A loan with certain restrictions that is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration
FHA mortgages are easier to qualify for since they require a very low down payment, usually about 3% of the loan amount, and offer low interest rates. The catch is you can only borrow up to a certain amount, and you have to pay both an up-front and monthly premium for insurance.
The insurance safeguards the lender in case you don’t repay the loan. The up-front cost, usually 2-3% of the loan amount, can be lumped onto the loan and paid off over time. To be eligible you must plan to live in the home that you purchase.
Mortgage definitions and Real Estate Terms, Consolidating loans, refinancing mortgages and reverse mortgage process available to anyone. This consumer information site contains several tools and guides to aid in purchasing or refinancing a home or commercial property.