Lafayette FHA Loans | Bayou Mortgage — Low Down Payment, Fast Approval
FHA Loans — Lafayette, Louisiana

Lafayette
FHA Loans

Buying a home in Lafayette Parish doesn't have to feel overwhelming. FHA loans make homeownership possible across Acadiana — even with imperfect credit or a smaller down payment.

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Benefits of an FHA Loan
in Lafayette

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and designed to help more families in the Hub City qualify for homeownership — even if your credit or savings aren't perfect. Learn more about all of our Louisiana FHA loans or keep reading to see what makes Lafayette a great place to buy with FHA financing.

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Low Down Payment

Put as little as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher. Even buyers with a 500-579 score may qualify with 10% down.

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Flexible Credit Requirements

FHA loans are possible with credit scores as low as 500. Past financial challenges like collections or late payments are more forgivable than conventional loans.

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Competitive Interest Rates

Because FHA loans are government-backed, lenders can offer competitive rates that keep your monthly payment manageable.

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Gift Funds Allowed

Your down payment and closing costs can come from a gift from a family member or approved organization — you don't have to save it all yourself.

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Streamline Refinance

Already have an FHA loan? The FHA Streamline Refinance lets you lower your rate with minimal paperwork and no appraisal in most cases.

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New Construction & 203k

FHA loans can be used to buy new construction or to purchase and renovate a home with the FHA 203k rehab loan program.

What Is an FHA Loan and How Does It Work?

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Because the government insures the loan, lenders are able to offer more flexible qualification requirements than conventional loans.

For Lafayette buyers, this means homeownership is within reach even if you're still building your credit, have a limited down payment saved, or have experienced financial setbacks in the past.

  • Credit scores as low as 500 may qualify
  • Down payments as low as 3.5% for 580+ scores
  • Debt-to-income ratios up to 57% in some cases
  • Gift funds accepted for down payment
  • Available for primary residences in Lafayette Parish
  • Works with Louisiana down payment assistance programs
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FHA vs. Other Loan Programs

Loan TypeDown PaymentMin. Credit
FHA3.5%500
Conventional3–20%620
VA0%500
USDA0%580

Comparing Lafayette Loan Options?

At Bayou Mortgage we compare FHA, USDA, VA, and Conventional loans to find the specific program that saves you the most money in Lafayette.

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Get a Lafayette FHA Loan
in 3 Simple Steps

Getting approved for an FHA loan is easier than you think. Here's how we get you from where you are to the closing table in Acadiana.

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Talk With Bayou

Start with a free conversation about your credit, income, and budget. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what loan options are available to you right now.

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Get Pre-Approved

With your pre-approval in hand you'll know exactly how much home you can afford. Shop with confidence and make offers that sellers take seriously.

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Find Your Home & Close

Once you find the right home our team guides you through every step of the process — from appraisal to closing day — so you move in with complete peace of mind.

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Watch: Understanding FHA Loans in Louisiana

In this short video, Channing walks you through everything you need to know about getting an FHA loan — from credit requirements to closing day.

Our Lafayette Clients Love Us

Don't take our word for it. Here's what real Louisiana home buyers say about working with Bayou Mortgage.

Ready to Buy a Home
in Lafayette?

Check your FHA eligibility in minutes — no commitment, no pressure, just answers.

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Lafayette FHA Loan
Frequently Asked Questions

In Lafayette Parish, the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home is $498,257. This allows buyers to finance homes in most Lafayette neighborhoods with the minimum 3.5% down payment.
No — FHA loans are available to any qualified buyer, not just first-time homebuyers. However you can only use an FHA loan for a primary residence, not investment properties or vacation homes.
The FHA minimum is 500. With a score of 580 or higher you qualify for the 3.5% down payment. Scores between 500-579 require a 10% down payment. At Bayou Mortgage we work with scores as low as 500.
Yes — FHA loans allow 100% of your down payment to come from a gift from a family member, employer, or approved charitable organization. The gift giver will need to provide a signed gift letter.
There is no minimum income requirement for an FHA loan. What matters is your debt-to-income ratio — your monthly debt payments compared to your gross monthly income. FHA typically allows up to 43-57% DTI depending on other factors.
Yes — FHA loans require an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75% of the loan amount, plus an annual MIP paid monthly. The annual MIP typically lasts for the life of the loan if your down payment is less than 10%.
Absolutely. FHA loans can be used anywhere in the Lafayette area, including Youngsville, Broussard, Carencro, and Scott.
Most FHA loans close in 30-45 days. At Bayou Mortgage we work to close as quickly as possible once all documentation is received and the appraisal is complete.

Get the Best FHA Loans
Across Louisiana

Bayou Mortgage serves home buyers across Louisiana. Find FHA loan information for your city, or visit our Louisiana FHA loan overview page for a full statewide guide.

Start Your Lafayette
Home Buying Journey Today

Check your FHA eligibility in minutes. No commitment, no pressure — just a clear answer about where you stand in Acadiana.

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