refinance under four main options:

1 Simple Refinance – Switch from one FHA loan to another to lower rate or shorten term, requires appraisal.

2 Streamline Refinance – Less documentation, sometimes no appraisal or credit check, must show “net tangible benefit” and have made 6+ on-time payments.

3 Cash‑Out Refinance – Access up to 85% equity for any purpose; requires appraisal.

4 203(k) Rehab Refinance – Finance purchase or refinance plus home improvements; available for primary residences only.

What Buyers Should Know

• Loan limits expanded in 2025—check your county limits via the HUD lookup tool.

• Graduated Payment Mortgages can help match payments to growing incomes—especially useful for younger buyers.

• Streamline refinances are attractive for existing FHA homeowners: minimal paperwork, faster turnaround—but closing costs apply (~3–6%).

• Cash‑out and 203(k) options remain available, but careful consideration of equity use and repayment ability is essential.

Final Thoughts

If you’re shopping for a new home or refinancing in 2025, FHA’s expanded limits can open more opportunities. Whether you’re looking to lower your rate, tap into equity, or finance renovations, FHA offers versatile programs—but it’s important to choose based on your goals and ability to repay. To verify your specific county’s limit, visit the official HUD lookup tool . For details on repayment plan options, review FHA’s official policy handbook or speak to an FHA-approved lender.

I read this article HERE.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT UPCOMING CHANGES TO FHA LOANS

As you may know, unless Congress extends the expiration deadline, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits set in 2008 will drop significantly beginning October 1. Congress raised the loan limit amount in response to the housing crisis to help spur the homebuying market. FHA loans offer borrowers very competitive rates and terms, and they only require a 3.5% down payment. Allowable debt ratios are higher than the typical debt-ratio limits imposed for conventional loans, and there are no income limit qualifications, so more people can qualify for them.

If the loan limit drops on October 1, many California homebuyers will face higher down payments, higher mortgage rates and stricter loan qualification requirements. Borrowers seeking larger mortgages will have to apply for conventional loans or jumbo loans, which may be subject to higher interest rates and down payments. Here are four things you should know to help your clients now.

1. LOWER LOAN LIMITS. The conforming loan limit determines the maximum mortgage amount that FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy or guarantee. If your client wants to stay under the current loan limits, then encourage them to purchase now and close by September 30th.

2. DROPS BY COUNTY. Under the new FHA loan limits, some counties will see significant drops in their loan limits. San Diego County will experience a $151,250 drop, Sonoma County a $141,550 reduction, while Orange and Los Angeles Counties will drop by $104,250. To see a full, county-by-county list of changes, click here.

3. JUMBO LOANS. The current FHA loan limit is $729,750. After October 1, that limit may drop to $625,500. Mortgage loans higher than that amount will be considered non-conforming jumbo loans, which typically have rates that are 0.875% to 1.5% higher than conforming rates, depending on the loan product, and require higher down payments.

4. MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS. FHA loan requirements may allow for lower credit scores. So an applicant with a lower FICO score can still qualify for an FHA loan, even if they can’t for a conventional loan. Your clients may be able to obtain an FHA loan three years after defaulting or having a loan foreclosed.

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