If you’re thinking of buying a house with an FHA loan, we’ve got good news for you: FHA loan limits for 2020 have gone up!
That means you have a bigger budget when shopping for a house.
But there’s a catch:
FHA loan limits not only vary from state to state, but they can vary by individual county, too.
If you’re looking for a home loan, here’s what you need to know about FHA loans and how much you can borrow.
WHAT IS AN FHA LOAN LIMIT?
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is behind the ever-popular FHA home loan program. It doesn’t directly lend money to homebuyers, but it guarantees loans made by banks and lenders.
If you want to buy a home with a low down payment, an FHA loan could be what you need.
The loans come with a few restrictions. For instance, the home you purchase with an FHA loan must be for your primary residence. It’s also likely you’ll pay for mortgage insurance.
Another restriction is loan limits.
That’s right…
There’s a cap on the maximum amount you can borrow with an FHA loan.
And the caps for 2020 vs. 2019 are higher.
FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR 2020 VS 2019
The FHA evaluates home values, and they base loan limits on home prices. That means limits can vary by state and county.
Thanks to an increase in home prices in 2019, FHA loan limits for 2020 have gone up in most places around the country.
The basic standard mortgage limit is $331,760 for single-family homes.
If you’re in a high-cost area?
The ceiling could be as high as $765,600 for a single-family home.
Because the amount you can borrow depends on where you’re buying a home, we’ve broken down the loan limits by region.
FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR NORTHEAST STATES
If you’re shopping for a home in the northeast, you should look at the FHA mortgage caps for:
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
FHA loan limits in northeastern states generally stick to the standard loan limit of $331,760.
However, there are a few exceptions.
A few counties in Connecticut have higher loan limits because it’s a high-cost area. For instance, New Haven county has the standard limit. But in Fairfield county, your FHA loan limit is $601,450.
And in New York?
The counties of Kings, Nassau, New York, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester all let you borrow the max amount of $765,600.
FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR MIDWEST STATES
Midwestern states are known for their lower housing costs. It’s no surprise to find lower borrowing limits in:
- Indiana
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Ohio
- Wisconsin
Counties in Indiana primarily have the standard limit, with a few exceptions.
But in Indiana, the highest cap you’ll find is $368,000.
All but four counties in Missouri use the standard limit, too. The exceptions are Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, and Lafayette counties, which all have a $351,900 ceiling.
FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR SOUTH STATES
The southern region of the U.S. includes states south of the Mason-Dixon Line, such as:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
As you might expect, states in the south usually have a standard cap of $331,760. But a few areas let you borrow more than that.
For instance, in Texas, your FHA loan could be as high as $404,800 if you’re shopping for a home in Caldwell county.
A few counties in Florida go higher than that. Collier County, which includes Naples and Marco Island, Florida, has the highest threshold with a maximum of $450,800.
FHA LOAN LIMITS FOR WEST STATES
Traveling west past the Great Plains, you’ll find the western states of:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Montana
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
States like California and Hawaii are known for their higher home prices, so it makes sense to find bigger FHA loan limits in those places.
San Francisco and Oakland-Berkeley in Marin County, and several other areas in California, let you borrow the max of $765,600.
The peak for homes in Oregon, on the other hand, are much lower. Most counties limit you to the standard amount, with a few areas going as high as $491,050.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR AN FHA LOAN?
FHA loans are a fantastic option to purchase your next home. A low down payment is a significant advantage, and you could get into a home with only 3.5% down.
But there are a few FHA loan requirements, including limits on how much you can borrow.
That’s why it’s important to find an experienced FHA lender. You want nothing to stand between you and your next home.
The Wendy Thompson Lending Team has your back.
We are 100% committed to your satisfaction. Call us today!
Deciding on the right FHA lender is the most important decision you will make. Choosing the wrong lender can result in you losing your dream home or costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars in more interest over the life of your mortgage.
Don’t make that mistake, contact the Wendy Thompson Lending Team today!
You can start the process by clicking the yellow 'See if I'm Eligible' button on the right side bar under the 'Start your quote for a Home Loan' or call Wendy’s Team directly at (901) 250-2294, to get started on living the American Dream in the home of your Dreams!