Buying your first home or upgrading in the Treasure Valley? Our Meridian, Idaho team makes FHA financing simple, fast, and personal.
Looking for FHA loans in Idaho? At 1st Choice Mortgage, we help first-time buyers and homeowners in Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell secure flexible FHA financing with low down payments and personalized local service.
The FHA loan Idaho homebuyers rely on is one of the most accessible and flexible mortgage options in today's market. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone with less-than-perfect credit, an FHA loan can make homeownership possible with a low down payment and relaxed credit requirements. In fast-growing areas like Boise, Meridian, and Nampa, FHA loans help Idahoans compete in a hot housing market while keeping monthly payments affordable.
Because these loans are insured by the federal government, lenders can offer more flexible terms than conventional mortgages. In 2025, FHA loans remain one of the most popular home financing options in Idaho.
Idaho's real estate market - especially in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Caldwell, and Twin Falls - has seen consistent growth. With rising prices, many buyers are looking for affordable financing options.
FHA loans are ideal for:
First-time homebuyers
Buyers with credit scores as low as 580
People with 3.5% available for a down payment
Those recovering from past financial hardship (like bankruptcy)
In high-demand areas like Ada and Canyon Counties, FHA loans help buyers stay competitive in the market while maintaining a lower monthly payment.
FHA loan limits are adjusted annually and vary by county. As of 2025, here are typical limits for popular Idaho counties:
Ada County (Boise, Meridian): $586,500
Canyon County (Nampa, Caldwell): $586,500
Twin Falls County: $472,030
Kootenai County (Coeur d'Alene): $586,500
✅ Pro Tip: You can purchase a multi-unit property (up to 4 units) using an FHA loan, and the limits increase based on unit count.
To qualify for an FHA home loan in Idaho, you'll need to meet these key criteria:
You can use an FHA loan to purchase:
Single-family homes
Townhouses or condos (FHA-approved complexes)
Manufactured homes (must be on permanent foundation)
2 - 4 unit properties (you must live in one unit)
The home must meet FHA appraisal standards, which cover safety, structure, and habitability. Fixer-uppers may require an FHA 203(k) renovation loan, which finances both the home purchase and the repairs.
Here's a realistic look at why an FHA loan might (or might not) be the best fit:
Low down payment
Easier credit score approval
Flexible underwriting
Lower interest rates
Down payment assistance programs compatible
Mortgage insurance required (both upfront and monthly)
FHA appraisal standards can be strict
Property must be owner-occupied
Loan limits may restrict options in higher-cost areas
All FHA loans require mortgage insurance, which protects the lender in case of default. There are two parts:
Upfront MIP: 1.75% of loan amount (usually rolled into the loan)
Monthly MIP: Ongoing premium added to your monthly mortgage payment
💡 MIP does not automatically fall off like private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a conventional loan. You may need to refinance into a conventional loan later to remove it.
Yes! Idaho buyers can combine an FHA loan with down payment assistance (DPA) programs through:
Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)
City or county grants
Employer-sponsored or nonprofit programs
These programs help cover your 3.5% down payment and sometimes closing costs - making FHA an even better option for cash-strapped buyers.
Understanding Closing costs, check out this page here.
Our team is based in Meridian, Idaho, and serves homebuyers throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell. We understand Idaho's housing market, FHA appraisals, county-by-county loan limits and local title & escrow companies - so you get a smoother path to homeownership.
At 1st Choice Mortgage, we're Idaho's FHA loan experts. We've helped thousands of buyers in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, and all across the Gem State secure low-down-payment financing with FHA loans.
Whether you’re:
A first-time buyer
Worried about your credit
Unsure if you qualify for down payment help
We'll walk you through the process from start to finish - with zero pressure and local experience you can count on.
👉 Click here to get pre-approved
Most FHA loans in Idaho require only a 3.5% down payment if your credit score is 580 or higher. Buyers with lower scores may still qualify with a 10% down payment.
FHA financing is designed to help homebuyers with less-than-perfect credit. Typically, a minimum score of 580 qualifies for 3.5% down, while 500 - 579 may require 10% down. We review each borrower's full picture, not just their credit number.
FHA loan limits vary by county and adjust annually. In Ada and Canyon Counties (Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell), the 2025 limit is typically around the national baseline. Contact 1st Choice Mortgage for the exact limits for your Idaho county.
Yes! The FHA 203(k) program lets Idaho buyers finance both the purchase price and renovation costs into one loan - perfect for homes in need of updates.
No. While FHA loans are popular with first-time buyers, any qualified borrower in Idaho can use FHA financing, even for a second or subsequent home purchase, provided it will be their primary residence.
We proudly provide FHA loans Idaho homebuyers can count on throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and across the Treasure Valley. Our team knows the local market, appraisers, and title companies for a smoother process.
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