In short
An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage with more flexible credit and qualifying requirements. With Strategic Mortgage, it starts with a 520 or better credit score. It's for buyers with imperfect credit or a smaller down payment, and paired with eligible assistance it may require little or nothing out of pocket for the down payment.
Reviewed by Ron Pippin, NMLS #218333 · Last updated October 21, 2026
Is an FHA loan right for me?
It may be if your credit isn't perfect or your down payment is limited. With me, FHA financing starts with a 520 or better credit score, and it offers more flexible credit and qualifying requirements than many other loans. It comes with a low down payment, and paired with eligible down payment assistance, you may be able to bring little or nothing out of your pocket for the down payment. FHA loans include mortgage insurance, so I compare the full cost against conventional and other options before I recommend it.
Key takeaways
A smaller down payment or imperfect credit doesn't automatically rule you out. FHA loans offer more flexible credit and qualifying requirements, and knowing the guidelines can change the outcome. I look at how your income, debts and circumstances fit FHA, then compare it with your other options across multiple lenders. You get a recommendation based on the full cost and your situation, not just what's easiest to sell.
A Closer Look at FHA in Ogden, UT
If your credit has a few bumps or your savings are thin, you may have heard that buying has to wait. Not always. FHA loans were built with more flexible credit and qualifying requirements, and with me they start at a 520 or better credit score.
But the real difference is in the details. Knowing the guidelines can change the outcome. That's where I come in.
How FHA Can Help
Here's what makes FHA worth a look:
- Flexible credit. FHA financing starts with a 520 or better credit score.
- Flexible qualifying. How your income, debts and circumstances are reviewed can leave more room than some other loans.
- Low down payment. Paired with eligible down payment assistance, you may be able to bring little or nothing out of your pocket for the down payment.
- A home you live in. FHA is for buying a home you'll live in as your primary residence.
The Trade-Off: Mortgage Insurance
FHA loans include mortgage insurance. That's part of what makes the flexible guidelines possible, and it's part of your monthly cost. I'll tell you the difference between FHA mortgage insurance and the mortgage insurance on a conventional loan, and how each could affect you over time.
This is why I don't recommend FHA just because it's easier to qualify. We look at the full cost: upfront costs, the monthly payment with mortgage insurance, and how long you plan to keep the loan. Sometimes FHA wins. Sometimes conventional does. I'll show you both.
FHA and Down Payment Assistance
If the down payment is what's holding you back, FHA can be paired with eligible assistance. I check programs like Own in Ogden, Utah Housing, Settlers Fund and Home Empowered. Own in Ogden is for eligible buyers purchasing a primary residence within Ogden City.
Assistance programs generally start at a 620 credit score and each has its own eligibility rules, funding and repayment terms. I'll walk you through how the assistance and the FHA loan work together before you commit.
How I Look at Your File
The reason why I'm asking about your income, debts and history up front is that FHA comes down to how everything fits together. Here's what we go over:
- Your credit and any past issues that need explaining
- How your income is counted
- Your monthly debts and how they affect qualifying
- What you have for closing costs and a cushion afterward
- The full estimated payment, including taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance and any HOA dues
Different lenders can look at the same borrower and come back with different answers. As an independent broker, I compare offers from multiple lenders. If one lender won't work with your situation, there's somewhere else to look.
As for rates: Your rate depends on your scenario and the day's market. Reach out and I'll price it for real.
A Payment You Can Live With
What payment will work for you? Not the most a lender will approve. The one that leaves room for repairs, changing expenses and the things you enjoy. If the numbers feel too tight, we'll talk about what needs to change before you commit. And if FHA doesn't make sense for you, I'll tell you.
Let's Run Some Numbers Together
You've got my number. Call or text me with your questions, even if you think your credit rules you out. We'll take a closer look and see what we can do.
Everything on this page is a general, illustrative example. It is not an offer or a commitment to lend, and it does not reflect current interest rates or guaranteed terms. Programs, eligibility rules and funding change, so call or text me for current details on your situation.
Quick facts
- Loan type
- Government-insured (FHA)
- Credit score
- 520 or better
- Down payment
- Low; possibly little or nothing out of pocket with eligible assistance
- Mortgage insurance
- Required
- Occupancy
- Primary residence
Is this loan right for you?
Who it's for
- Buyers with a credit score of 520 or better who need more flexible credit guidelines
- Buyers with a limited down payment, especially if eligible for assistance
- Buyers whose income or debts need a closer look to qualify
- Buyers purchasing a home they'll live in as their primary residence
Who it may not fit
- Buyers purchasing an investment property they won't live in
- Buyers with strong credit and savings who may come out ahead with conventional after comparing full costs
Pros and cons
Pros
- Starts with a 520 or better credit score
- More flexible credit and qualifying requirements
- Low down payment, and can be paired with eligible down payment assistance
- Compared across multiple lenders, since answers can differ
Trade-offs to weigh
- Includes mortgage insurance, which adds to the monthly cost
- For a primary residence only
Frequently asked questions
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?
With me, FHA financing starts with a 520 or better credit score. Your score is one piece. I also look at your income, debts and circumstances, because how they fit the guidelines can change the outcome.
How much do I need for a down payment on an FHA loan?
FHA has a low down payment. Paired with eligible down payment assistance, you may be able to bring little or nothing out of your pocket for the down payment. You'll still have closing costs, and I'll show you the full picture before you commit.
Does an FHA loan have mortgage insurance?
Yes. FHA loans include mortgage insurance, and it's part of your monthly cost. I'll tell you the difference between FHA and conventional mortgage insurance and which one makes more sense for your plans.
Should I choose FHA or conventional?
It depends on your credit, down payment and how long you'll keep the loan. I run both and compare the full cost, including mortgage insurance and upfront costs. Then I explain why I recommend one and what you give up or gain.
Another lender turned me down for FHA. Can you help?
Maybe. Different lenders can look at the same borrower and come back with different answers. As an independent broker, I compare multiple lenders. Call or text me and let's see what we can do.
Related loan programs
Before you rule yourself out, let's run some numbers together. Strategic Mortgage compares multiple lenders and checks down payment assistance before you start shopping.
I help eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses use their VA benefit with a clear look at entitlement, funding fees, closing costs and the full payment.
You don't have to buy a farm. I check the property's eligibility and review the household-income rules carefully, so you aren't counted out by mistake.
Last updated October 21, 2026 · Reviewed by Ron Pippin, NMLS #218333. This page is educational and not a commitment to lend; program details change — ask for current figures.