 TITLE: Is an FHA Loan Right for You? CONTENT: An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the government through the Federal Housing Administration, though you apply for and obtain the loan through a regular lender, like a bank or credit union. These loans are geared toward first-time homebuyers since the borrowing criteria are more lenient than with a conventional loan.\nOne of the main draws of FHA loans is you can put down as little as 3.5%, and the interest rates and terms are favorable for new borrowers. However, in exchange for these perks, you'll have to pay mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. END