The main difference between a FHA Loan and a Conventional Home Loan is that a FHA loan requires a lower down payment, and the credit qualifying criteria for a borrower is not as strict. This allows those without a credit history, or with minor credit problems to buy a home. FHA requires a reasonable explanation of any derogatory items, but will use common sense credit underwriting. Some borrowers, with extenuating circumstances surrounding bankruptcy discharged 3-years ago, can work around past credit problems. However, conventional financing relies heavily upon credit scoring, a rating given by a credit bureau such as Experian, Trans-Union or Equifax. If your score is below the minimum standard, you may not qualify.

Yes, generally a bankruptcy won’t preclude a borrower from obtaining a FHA Loan. Ideally, a borrower should have re-established their credit with a minimum of two credit accounts such as a car loan, or credit card. Then wait two years since the discharge of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, or have a minimum of one year of repayment for a Chapter 13 (the borrower must seek the permission of the courts). Also, the borrower should not have any credit issues like late payments, collections, or credit charge-offs since the bankruptcy. Special exceptions can be made if a borrower has suffered through extenuating circumstances like surviving a serious medical condition, and had to declare bankruptcy because the high medical bills couldn't be paid.

Your loan approval depends 100% on the documentation that you provide at the time of application. You will need to give accurate information on:

Employment

• Complete Income Tax Returns for past 2-years
• W-2 & 1099 Statements for past 2-years
• Pay-Check Stubs for past 2-months
• Self-Employed Income Tax Returns and YTD Profit & Loss Statements for past 3-years for self-employed borrowers

Savings

• Complete bank statements for all accounts for past 3-months
• Recent account statements for retirement, 401k, Mutual Funds, Money Market, Stocks, etc.

Credit

• Recent bills & statements indicating account numbers and minimum payments
• Landlord's name, address, telephone number, or 12- months cancelled rent checks
• Recent utility bills to supplement thin credit
• Bankruptcy & Discharge Papers if applicable
• 12-months cancelled checks written by someone you co-signed for to get a mortgage, car, or credit card, this indicates that you are not the one making the payments.

Personal

• Drivers License
• Social Security Card
• Any Divorce, Palimony or Alimony or Child Support papers
• Green Card or Work Permit if applicable
• Any homeownership papers

Refinancing or Own Rental Property

• Note & Deed from any Current Loan
• Property Tax Bill
• Hazard Homeowners Insurance Policy
• A Payment Coupon for Current Mortgage
• Rental Agreements for a Multi-Unit Property

Your monthly costs should not exceed 29% of your gross monthly income for a FHA Loan. Total housing costs often lumped together are referred to as PITI.

P = Principal

I = Interest

T = Taxes

I = Insurance

Examples:

Monthly Income x .29 = Maximum PITI
$3,000 x .29 = $870 Maximum PITI

Your total monthly costs, or debt to income (DTI) adding PITI and long-term debt like car loans or credit cards, should not exceed 41% of your gross monthly income.

Monthly Income x .41 = Maximum Total Monthly Costs
$3,000 x .41 = $1230
$1,230 total - $870 PITI = $360 Allowed for Monthly Long Term Debt

FHA Loan ratios are more lenient than a typical conventional loan.

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) contains information regarding the settlement or closing costs you are likely to face. Within 3-days from the time of your mortgage application, your lender is required to provide you a "good faith estimate of settlement costs" (GFE) based on their understanding of your purchase contract. This estimate will indicate how much cash you will need at closing to cover prorated taxes, first month's interest, and other settlement costs.

RESPA requires lenders to give you an information booklet about settlement costs, written by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development which address how to negotiate a sales contract, ways to work with professionals like attorneys, real estate agents, lenders, etc, and your given rights as a home buyer. It gives an example of the Uniform Settlement Statement used at your closing. You are entitled to see a copy of the statement 1-business day prior to closing indicating your final costs.