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FHA Loans in Long Beach
What's the minimum credit score for FHA in Long Beach?
FHA requires 580 FICO minimum. Scores of 740+ get the best rates and terms. Most lenders prefer 620+ for streamlined approval.
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Long Beach sits in Los Angeles County, where the median household income of $87,760 stretches to cover homes in the $750K range. At 5.875%, a $750,000 FHA loan carries a $4,437 monthly payment for principal and interest alone.
LAUSD's fiscal oversight challenges don't change the fact that Long Beach remains an active market. Buyers with modest savings can still move forward with FHA's 3.5% down requirement.
5.875%
Interest Rate
$4,437
Monthly PI Payment
580
Minimum FICO
3.5%
Down Payment Minimum
$750,000
Loan Amount (Scenario)
17-21 days
Typical Timeline
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FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum, though 740+ gets the best pricing. Down payment starts at 3.5% of the purchase price, with mortgage insurance running for the life of the loan at this LTV.
The county's median household income of $87,760 supports a $750,000 purchase with room for property taxes and insurance. Debt-to-income limits typically cap out around 50%, so verify your full obligations with a lender.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect fha loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Long Beach.
Long Beach sits in Los Angeles County, where the median household income of $87,760 stretches to cover homes in the $750K range. At 5.875%, a $750,000 FHA loan carries a $4,437 monthly payment for principal and interest alone.
LAUSD's fiscal oversight challenges don't change the fact that Long Beach remains an active market. Buyers with modest savings can still move forward with FHA's 3.5% down requirement.
FHA requires a 580 FICO minimum, though 740+ gets the best pricing. Down payment starts at 3.5% of the purchase price, with mortgage insurance running for the life of the loan at this LTV.
Rate check
Tell us the price range, down payment and credit range you are working with. We compare every lender we work with and show you the options side by side.
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California lenders compete hard on FHA pricing because the government insurance removes default risk. Brokers typically offer tighter rates than retail banks because they shop multiple lenders in real time.
Underwriting timelines run 17 to 21 days for FHA. The appraisal and title work move at the same pace as conventional, but FHA's property standards add a few days to final approval.
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FHA makes sense in Long Beach when you have solid credit but limited cash. At $750,000, the 3.5% down keeps $24,000+ in your bank account versus a conventional 5% down.
Above the county's median income, conventional pencils better because PMI drops at 80% LTV. Below $600,000, FHA's lifetime insurance costs more than a conventional refinance in five years.
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Conventional loans at this price require 5% to 10% down and skip mortgage insurance at 80% LTV. FHA's 3.5% down costs less upfront but carries lifetime insurance above 90% LTV.
The rate difference is small—conventional typically runs 0.125% to 0.25% higher at the same FICO. The real choice is whether the down-payment savings outweigh the insurance cost over your holding period.
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LA County placed LAUSD under heightened fiscal oversight due to budget concerns. For families with school-age children, this adds urgency to locking in a home before further policy shifts.
Long Beach's waterfront and downtown revitalization continue to attract buyers. The city's job market remains solid despite the Paramount-Skydance merger affecting some entertainment positions.
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FHA lending in California remains steady because the government insurance appeals to first-time buyers and those with limited down-payment funds. Broker shops typically see 40% to 50% of their volume in FHA loans.
Long Beach's $750,000 median purchase price sits well within the 2026 FHA limit of $1,249,125. Lenders compete aggressively on FHA because the insurance removes credit risk entirely.
FAQ
FHA requires 580 FICO minimum. Scores of 740+ get the best rates and terms. Most lenders prefer 620+ for streamlined approval.
FHA's minimum is 3.5% of the purchase price. On a $777,202 home, that's roughly $27,202 down. You'll also pay 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance.
Principal and interest run $4,437 per month on a $750,000 loan at 5.875%. Add property taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance for your total payment.
At 96.5% LTV, mortgage insurance runs for the life of the loan. If you put 10% down, MIP cancels after 11 years. Refinancing to conventional is the other path out.
Yes. A 740 FICO qualifies easily for FHA and gets competitive pricing. You'll need 3.5% down and proof of stable income and employment.
Programs for first-time buyers that allow lower down payments and more forgiving credit and income rules.
Explore refinancing options to lower your rate, tap equity, or switch loan terms.
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17-21 day typical close
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Financing solutions for rental properties, fix-and-flip projects, and real estate portfolios.
Mortgage programs with alternative income documentation for business owners and freelancers.
Federally insured or guaranteed programs (FHA, VA, USDA) that let lenders accept lower credit scores and smaller down payments.
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Alternative lending programs for borrowers who need flexible documentation or unique loan structures.
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This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Mortgage rates, terms, and program availability can change and vary by borrower and property. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for guidance on your scenario.