Discover how FHA loans make homeownership possible in Nevada with just 3.5% down, flexible credit requirements, and loan limits up to $644,000 in Las Vegas and Reno. Get approved faster with Conventional Home Loans Services.
Senior Loan Officer | 14+ Years FHA Lending Experience
Jennifer specializes in FHA loans for Nevada first-time homebuyers and has originated over 1,900 FHA mortgages since 2011. She is an expert in FHA underwriting guidelines, manual underwriting for non-traditional credit, and Nevada down payment assistance programs that work with FHA financing.
15+ years of Nevada mortgage expertise specializing in FHA loans. Former HUD underwriter turned Nevada homebuyer advocate, helping 2,000+ first-time buyers secure FHA financing.
FHA loans are government-backed mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to make homeownership accessible to Nevada residents who may not qualify for conventional financing. These loans are particularly popular in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and throughout Nevada because they require lower down payments and accept lower credit scores than traditional mortgages.
In 2025, FHA loans continue to be the top choice for first-time homebuyers in Nevada, accounting for nearly 30% of all home purchases in the state. Whether you're buying in Clark County, Washoe County, or rural Nevada communities, FHA financing offers a proven pathway to homeownership with flexible qualification standards.
Put down as little as 3.5% with a credit score of 580 or higher. For a $400,000 home in Las Vegas, that's just $14,000 down instead of the $80,000 required for conventional 20% down.
Qualify with credit scores as low as 580 (3.5% down) or 500-579 (10% down). Recent credit challenges like medical debt or past foreclosures are evaluated more leniently than conventional loans.
Sellers can contribute up to 6% toward your closing costs, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses. This can save Nevada buyers $6,000-$15,000 at closing.
Your entire down payment can come from family gift funds with proper documentation. This makes FHA loans ideal for Nevada buyers receiving financial help from relatives.
Qualify with DTI ratios up to 43%, sometimes higher with compensating factors. This flexibility helps Nevada buyers with student loans or car payments get approved.
FHA loans are assumable, meaning future buyers can take over your mortgage—a valuable feature if rates increase. This makes your Nevada home more attractive to potential buyers.
For comprehensive information about FHA loan requirements, guidelines, and eligibility criteria nationwide, visit our FHA loan resource center.
Understanding FHA loan requirements is the first step toward Nevada homeownership. Here's exactly what you need to qualify for an FHA loan in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and throughout the state.
580+ Credit Score
Qualify for 3.5% down payment minimum
500-579 Credit Score
Requires 10% down payment minimum
Below 500
Generally not eligible; work on credit repair first
Nevada Tip: Most Las Vegas and Reno lenders prefer 600+ scores for best rates. Conventional Home Loans Services can help with scores as low as 580.
3.5% Minimum
For borrowers with 580+ credit score
10% Minimum
For borrowers with 500-579 credit score
Gift Funds Allowed
100% of down payment can be gifted from family
Nevada Example: $450,000 home in Henderson = $15,750 down payment at 3.5%.
43% Maximum DTI
Standard guideline for most FHA borrowers
Up to 50% with Compensating Factors
Possible with high credit scores, cash reserves, or significant equity
Includes All Monthly Debts
Credit cards, car loans, student loans, child support, alimony
DTI Calculation: If you earn $6,000/month and have $2,400 in monthly debts (including your new mortgage), your DTI is 40%.
2 Years Employment History
Consistent work history in same field required
Steady, Verifiable Income
W-2, 1099, self-employment, or benefits income
Self-Employed Allowed
2 years tax returns required for Nevada entrepreneurs and gig workers
Nevada Focus: Casino workers, hospitality employees, and self-employed individuals in Las Vegas commonly qualify.
Important: All FHA properties in Nevada must pass an FHA appraisal inspection verifying safety, soundness, and security standards. Homes in Las Vegas, Reno, and Henderson neighborhoods typically meet these standards.
FHA loan limits vary by county in Nevada. These limits determine the maximum amount you can borrow using an FHA loan. Nevada's major metro areas (Las Vegas, Reno) have higher limits due to elevated home prices.
| Nevada County | Major Cities | 1-Unit Limit | 2-Unit Limit | 3-Unit Limit | 4-Unit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark County | Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas | $644,000 | $824,500 | $996,500 | $1,238,250 |
| Washoe County | Reno, Sparks | $644,000 | $824,500 | $996,500 | $1,238,250 |
| Carson City | Carson City | $498,257 | $638,000 | $771,125 | $958,125 |
| Douglas County | Minden, Gardnerville | $498,257 | $638,000 | $771,125 | $958,125 |
| Lyon County | Fernley, Yerington | $498,257 | $638,000 | $771,125 | $958,125 |
| All Other Counties | Elko, Mesquite, Pahrump, etc. | $498,257 | $638,000 | $771,125 | $958,125 |
Clark County (Las Vegas metro) and Washoe County (Reno-Sparks) qualify as high-cost areas due to elevated housing prices. This allows larger FHA loans.
Most Nevada counties use this baseline limit, sufficient for homes in rural areas and smaller cities like Pahrump, Elko, and Mesquite.
Buying a duplex, triplex, or fourplex? FHA limits increase proportionally. You must live in one unit as your primary residence.
If you're buying a home in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, or Sparks that costs more than the FHA limit, you have several options:
Choosing the right loan program can save Nevada homebuyers thousands of dollars. Here's how FHA loans compare to other popular mortgage options available through Conventional Home Loans Services.
| Feature | FHA Loan | VA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | 3.5% | 0% | 3% (5-20% typical) |
| Minimum Credit Score | 580 | 620 (most lenders) | 620-640 |
| Mortgage Insurance | Required (1.75% upfront + 0.55% annual) | None | Required if <20% down (removable) |
| Max DTI Ratio | 43-50% | 41% | 36-45% |
| Loan Limits (Clark/Washoe) | $644,000 | $766,550 | $766,550 |
| Eligibility | Anyone | Veterans, Active Military, Spouses | Anyone |
| Property Requirements | FHA appraisal required | VA appraisal required | Standard appraisal |
| Best For | First-time buyers, lower credit scores | Veterans, military families | Strong credit, larger down payment |
Las Vegas Metro: FHA loans are extremely popular due to affordable home prices ($400,000-$500,000 median) and transient workforce. Many hospitality and gaming workers prefer FHA due to flexible credit requirements.
Reno-Sparks: Strong tech economy means higher incomes, making conventional loans competitive. However, FHA remains popular for first-time buyers purchasing in growing neighborhoods like Spanish Springs and Cold Springs.
Nellis AFB Area: VA loans dominate in communities near military bases. VA offers better terms than FHA for qualified veterans buying in North Las Vegas, Henderson, and Sunrise Manor.
Rural Nevada: FHA and USDA loans (for eligible rural areas) provide best options for buyers in Pahrump, Mesquite, Elko, and Fallon where home prices remain below $350,000.
FHA mortgage insurance protects lenders if you default on your loan. While this adds to your monthly costs, it's what enables FHA's low down payment and flexible credit requirements. Here's exactly what you'll pay in Nevada.
What it is: A one-time fee charged at closing, calculated as 1.75% of your base loan amount.
How it's paid: Typically rolled into your loan amount (financed), so you don't pay out-of-pocket at closing.
Nevada Example:
$400,000 loan amount × 1.75% = $7,000 UFMIP
This is added to your loan, making your new loan balance $407,000.
What it is: An ongoing annual fee calculated as 0.55% of your loan balance, paid monthly.
How it's paid: Divided by 12 and added to your monthly mortgage payment for the life of the loan.
Nevada Example:
$407,000 loan balance × 0.55% = $2,238.50 per year
$2,238.50 ÷ 12 = $187/month MIP
| Loan Term | Down Payment | MIP Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 15-Year Loan | Less than 10% | 11 Years |
| 15-Year Loan | 10% or more | No MIP required |
| 30-Year Loan | Less than 10% | Life of loan |
| 30-Year Loan | 10% or more | 11 Years |
*Over 30 years. Most homeowners refinance or sell before this, reducing actual costs paid.
Unlike conventional PMI, FHA mortgage insurance cannot be removed on 30-year loans with less than 10% down. However, Nevada homeowners have two strategies:
Once you reach 20% equity in your Las Vegas or Reno home, refinance to a conventional loan with no PMI. This typically happens after 5-7 years of appreciation and principal paydown.
If you can afford 10% down ($45,000 on a $450,000 home), your annual MIP drops off after 11 years automatically—saving tens of thousands.
Get answers to the most common questions from Nevada homebuyers about FHA loan qualifications, costs, and processes.
Our Nevada mortgage experts are ready to answer your specific questions and guide you through the FHA loan process.