Finance & Mortgages

    FHA Loan

    A mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that allows low down payments and requires mortgage insurance premiums.

    An FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. It helps buyers with smaller down payments or lower credit scores qualify, allowing a down payment as low as 3.5 percent for qualifying borrowers. Because the government insures the loan, the borrower pays mortgage insurance premiums.

    FHA charges an upfront mortgage insurance premium, which can be financed into the loan, plus an annual premium paid monthly.

    On the exam

    FHA is insured, not guaranteed. The low down payment and required mortgage insurance premiums are the signals.

    Exam trap

    Do not confuse FHA (insured) with VA (guaranteed). FHA serves general buyers; VA serves eligible veterans.

    Tested in

    Residential Mortgages (9% of the exam)

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    This definition is Florida real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.