FHA Loans
Low down payment and flexible credit — a popular first-home path.
5 senior bankers · 47 statesSee how FHA fits your actual scenario.
Guidelines are useful. A senior banker can show you where the flexibility is, what the tradeoffs cost, and what needs to be true for the loan to close.
What is a FHA loan?
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages with low down payments and flexible credit requirements, making them a common path for first-time and lower-down-payment buyers.
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans exist to make homeownership reachable: down payments as low as 3.5%, more forgiving credit guidelines, and the ability to use gift funds or a co-borrower. They're not just for first-time buyers — anyone who fits the guidelines can use one.
Where we do FHA loans
The team is licensed in 47 states, so wherever you're buying, the odds are good we can help. Every option is backed by in-house underwriting and fast closes.
The Chad Baker Team helps buyers and investors structure FHA financing with in-house underwriting and fast closes. Whether it's your first home or your next rental, we'll map the numbers with you before you commit.
What you’ll typically need
- Typically 3.5% down with qualifying credit — gift funds are allowed
- Steady, documentable income (W-2 or self-employed)
- The home must be your primary residence and meet FHA appraisal standards
- Mortgage insurance (MIP) applies — we'll show you the true monthly cost up front
Every scenario is different — these are typical guidelines, not a commitment to lend. The fastest way to know where you stand is a quick conversation.
Why a FHA loan?
As little as 3.5% down
Get into a home without a 20% down payment — and gift funds from family can help cover it.
Flexible credit guidelines
FHA is more forgiving of thinner credit files and past bumps than conventional loans.
Guidance from first call to keys
First home? We walk you through every step in plain English and keep you ahead of every deadline.
FHA loans, start to finish
Get pre-approved
A quick conversation and a few documents — we'll confirm your budget and issue a pre-approval letter, often within about 24 hours.
Shop with confidence
Offer on homes knowing your financing is solid — listing agents take a strong lender letter seriously.
Appraisal & underwriting
The home is appraised to FHA standards while we finalize your file. We handle the moving pieces.
Close & move in
Sign, fund, get the keys. Our average close is 18 days — faster than most expect.
FHA loan questions, answered
Is FHA only for first-time buyers?
No — that's a common myth. FHA is popular with first-time buyers because of the low down payment, but anyone who meets the guidelines and will live in the home can use it.
Can my down payment be a gift?
Yes, commonly — gift funds from family are allowed when documented properly. We'll tell you exactly what the gift letter needs to say.
What credit score do I need?
FHA guidelines are more flexible than conventional ones, and requirements vary by scenario. If your credit has bumps, talk to us before assuming you won't qualify.
What is FHA mortgage insurance?
FHA loans carry a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) — an upfront portion and a monthly portion. It's the trade for the low down payment, and refinancing later can be a path off of it. We price it into your quote so there are no surprises.
Built on referrals
A 4.94★ average across 333 verified reviews on Experience.com, Zillow, and Google. A sample below.
Working with Chad was one of the best decisions I made during my home-buying process. He was patient, knowledgeable, and extremely thorough — always ahead of every deadline, keeping me updated and making sure I understood all my options without ever feeling pressured.
Homebuyer
Very easy to work with. Chad and his team were on the ball and walked me through everything, explaining it the whole way. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
Oregon City, OR
Wonderful experience. Chad and his team are the best.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
FHA location guidance
Program availability and terms can vary by property and state. Tell us where you’re buying and we’ll confirm the current fit.
As a user of this system, you agree to all Scout Terms & Conditions and Home & Mortgage Conditions.
Let’s structure your FHA loan.
Share the property, the income story, or the part you are unsure about. We’ll give you a clear next step.
Prefer to talk now? Call or text Chad: 858-353-8331.