FHA Home Loan Tampa — Low Credit, Low Down Payment with Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions
Flexible home loans for first-time buyers, families, and Tampa homeowners — with low down payment options and competitive FHA refinance rates. 3.5% down payment options available.
Credit scores starting at 500
Low down payment options
Local Tampa FHA experts
Why Choose an FHA Loan in Tampa?
Key Benefits of FHA Loans in Tampa:
Low Down Payment
Only 3.5% down (with 580+ credit score)
Flexible Credit Requirements
Credit scores as low as 500 accepted (with 10% down)
Seller Contributions Allowed
Sellers can help cover closing costs
Gift Fund Friendly
Use gift funds to finance your down payment and closing costs
Local FHA Expertis
Local Tampa FHA expertise through approved lenders
Case-by-Case Flexibility
Approved for borrowers with past forbearance, 401(k) assets, or recent employment changes (case-by-case)
What Our Tampa FHA Clients Say
Why Work With Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions?
Proven Results
2,000+ successful closings across Florida—and counting
Tampa FHA Specialists
Local FHA loan experts who know the Tampa market inside and out
Quick Pre-Approvals
Fast FHA pre approval—often same-day
Great Rates, No Surprises
Competitive FHA interest rates with no hidden fees
Personalized Service
One-on-one service—no call centers, no runaround
More Lender Options
Access to multiple FHA mortgage lenders
FHA Loan Requirements
Minimum 580 Credit Score
Credit score 580 or higher for a 3.5% down payment
Credit Flexibility Down to 500
Credit score 500 or higher accepted with 10% down payment
Primary Residence Only
The home must be your primary residence
Manageable Debt-to-Income Ratio
Debt-to-income ratio ideally 43% or less, though higher percentages may be approved with compensating factors like strong employment history or significant home equity.
Stable Income Verification
Stable income documentation (pay stubs, W-2s, or self-employment records)
FHA Appraisal Required
FHA appraisal required to ensure property meets guidelines
FHA Loan Process in Tampa
Speak to a Tampa FHA Loan Expert
Connect with a local specialist who understands your unique situation and goals.
Prequalification
Get Pre-Approved Fast
We’ll assess your gross income, debt-to-income ratio, and asset profile to determine your eligibility and potential loan amount.
Pre-Approval
Find Your FHA-Approved Home in Tampa
Work with your real estate agent to identify homes that meet FHA guidelines.
USDA-eligible areas
We Guide You to Closing — Stress-Free
From paperwork to final approval, we handle the details so you don’t have to.
Loan Approval
Pros and Cons of FHA Loan
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3.5% down payment | Requires mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for life (if <10% down) |
| Low credit scores allowed | Lower loan limits (county-based) |
| Easier qualification | Property must meet FHA standards |
| Flexible gift & closing costs | Only for primary residences |
FHA Loan vs. Conventional Loan (2025 – Tampa)
| Feature | FHA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | 3.5% (580+ credit) | 5-20% |
| Credit Score Requirement | 500-579 (10% down), 580+ (3.5% down) | 620+ |
| Mortgage Insurance | Required (MIP) | PMI if <20% down |
| Loan Limits (Tampa) | $524,225 (2025 limit) | $806,500 |
Tools and Resources for Tampa Homebuyers
USDA Mortgage Calculator
How to Improve Credit Score
FHA vs. USDA Loan Comparison
Understand which loan type suits your needs best based on down payment, location, and income.
Common Buyer Questions
Yes! FHA loans are designed to help buyers rebuild credit. Typically, you can qualify 2 years after a bankruptcy discharge, but individual circumstances vary. For a foreclosure, you would have to wait 3 years before applying for an FHA mortgage.
Yes. FHA mortgage refinance can allow you to take advantage of lower interest rates or take cash out of your home's equity. However, you need to have your current FHA loan for at least 210 days and have a history of on-time payments for the previous six months. FHA refinancing options include standard rate-and-term as well as FHA cash out refinancing for accessing your home equity. Some homeowners consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for flexible borrowing, but FHA loans may offer a more structured and affordable solution.
Most FHA loan approvals happen within 30 to 45 days, but at Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions, many borrowers receive FHA pre approval the same day they apply. Your loan officer will guide you through every step—from submitting income and employment documents to completing the underwriting process. Factors like your credit history, property appraisal, and required inspection can also affect your timeline.
Yes! FHA loans are designed to help buyers rebuild credit after financial hardship. Typically, you can qualify two years after a bankruptcy discharge or three years after a foreclosure, depending on your situation. Lenders will still review your credit history, income, and debt-to-income ratio to assess risk and ensure you’re ready to avoid another default.
Yes. An FHA mortgage refinance can help you lower your interest rate, reduce your monthly payment, or tap into your home equity. FHA refinancing options include standard rate-and-term refinancing as well as FHA cash-out refinancing. Some homeowners compare this to using a line of credit or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), but an FHA refinance typically offers more predictable payments and easier qualification if your credit score isn’t perfect.
Most loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration are approved within 30 to 45 days. However, Ebenezer Mortgage Solutions often provides same-day pre-approval, so you can move forward with confidence. Your loan officer will guide you through required documents like bank statements, employment history, and assets to keep things moving quickly.
Yes! FHA loans allow sellers to contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs, which can include the origination fee, escrow deposits, property tax, and title insurance. This can significantly reduce your upfront cash requirements and help you manage your budget more easily—especially if you're applying with limited savings or relying on gift funds.we often get pre-approvals the same day you apply
If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, you may qualify for a VA loan. VA loans often come with zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and favorable terms—but they’re only available to those with military service. FHA loans, on the other hand, are open to a wider range of buyers with flexible credit and income requirements.
