What are the FHA loan requirements in Nevada for 2025?

Nevada FHA loan requirements for 2025 include: 580 minimum credit score for 3.5% down (or 500 credit score with 10% down), maximum 50% debt-to-income ratio, 3.5% minimum down payment, steady employment history (2+ years), primary residence occupancy, property must meet FHA appraisal standards, and loan amount within Nevada county limits ($498,257-$571,950 depending on county).

Can I buy a house in Las Vegas with bad credit using FHA?

Yes, FHA loans in Las Vegas accept credit scores as low as 580 (3.5% down) or 500 (10% down). Many Nevada lenders offer manual underwriting for borrowers with non-traditional credit. If your credit score is below 580, work on improving it for 6-12 months before applying, or consider down payment assistance programs that may help compensate for lower credit.

What is the maximum FHA loan amount in Nevada?

2025 FHA loan limits in Nevada vary by county: Clark County (Las Vegas, Henderson) - $498,257; Washoe County (Reno, Sparks) - $571,950; Carson City - $571,950. Rural Nevada counties range from $498,257 to $571,950. Multi-unit properties have higher limits (2-unit: up to $638,100-$732,050; 3-unit: up to $771,450-$884,700; 4-unit: up to $958,350-$1,099,450).

How much money do I need upfront for an FHA loan in Nevada?

Typical upfront costs for Nevada FHA loans: 3.5% down payment ($14,000 on $400K home), 1.75% upfront MIP ($7,000 on $400K - can be financed), 2-5% closing costs ($8,000-$20,000 - sellers can contribute up to 6%). Total cash needed: $15,000-$25,000 out of pocket, though down payment assistance programs can reduce this significantly. Gift funds from family can cover 100% of down payment.

Edited and reviewed by CEO Vatche Saatdjian — 30+ years of experience — Expert on FHA co-borrower requirements

FHA CO-SIGNER GUIDE

Qualify for FHA with family help

FHA allows non-occupant co-borrowers (family members who don't live in the home) to help you qualify. Their income strengthens your application without requiring them to move in. Here's who can co-sign and what you'll need.

Family Co-Sign

No Move-In

Boost Approval

Who can be an FHA co-borrower

Eligible: Parents, siblings, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles
Not eligible: Friends, coworkers, roommates, romantic partners
Key rule: Must be blood/legal relative or fiancé

See if you qualify (702) 696-9900

Family co-borrowers welcome • FHA-approved strategy • NMLS #65506

Co-Borrower Checklist

What Your Family Member Needs

Credit Report

Co-borrower's credit will be pulled and reviewed

Income Documentation

Paystubs, W-2s, tax returns (same as primary borrower)

Asset Statements

Bank statements for 2 months (checking/savings)

Legal Relationship Proof

Birth certificate, marriage license, or legal documents

ID & Social Security Card

Government-issued ID + SSN for credit/background check

Important: Co-borrower is on the loan and mortgage note. They're legally responsible if you can't pay, even though they don't live in the home.

Co-Signer Requirements & Obligations

What Nevada co-signers need to know before committing

Co-Signer Must Meet FHA Credit & Income Standards

The co-signer's finances are fully underwritten just like the primary borrower:

• Credit score: Minimum 580 for 3.5% down (same as primary borrower)
• Income verification: 2 years tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s required
• Debt-to-income ratio: Combined DTI of primary + co-signer typically under 43%
• Employment history: Stable 2-year work history preferred

100% Legal Liability for the Mortgage

Co-signers are NOT just "references"—they are full co-borrowers on the loan. If the primary borrower misses payments, lender pursues the co-signer. Late payments damage BOTH credit scores equally. Foreclosure affects BOTH parties.

Impacts Co-Signer's Debt-to-Income for Future Loans

The FHA mortgage payment counts as the co-signer's debt. If they want to buy their own Nevada home later, lenders include this payment in DTI calculations, potentially reducing their buying power.

No Ownership Rights (Unless on Title)

Being a co-borrower on the mortgage doesn't automatically grant property ownership. To have ownership, co-signer must also be added to the deed. Discuss with a Nevada real estate attorney.

Cannot Be Removed Until Loan is Refinanced

Unlike some conventional loans, FHA has no co-signer release option. The only way to remove a co-signer is for the primary borrower to refinance into a new loan in their name only (requiring they qualify solo).

Discuss Co-Signer Options with a Specialist

Who Can Co-Sign on an FHA Loan?

Understanding FHA non-occupant co-borrower rules for Nevada buyers

Eligible Co-Signers

✓Parents or stepparents
✓Children or stepchildren
✓Siblings or step-siblings
✓Grandparents & grandchildren
✓Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews
✓In-laws (related by marriage)

NOT Eligible

✗Friends or roommates
✗Romantic partners (unless married)
✗Business partners
✗Cousins (not immediate family)
✗Godparents (no legal relation)
✗Employers or co-workers

Important: FHA requires co-signers to be related by blood, marriage, or law. They do NOT need to live in the Nevada property (hence "non-occupant co-borrower"), but they ARE equally responsible for the mortgage.