Sitting between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington blends big-city energy with neighborhood comfort. You’ve got the Entertainment District (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field, Texas Live!), the University of Texas at Arlington, major employers like the GM Assembly Plant, and easy access along I-20 and I-30. Home choices range from renovated bungalows in established areas to newer communities near Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and Lake Arlington, making this an excellent market for first-time home buyers. If you’re ready to plant roots, FHA home loans give you a practical, budget-friendly way to buy, build, renovate, or refinance with confidence.
FHA isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. In Arlington, you have a range of programs to choose from, each tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to purchase with a small down payment, renovate a fixer-upper, build new, finance a manufactured home, streamline your current FHA rate, access HUD-184, or use a HECM in retirement, there’s an FHA program for you.
The FHA 203(b) is the go-to for many first-time buyers. You can purchase a primary residence with as little as 3.5% down when your credit score is 580+ (10% down for scores 500–579). FHA is known for its flexible debt-to-income ratios, which can help if you’re balancing student loans or a car payment. Gift funds are permitted for your down payment and closing costs, and seller concessions (within FHA limits) can reduce your cash-to-close requirements, which is particularly useful when bidding near UT Arlington, the Entertainment District, or high-demand school zones. You’ll pay mortgage insurance (UFMIP + monthly MIP), but you gain easier qualification, fixed-rate stability, and a faster route to equity.
Eyeing an older Arlington home with great bones, in Meadowbrook, Dalworthington Gardens, or near Lake Arlington, that needs updates? The FHA 203(k) allows you to roll the purchase and renovation budgets into one mortgage and one closing.
If you’re planning a ground-up build along growing corridors near I-20 or south Arlington, the FHA One-Time Close combines construction financing and your permanent mortgage into a single approval and closing. You avoid duplicate fees, lock your financing early, and the loan converts seamlessly when construction is complete. You’ll need a licensed builder, approved plans/specs, and a realistic budget with contingencies, great for designing a home around your commute and lifestyle.
FHA financing works for manufactured homes when the home is built to HUD code (June 15, 1976 or later), permanently affixed to an approved foundation, titled as real property, and used as your primary residence. You get the same low down payment, flexible credit, and fixed-rate options as site-built homes, plus the chance to own land and keep monthly costs steady, appealing in parts of Arlington and nearby Tarrant County communities.
Already have an FHA mortgage? An FHA Streamline Refinance can lower your rate and monthly payment with minimal documentation and no appraisal in most cases. You must be current on payments, meet seasoning rules (generally six on-time payments and 210 days since your first payment due date), and show a net tangible benefit (e.g., meaningful payment/rate reduction or moving from an ARM to a fixed rate). It’s one of the quickest ways to improve cash flow.
The HUD Section 184 program serves eligible Native American and Alaska Native borrowers with low down payments, reduced mortgage insurance, and flexible underwriting for purchase, construction, or refinance, including certain manufactured homes, in approved areas of Texas. If you qualify, Section 184 can be a cost-effective alternative to standard FHA financing.
If you’re 62+ and plan to age in place, an FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) lets you convert a portion of home equity into tax-free proceeds, as a lump sum, line of credit, or monthly payments, with no required monthly mortgage payment. You retain the title and must continue to pay property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and maintenance. Many Arlington retirees utilize the HECM to supplement their retirement income, fund healthcare, or renovate their homes for accessibility.
While lenders can add their own overlays, borrowers must meet the following to qualify for an FHA loan:
Q: Can I pair FHA with Texas down payment assistance?
A: Yes. Many Arlington buyers combine FHA with statewide down payment or closing-cost assistance to reduce the cash required to close, which is particularly useful if you’re conserving savings for repairs or furnishings.
Q: Are condos near the Entertainment District eligible for FHA?
A: They can be, but the condo project must be FHA-approved or the unit must qualify for Single-Unit Approval.
Q: Can I buy a duplex or fourplex with FHA in Arlington?
A: Yes, FHA allows 1–4 unit properties as long as you live in one unit. In some cases, projected rental income can help you qualify (per FHA rules and appraisal).
Q: How long does an FHA purchase usually take to close?
A: Most FHA purchases close in 30–45 days, depending on appraisal timing, title work, and how quickly you provide documents. A complete pre-approval often shortens timelines.
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From central Arlington to the suburbs along I-20 and I-30, the city offers real value for first-time buyers and move-up households. Whether you’re purchasing, renovating, building, or refinancing, FHA financing provides an accessible and flexible way to move forward with confidence.
Call us today at (877) 280-4833 to connect with a knowledgeable FHA home loan specialist and take the next step to apply for an FHA home loan in Arlington. A strong pre-approval that accounts for Arlington property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and any HOA/condo dues helps you set a precise budget, especially when shopping near UT Arlington, Lake Arlington, or the Entertainment District.
