Loan Programs

FHA Mortgage Loans

FHA Home Loans for California Buyers

A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage is a government-insured home loan designed to help qualified buyers purchase a primary residence with a lower down payment and more flexible credit guidelines than many conventional loans.

Depending on the borrower and transaction, FHA financing may offer:

Down payments as low as 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher
More flexible credit and underwriting guidelines
Financing for eligible home purchases and certain refinance transactions
Options for primary residences, including some condominiums and manufactured homes that meet FHA standards

Matt Roth helps borrowers throughout California, including San Diego County, La Mesa, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley, understand whether an FHA loan fits their goals and how current guidelines may apply to their situation.

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How FHA Mortgage Qualification Works

FHA approval is based on the full file, not a single number. Depending on the loan and property, the lender may review:

Credit history (often 580+ for the 3.5% down payment option; lower scores may require a larger down payment)
Income and employment
Existing debts and monthly obligations
Assets and funds for down payment and closing costs
Property eligibility and an FHA appraisal
Occupancy as a primary residence
County loan limits that cap how much you can borrow with FHA financing
Other applicable underwriting guidelines

FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). That typically includes an upfront MIP and an annual MIP paid in monthly installments. MIP protects the lender and is part of what allows FHA to offer lower down payments and flexible credit standards.

Because guidelines and county loan limits can change, Matt can help explain current requirements, estimate cash needed to close, and outline what documentation you may need.

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FHA Financing With California Real Estate Experience

An FHA loan can be a strong option for many California buyers, especially first-time buyers and anyone who wants to keep more cash on hand after closing. The mortgage still needs to fit the larger real estate transaction.

Matt can help borrowers consider issues such as:

Purchase offer strategy
Property and condo eligibility for FHA financing
Appraisal timing and repair requirements
Contract deadlines
Loan documentation
Closing coordination
Refinance options when appropriate

As a California Mortgage Loan Broker, California Real Estate Broker, and Rocket Pro Partner, Matt Roth brings mortgage expertise together with nearly three decades of California real estate experience.

He has been a California Real Estate Broker since 1993, giving him additional perspective on how financing, contracts, appraisals, escrow, and closing fit together.

Whether you are buying in San Diego County, La Mesa, Los Angeles, Orange County, the Coachella Valley, or elsewhere in California, Matt can help you evaluate whether FHA financing is appropriate for your situation.

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Check out what your monthly payment could be by using our FHA Mortgage Calculator…

Our mortgage calculators are for demonstration purposes only and may not reflect actual numbers for your specific mortgage. Contact us and we will walk you through the best possible mortgage scenario for your specific needs!

Loan Type

Purchase Loan
Interest Rate Reduction Refinance
Cash Out Refinance

Current Mortgage Balance

$50,000 $2 Million

Cash Out

$0 $1 Million

Purchase Price Home Value

$50,000 $2 Million

Down Payment

0% 80%

Loan Term

10 year fixed 15 year fixed 20 year fixed 30 year fixed

Interest Rate

0% 20%

Credit Score

Excellent 720+ Good 680 - 719 Fair 640 - 679 Poor below 640

Advanced (optional)

Include Upfront MIP in loan?

Include Taxes & Insurance?

Annual Property Tax

0% 5%

Annual Homeowners Insurance

0% 15%

HOA Dues

$ /month

Input Details

Principal & Interest (P&I)

MIP

Taxes & HOA

Homeowners Insurance

Loan Totals:

Purchase Price Home Value $

- Down Payment $

Current Mortgage Balance $

+ Cash Out $

+ Upfront MIP $

Total Loan Amount New Loan Amount $

Home Equity After Cash Out $

Other Costs:

Upfront MIP $

Estimated Taxes & Insurance Property taxes are generally estimated to be 1.2% of the home's value, but may vary based on your location. Annual homeowners insurance is roughly 0.35% of the home's value but can change based on insurer. Your loan specialist can help you determine property tax and insurance rates in your area.

Annual MIP The Annual MIP ranges from 0.15% to 0.75% depending on loan term, loan amount and down payment. However, for most FHA borrowers, the Annual MIP is 0.75% of the loan amount. The Annual MIP can last for the life of the loan, or be removed after 11 years if the original down payment is 10% or more.

Upfront MIP The Upfront MIP, sometimes referred to as the FHA funding fee, is 1.75% of the loan amount. This fee is due at closing and is typically financed into the entire loan amount to reduce out of pocket costs.

Amount Financed Purchase Price (-) Down Payment (+) Upfront MIP

Save & Email Results

Calculated on November 12, 2026 using the FHA Mortgage Calculator (https://mattrothmortgage.com/loan-programs/fha/).

Estimated Payment $ /mo

Loan amount

Down payment

Cash Out

Home Equity After Cashout

Interest rate

Loan term

Taxes & insurance included?

Property tax

Homeowner's insurance

Upfront MIP

Annual MIP rate

Monthly MIP

HOA dues

Payment Breakdown

Amortization

Principal vs. Interest

Amortization Schedule Breakdown

Our detailed amortization schedule breaks down your mortgage payments, showing how they are split between interest and principal over the life of your loan. Note: The actual monthly payment may be higher than what is shown here, as this schedule does not account for variable costs such as property taxes and home insurance, which are often included in your total mortgage payment.

Principal payments: $$240,000 (the amount borrowed)
Interest payments: $$297,554 (the cost of borrowing)

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No matter what your situation is, there is a home financing solution for you. We are ready to guide you through your options and get you the best deal possible!

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Let's talk about your next move.

Buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Work directly with Matt Roth to find a financing path that fits your goals.

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DRE #01153470 – Real Estate Broker CA
NMLS #1986483 – Individual
NMLS #2102875 – Company

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mattroth@mattrothestates.com

9535 White Place, La Mesa, CA 91942

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Neither mortgage company nor website company shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.

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