3.5% down
FHA Loans
FHA is the workhorse purchase loan in the Ohio Valley and Licking County. Lower down payment, more room on credit, and a file this branch actually closes.
An FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. That insurance is what lets a buyer put 3.5% down and still get a 30-year fixed note when conventional credit or reserves are thin.
We use FHA on first-time purchases in Steubenville, Wintersville, Newark, Heath, New Philadelphia, and the river towns. It also refinances when the existing loan is FHA and a rate-and-term or streamline makes sense.
Ohio buyers who qualify for OHFA down payment assistance often stack that help on an FHA first mortgage. West Virginia and Pennsylvania files use FHA on its own or with state or local programs we check case by case.
Who this is for
- First-time buyers who need 3.5% down instead of 5–20%
- Buyers with credit that is clean enough for FHA but not for the cheapest conventional price
- Ohio purchasers who can pair FHA with OHFA assistance
- Homeowners refinancing an existing FHA loan
How the file runs
- Pre-approval with income, credit, and a target price.
- Contract review — FHA appraisal and property standards are part of the file.
- Underwrite, conditions, and a clear-to-close that matches the contract date.
Where we use FHA
FHA is common in Steubenville, Wintersville, Weirton, Wheeling, Newark, Heath, New Philadelphia, Dover, and Uhrichsville. We run the file from Wintersville or Newark, whichever desk covers the property.
Questions
- How much down is FHA?
- Most purchase files are 3.5% down. Some refinance and streamline options work differently.
- Can I use Ohio down payment help with FHA?
- Yes, when the buyer and the property qualify for an OHFA product. We stack the files instead of sending you to a second shop.
- Does FHA work in West Virginia and Pennsylvania?
- Yes. This branch is licensed in OH, WV, and PA. Assistance programs differ by state.
Polaris Home Funding Corp. is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD, FHA, USDA, VA, or the federal government. Program rules change. We confirm eligibility on the file.
Start here
Start a FHA application
Start the official application or call the branch if you need a file opened tonight.