Do I Qualify for FHA, VA, or Conventional?
Do I qualify for a mortgage?
Enter your income, monthly debts, credit score, and military status into the calculator above. It checks your eligibility against FHA, VA, Conventional, and USDA program requirements including DTI limits, minimum credit scores, and down payment thresholds to show which programs you may qualify for.
Mortgage Qualification FAQ
Minimum credit scores vary by loan type: FHA requires 580 for 3.5% down (500 with 10% down), Conventional typically needs 620-680, VA has no official minimum but most lenders want 620+, and USDA usually requires 640. Higher scores get better rates and more options.
FHA loans are government-insured with lower credit and down payment requirements (3.5% down, 580 score) but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional loans need higher credit scores and down payments but allow PMI removal at 80% LTV, often resulting in lower long-term costs.
Your DTI ratio compares your monthly debts to gross income. Most lenders cap DTI at 43-50% depending on the program. FHA allows up to 57% with compensating factors. Lowering your DTI by paying off debts or increasing income improves your chances of qualifying for a larger loan amount.
VA loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. VA loans offer no down payment, no monthly MI, and competitive rates — often the best option for eligible borrowers.