(865) 420-4639 Serving Maryville, Knoxville & all of Tennessee
FHA Loans Knoxville & Maryville TN | Equity Smart Home Loans
FHA Loans · Knoxville & Maryville TN

A Smarter Path to
Homeownership.

FHA loans give buyers in East Tennessee access to low down payments, flexible credit requirements, and real buying power — even in a competitive market.

3.5% minimum down payment
580+ credit score
Down Payment Grant eligible
Young family at their new home in East Tennessee
Low Down Payment
Flexible Credit
Gift Funds Allowed
First-Time & Repeat Buyers
Down Payment Grant Eligible
Understanding FHA

What Is an FHA Loan — and Is It Right for You?

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Because the government backs the loan, lenders can offer more flexible credit and down payment requirements than conventional financing.

FHA loans are one of the most popular programs in East Tennessee — especially for first-time buyers, buyers rebuilding credit, or anyone who wants to keep more cash in their pocket at closing.

And here's what most lenders won't tell you: if you qualify for our Down Payment Grant program, your 3.5% FHA down payment can be covered entirely — turning an FHA loan into a true zero-out-of-pocket purchase.

Talk to Jeff — It's Free →

📞 (865) 420-4639

FHA Fast Facts
Min. Down Payment3.5% (580+ score)
Min. Credit Score580+
Max DTI RatioUp to 56%
Loan TypeFixed & Adjustable
OccupancyPrimary Residence
Gift FundsAllowed
Seller ConcessionsUp to 6%
Down Pmt GrantEligible ✓
Why FHA

What FHA Loans Make Possible

Low Down Payment

Only 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score. On a $300K home that's just $10,500 — and our grant can cover it entirely.

Flexible Credit Standards

FHA allows credit scores as low as 580 for the 3.5% down option. Conventional typically requires 620+.

Gift Funds Welcome

Family helping with your down payment? FHA allows 100% of your down payment to come from gift funds.

Higher DTI Tolerance

Carrying more debt? FHA allows higher debt-to-income ratios than conventional, making it easier to qualify.

Seller Concessions

FHA allows sellers to contribute up to 6% of the purchase price toward your closing costs.

Refinance-Friendly

Once you build equity, you can refinance into a conventional loan and remove mortgage insurance entirely.

Pair Your FHA Loan with Our Down Payment Grant — and Pay Nothing Out of Pocket.

Our Down Payment Grant covers the full 3.5% FHA minimum down payment. It's a true grant — no repayment, no second lien, no income limits. First-time and repeat buyers with a 640+ credit score may qualify.

Learn About the Grant →
$0
Down payment
out of pocket
Eligibility

Do You Qualify for an FHA Loan?

FHA loans are designed to be accessible. Here's what the program generally requires:

  • 580+ credit score for 3.5% down (500–579 with 10% down)
  • Stable employment history — typically 2 years same employer or field
  • Primary residence only — FHA is for the home you live in
  • Debt-to-income ratio generally up to 56% with compensating factors
  • Property must meet FHA standards — we'll guide you through this
  • First-time or repeat buyer — both are welcome
Check My Eligibility →

📞 (865) 420-4639

Real Numbers — FHA on a $300K Purchase
Purchase Price$300,000
Down Payment (3.5%)$10,500
With Grant$0 out of pocket
Upfront MIP (1.75%)Financed into loan
Annual MIP~0.55% of balance
Seller Can CoverUp to $18K closing
FHA vs Conventional

Which Loan Is Right for Your Situation?

FHA LoanConventional
Min. Down Payment3.5%3–20%
Min. Credit Score580+620+
Down Pmt Grant✓ Yes✓ Yes (3%)
Max DTI RatioUp to 56%45–50%
Gift Funds✓ 100% allowedVaries
Mortgage InsuranceMIP requiredPMI at 20% equity
Seller ConcessionsUp to 6%Up to 3–9%
Best ForLower credit / downStrong credit / equity

Not sure which fits? Give us a call — that's exactly what we're here for.

Common Questions

FHA Loan FAQs

Is FHA only for first-time homebuyers?
No — FHA loans are available to both first-time and repeat buyers. As long as the home will be your primary residence and you meet the other requirements, your prior homeownership history doesn't disqualify you.
Can I combine an FHA loan with the Down Payment Grant?
Yes — and this is one of the most powerful combinations we offer. The Down Payment Grant covers the full 3.5% FHA minimum down payment. With a 640+ credit score and an eligible property, you could purchase a home with zero down payment out of pocket. The grant never has to be repaid.
What is MIP and do I have to pay it forever?
MIP stands for Mortgage Insurance Premium — FHA's version of mortgage insurance. FHA loans require an upfront MIP (1.75%, financed into the loan) and an annual MIP (around 0.55% of the loan balance). Unlike conventional PMI, FHA MIP typically lasts the life of the loan — but you can refinance into a conventional loan once you've built enough equity and eliminate it entirely.
What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?
580 is the minimum for the 3.5% down payment option. Scores between 500–579 may still qualify with a 10% down payment. We'll pull your credit confidentially during your free call and tell you exactly where you stand.
How long does FHA approval take?
Most FHA loans close in 30–45 days after an accepted offer. Getting pre-approved before you start shopping shortens the process and strengthens your offer.
What are the FHA loan limits in Tennessee?
FHA loan limits vary by county. In most East Tennessee counties including Knox and Blount, the standard single-family limit follows the national baseline. We'll confirm the exact limit for your specific county during your consultation.
Can I use an FHA loan for a multi-family property?
Yes — FHA loans can be used to purchase 2–4 unit properties as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence. This is a popular strategy for house-hacking, where rental income from other units helps offset your mortgage payment.

Ready to See What an FHA Loan Can Do for You?

Call us today and we'll tell you exactly what you qualify for — including whether the Down Payment Grant can eliminate your down payment entirely.

No credit impact · Licensed in Tennessee · Jeff Morgan NMLS# 2737554