Louisiana FHA Loans –  Requirements and Loan Limits for 2023 – Louisiana FHA Lenders

louisiana fha lenders

Louisiana home buyers who need a small down payment or have poor credit scores may be able to purchase a home with a Louisiana FHA loan. There are many FHA lenders in Louisiana who offer FHA loans, but not all of them participate in all of the FHA loan options available.

We will take you through the Louisiana FHA loan requirements, detail what is needed to qualify, then help you to get pre-qualified. If you already know that an FHA loan is right for you, then click to connect with a Louisiana FHA lender whether you live in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, or anywhere else.

Louisiana FHA Down Payment Requirements

The down payment requirements for an FHA loan is the same in every state. The minimum requirement for an FHA loan is 3.5% of the purchase price. However, if your credit score is below 580, then the down payment requirement will be 10%.

If you do not have the down payment needed, you can also use gift funds from a relative.

Louisiana FHA Down Payment Assistance

There are various down payment assistance programs in every state. Below is a list of just a few down payment assistance programs that may be available to you in Louisiana. Home buyers will need to contact, and arrange for these programs independently. Lenders will accept the funds from these programs for your down payment but they will not arrange for the down payment assistance.

Southern Mortgage Assistance Program

Louisiana Housing GNMA Program

Home Buyer Assistance Program

Shreveport Home Buyer Assistance

Kenner Home Buyer Assistance

New Orleans Home Buyer Assistance

Louisiana FHA Loan Requirements for 2023

These are the basic FHA loan requirements for this year. All of these must be met to be approved for an FHA loan. If you are not positive on whether you meet these standards or have questions, an FHA lender can help.

  • Down payment of 3.5% or 10% if your credit score is below 580
  • 2-year employment history with some exceptions allowed
  • Fully document your income for the past two years
  • Minimum FICO score requirement of 500 – down payment will vary
  • Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) is required for every FHA loan
  • Maximum debt to income ratio of 43% with exceptions up to 56%
  • The home must be your primary residence
  • No bankruptcies or foreclosures in the past two years

Louisiana FHA Loan Benefits

These are the benefits of an FHA loan versus a conventional loan:

  • Lower credit scores permitted
  • Lower down payment requirement
  • FHA interest rates are lower than conventional rates
  • Gift funds allowed
  • Seller closing cost contributions are allowed
  • FHA loans are assumable
  • Co-signers allowed
  • Higher debt to income ratios permitted

Top Louisiana FHA lenders

These lenders are just a few options for you to consider. Please note that each lender is different and it is possible that none of these options are best for you depending upon your scenario.

  1. Carrington Mortgage Services
  2. Bank of England Louisiana
  3. Flagstar Bank
  4. Home Point Financial
  5. Red River Bank

Let us help you to find the best FHA lender in your area by completing this FHA loan scenario form with some basic loan scenario information. No credit report will be pulled and we can connect you with the best option.

Louisiana FHA Loan Limits

Every county in the United States has specific maximum loan limits that are set for single family homes, as well as 2-4 unit properties. The limits are set based upon the average home sales value in that county. The base FHA loan limit for single family residences in Louisiana for most counties is $420,680. Use this FHA loan limit lookup tool to see what the FHA loan limits are in your county.

County Name Single Family 2 Units 3 Units 4 Units
ACADIA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ALLEN  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ASCENSION  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ASSUMPTION  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
AVOYELLES  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
BEAUREGARD  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
BIENVILLE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
BOSSIER  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CADDO  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CALCASIEU  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CALDWELL  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CAMERON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CATAHOULA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CLAIBORNE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
CONCORDIA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
DE SOTO  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
EAST BATON ROUG  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
EAST CARROLL  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
EAST FELICIANA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
EVANGELINE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
FRANKLIN  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
GRANT  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
IBERIA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
IBERVILLE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
JACKSON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
JEFFERSON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
JEFFERSON DAVIS  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
LAFAYETTE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
LAFOURCHE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
LASALLE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
LINCOLN  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
LIVINGSTON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
MADISON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
MOREHOUSE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
NATCHITOCHES  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ORLEANS  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
OUACHITA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
PLAQUEMINES  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
POINTE COUPEE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
RAPIDES  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
RED RIVER  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
RICHLAND  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
SABINE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. BERNARD  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. CHARLES  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. HELENA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. JAMES  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. JOHN THE BA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. LANDRY  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. MARTIN  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. MARY  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
ST. TAMMANY  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
TANGIPAHOA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
TENSAS  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
TERREBONNE  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
UNION  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
VERMILION  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
VERNON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
WASHINGTON  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
WEBSTER  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
WEST BATON ROUG  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
WEST CARROLL  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
WEST FELICIANA  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900
WINN  $472,030  $604,400  $730,525  $907,900

 

FHA 203k Loans in Louisiana

FHA 203k loans are a great program which will allow you to borrow the money needed to purchase the home plus additional funds needed to rehabilitate or remodel the home. This program is also available in your state and we work with lenders that help with your FHA 203k loan.

If you would like to fully understand how this program works, we suggest reading our article on FHA 203k loans.

FHA Streamline Refinance in Louisiana

The FHA streamline refinance program is available to existing homeowners who would like to refinance for a lower rate while eliminating some of the refinance costs such as an appraisal. You may also get a discount on the mortgage insurance premium which is another advantage.

For more information, please read our article on the FHA streamline refinance.

Louisiana FHA Loan Pre-Approval Process

If you are looking for an FHA loan, there is an optimal process you should follow to get pre-approved.

  1. The first step is to make sure you have the minimum down payment needed to qualify
  2. check your credit and try to cleanup anything that is pulling down your scores
  3. Get a copy of your tax returns for the past two years
  4. Get copies of your pay stubs for the past month
  5. Get copies of your last two months’ bank statements
  6. Speak to an FHA lender about your loan scenario

Speak to a lender early in the process because they can identify opportunities to help with your FHA approval. This should be done months before you start looking for a home. Read more about how to get pre-approved for an FHA loan.

What to Look for in an FHA Lender

We take a few things into consideration when looking at which Louisiana FHA lenders we work with. Some of these also may be, or should be very important to you as you continue shopping for an FHA loan.

A good FHA lender will:

  • Allow for credit scores as low as 500
  • Provide FHA 203k loans
  • Offer competitive rates and fees
  • Have a great processing and underwriting team
  • Work closely with you throughout the loan process
  • Communicate well and will provide you with updates along the way

Louisiana FHA Loan Calculator

FHA Calculator
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Interest Rate
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Insurance
Credit Score Above 580
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Frequently Asked FHA Questions

Can I get an FHA loan with a bankruptcy?
In general, you will need to wait two years before applying for an FHA loan after a bankruptcy. However, there are some exceptions which may allow you to apply sooner. Read our article on the bankruptcy waiting period.

Are all FHA lenders the same?
Not all lenders who offer FHA loans are the same. They all do not offer all of the FHA programs and their rates and fees may also vary. Most importantly, the individuals who help to process and underwrite your loan will have a huge impact on your FHA loan experience.

Can I use gift funds for an FHA loan?
FHA loans do allow for gift funds to cover your down payment as well as your closing costs. The gift funds must come from a relative or a close friend as approved by the lender. You will need to provide the lender with a gift letter that is signed by the donor.

Do I need an appraisal for an FHA loan?
The FHA does require an appraisal and inspection before your loan can be approved. The FHA inspection has clear guidelines on what needs to be repaired before your loan can close. They want to make sure home buyers are moving into a home that is safe and operational.

Can I get an FHA loan for an investment property?
FHA loans are for primary residences only and if your goal is to purchase an investment property, you cannot use FHA insured financing for that purchase. However, if you are currently living in a home that is financed with an FHA loan, you can move to a new home and keep the current home as an investment.

We have FHA lenders who can help with your FHA loan in these states:  Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming