By Steven Hyde, Founder, Hyde Funding · NMLS #391380. Reviewed 2027-01-04. Hyde Funding is a mortgage lender headquartered in San Diego, lending nationwide since 2015.
Short answer: An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. With a minimum decision credit score of 580 or higher, you can finance up to 96.5% (3.5% down). Scores from 500 to 579 are limited to 90% LTV (10% down). Borrowers pay an upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium, and 2026 loan limits range from $541,287 to $1,249,125 for one unit.
| FHA (2026) | |
|---|---|
| Min down, score 580+ | 3.5% (96.5% LTV) |
| Score 500–579 | 10% down (90% LTV) |
| Below 500 | Not eligible |
| Upfront MIP | 1.75% of base loan |
| Annual MIP (most loans, >95% LTV) | 0.55% |
| 2026 one-unit limits | $541,287 floor – $1,249,125 ceiling |
Sources: HUD ML 2026-11, ML 2023-05, ML 2025-23.
First-time buyers, buyers with modest savings, and buyers rebuilding credit. Hyde Funding welcomes every credit profile. If your credit needs significant work, we can refer you to a trusted credit repair partner.
Look up your county with HUD’s FHA mortgage limits tool.
If you’re VA-eligible, compare VA vs FHA. VA has no monthly mortgage insurance.
FHA allows a minimum decision credit score of 500 with 10% down, and 580 or higher for 3.5% down (HUD ML 2026-11).
Upfront MIP is 1.75% of the base loan, and annual MIP is 0.55% for most loans with less than 5% down at or below the national conforming limit.
$541,287 to $1,249,125 for a one-unit home, depending on county.
Talk to Steven: (858) 775-1005 · Free VA consultation · Apply now
Steven Hyde, NMLS #391380. Equal Housing Opportunity. Hyde Funding is not a government agency and is not affiliated with the VA. This is general information, not a loan commitment; terms depend on credit, income, property, and lender approval.