F.H.A. and V.A. Loans

If you find it difficult to qualify for a conventional loan, U.S. government loan programs from the Federal Housing Authority (F.H.A.) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) may be helpful. Designed to promote home ownership by offering lower qualifying ratios and reduced down payments, F.H.A. and V.A. loans are not issued by the government, but instead are made by private lenders who are protected by government insurance in case the borrower defaults. Unlike conventional loans, both F.H.A. and V.A. loans have maximum allowable amounts and may require additional paperwork and inspections before the loan can be approved.