FHA Loan for a Second Home?

Reasons to Consider an FHA Loan for a Second Home

One reason to think about an FHA Loan for a second home is because you can put as little as 3.5% down. Contrast this to the requirement on a conventional loan that will require a minimum of 5% down on a 2nd home. This can be confusing because if you have already bought a home using a Conventional Loan you may have taken advantage of the 3% down payment requirement, however, this only applies to 1st time home buyers.

Meeting the Requirements

Many people think you cannot use an FHA Loan on a 2nd home because the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) makes it very clear that these mortgages are intended for primary residences only. In fact, they specifically state that one of the co-borrowers must occupy the home within 60 days of closing.

While this is true, it does not mean you cannot use an FHA Loan to purchase a 2nd home, however, you must intend to use it as your primary residence. Here are more requirements to purchasing an FHA loan.

It must be determined that:

• The second home is not going to be used as an investment property.
• The second home will not be used as a vacation home.
• The person does not own any other secondary residences.
• There is no suitable alternative to rent within 100 miles and it creates a “hardship”.
• The financed amount will be 85% or less of the value of the home.

Scenarios where you can use an FHA on a 2nd home purchase

Your First Home is Financed Through a Conventional Loan

Let’s say that you purchased your current home through a Conventional Loan. You decide to move to another state by choice (not because of your employer). For whatever reason you decide you do not want to sell your current home. Maybe you want to keep it as an investment property or maybe the market is not particularly strong.

When you start shopping for a home in your new location your first priority is to get pre-qualified. An FHA Loan will be an option because you do not currently have an FHA Loan and this current home is going to be your primary residence.

In this case the FHA Loan would be a great option for someone who wants to put down as little money as possible. Even though you already have a home you can put as little as 3.5% down. Because you are not a first time home buyer a Conventional Loan will require a minimum of 5% down.

You Are Relocating Because of Your Job

If you live in your home that was financed through an FHA Loan and you have to move due to your employment then an FHA Loan is a possibility for your new home. Even though this results in two FHA Loans, which is typically not allowed, because it is required by your employer it is available. 

You and Your Co-Borrower are Separating

Another common example is when a couple has purchased a home using an FHA Mortgage as co-borrowers and they decide to separate or get divorced. In this case the borrower who will not be living at the primary residence is able to apply for another FHA Loan as long as the other borrower continues to live at the primary residence.

More Exceptions

There are a few other exceptions to the FHA’s policy of not having two current FHA Loans.

• If a property does not meet the needs of a growing family and the LTV is less than or equal to 75%.
• If one of the co-borrowers will remain at the residence as their primary residence.

Consult with Qualified Mortgage Brokers

Many people are not aware they may qualify for an FHA loan for a second home. Which could lead to a lower down payment and other benefits of FHA mortgages. In every case you need to consult with an experienced mortgage broker that will help guide you. Brian Quigley’s mortgage team in Denver, Colorado has been helping home shoppers navigate the mortgage industry since 2003. They have the knowledge and experience to get you into a home loan that is best for your unique situation. If you need help or have questions regarding FHA Loans please contact us anytime.