Income is a critical factor in qualifying for an FHA loan.
It affects your eligibility and is a projection of your ability to repay the loan. So, it’s understandable that lenders pay particular attention to this during the loan process.
To give you a better chance of qualifying for an FHA loan, we’ll dive into the FHA income requirements in this blog post. We discuss what are the income requirements for an FHA loan, how it is calculated, and what factors lenders consider.
Grab your note and pen, and scroll on once you’re ready!
What is the Income Limit for FHA Loan?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) does not set a specific income limit to qualify for an FHA loan. Instead, it requires that you meet certain debt-to-income (DTI) ratio guidelines that determine how much of your monthly income can go toward paying off debt.
The DTI ratio takes into account all of your recurring debts, such as credit card payments, car loans, and student loans, as well as your projected mortgage payment.
While there is no specific income limit for FHA loans, the loan amount you qualify for will be based on your income and the local housing market. The FHA sets max loan limits for each county in the US, which vary based on the area’s housing cost.
What is the Minimum Income for FHA Loan?
There is no set limit or minimum income requirement for FHA loans.
Again, the FHA lender will look at your DTI (debt-to-income) ratio to determine if you can afford to settle your mortgage payments. The maximum DTI ratio for FHA loans is 43%.
DTI ratio is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Some lenders may be willing to accept a higher DTI ratio than the recommended limit if you can compensate with factors such as a higher credit rating, a steady employment history, or substantial cash reserves.
In addition to the DTI ratio, lenders will also look at your
- Credit rating
- Employment history
- Overall financial situation
Note that while there is no minimum income requirement for FHA loans, you’ll still need to prove that you have a steady and reliable source of income to qualify. Even for refinancing and FHA 203k loan options.
How Do Lenders Verify Income for FHA Loans?
It’s crucial for lenders to verify income for an FHA loan, even though they are a government-backed mortgage. You will not lend money to anyone who cannot pay you back, and it’s the same for these lenders.
Here are some ways lenders will verify your income:
- Employment history: Lenders may also consider your employment history when evaluating your income. You may need to provide additional documents to prove your stable employment history if you have recently swapped jobs.
- Employment proof: Lenders typically ask for employment verification via pay stubs, W-2 forms, and tax returns. They will use this information to confirm your income and employment status.
- Rental income proof: If you plan to rent out a portion of the home you’re buying, lenders may require documents such as a lease agreement and proof of rental income.
- Self-employed income proof: Lenders may require additional documents like bank statements and business tax returns if you’re self-employed.
- Proof of other income sources: Lenders may also consider other sources of income, such as alimony, child support, or disability payments. They may require documents such as court orders or benefit statements to validate these income sources.
Reach out if you are looking to finance a home in any of our service areas, but are unsure about your income. We’ll be more than happy to tailor a solution for your unique needs.
What Happens If I Don’t Meet the Income Requirements for an FHA Loan?
The income requirement, which is morphed into the DIT ratio, is a core component of the FHA eligibility criteria. While it may not lead to a complete disqualification, it can have adverse effects on your loan process and outcome.
Here are some of the effects:
- Higher interest rates: If your income is below the requirements, the lender may still approve your loan but at a higher interest rate. This is because the lender is taking on more risk by lending to someone with a lower income. A higher interest rate means you will pay more over the life of the loan.
- Loan denial: If your income is below the FHA loan requirement, your application may be denied. Lenders are required to determine if you have sufficient income to repay the loan, and if they find that you don’t, they may not approve your loan.
- Lower loan amount: If your income is insufficient to qualify for the loan amount you want, you may qualify for a smaller loan amount. You may need to look for a less expensive home or make a larger down payment to reduce the loan amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any exceptions to the income requirements for FHA loans?
Yes, there are exceptions to the income requirements for FHA loans, including:
- Boarder income: If you have boarders who live with you and pay rent, you can use that rental income to qualify for an FHA loan. However, the lender must verify that your income is stable and will continue for at least three years.
- Non-occupying co-borrower: If you have a co-borrower who will not be living in the property but will be on the loan, their income can help you qualify for an FHA loan.
- Seasonal income: If you have seasonal income, such as from a part-time job during the summer months, your lender can use that income to qualify you for an FHA loan.
Can I qualify for an FHA loan if I am self-employed?
Yes, qualifying for an FHA loan is possible if you are self-employed. However, the process can be a bit more complicated than if you are a typical W-2 employee.
Here are some of the requirements for self-employed people looking to apply for an FHA loan:
- Credit rating
- DTI (debt-to-income) ratio
- Stability of income
Can I use my spouse’s income to qualify for an FHA loan?
Yes, you can use your spouse’s income to qualify for an FHA loan. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when doing this, including:
- Your spouse’s credit rating will be taken into account: If your spouse has a low credit rating, it could negatively impact your ability to qualify for a loan.
- Your spouse must be a co-borrower: To use your spouse’s income to qualify for an FHA loan, they must be responsible for repaying the loan alongside you.
- Your spouse must provide proof of income: Just like you, your spouse must provide proof of their income via pay stubs and tax returns.
Can I use rental income to qualify for an FHA loan?
Yes, you can use rental income to qualify for an FHA loan, but there are certain qualification requirements that you need to meet, including:
- Property requirements: The property must meet FHA safety, soundness, and security standards. It must also have enough units to supplement your income.
- Rental income documents: You must provide documents that prove your rental income. This includes bank statements, rent checks, and signed leases.
- Rental income history: You must have a two-year history of receiving rental income, which should be reflected on your tax returns.
How do lenders verify my income for an FHA loan?
Here are some common ways that lenders verify income for an FHA loan:
- Bank statements
- Employment verification
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- W-2 forms
Your Income, Your Choice
If you’re confident that regardless of your income, you can fulfill your FHA loan, then take that step. The FHA DTI requirement is flexible and most often depends on your lender.
Most lenders take other requirements, including credit rating and your ability to pay a higher down payment in regard when evaluating your income.
If you’ve got questions, then contact us. We’re only available to help you on your journey to homeownership.
