FHA loans for buyers in Redding and Shasta County
An FHA loan is a mortgage made by a private, FHA-approved lender and insured by the Federal Housing Administration. HUD says the down payment can be as low as3.5%source of the purchase price.
Things to know
- The FHA insures the loan. It does not lend the money. Your lender does.
- FHA insurance protects the lender if a borrower defaults. Ask your lender how mortgage insurance affects your costs on your loan.
- The home needs to meet FHA requirements, and the appraisal checks that. That's one reason inspections and a careful offer matter.
- CalHFA offers FHA-based loans too. See CalHFA programs.
Sources: HUD, minimum down payment and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, FHA loans, checked October 6, 2026.
Common questions
Does the FHA lend the money?
No. The FHA does not lend directly. Private lenders approved by the FHA make the loans, and the FHA insures them to protect the lender if a borrower defaults.
How much down payment does an FHA loan need?
HUD says the down payment can be low. The minimum figure is shown at the top of this page, with its source. Your lender will confirm what applies to you.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer for an FHA loan?
FHA loans are available to people purchasing a home of their own. First-time buyer status is not what defines them, though some assistance programs that pair with FHA loans have first-time buyer rules.
I'm not a lender and I don't quote rates or fees. Ask a lender for a current written estimate.
Last verified: 2026-10-06