FHA Loans in Portsmouth, VA
As little as 3.5% down with flexible credit — built for first-time buyers.
Work directly with Jodie Barber, a mortgage broker with 30 years of experience serving Portsmouth and all of Portsmouth City County.
Portsmouth at a glance
Home of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (actually in Portsmouth). Most affordable Hampton Roads core city (~$275K) and highest local property-tax rate (~1.24%) — a natural first-time-buyer + VA market. Great for BAH-covers-the-payment and low-to-no-down VA/FHA content.
Serving Portsmouth neighborhoods including Olde Towne, Port Norfolk, Churchland, Cradock, Cavalier Manor.
Why a FHA loan in Portsmouth?
First-time and repeat buyers who want a low down payment or have credit that's still on the way up.
- ✦3.5% down with a 580+ credit score
- ✦More flexible credit and debt-to-income guidelines
- ✦Gift funds allowed for the down payment
- ✦Assumable — a real advantage in a higher-rate market
Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Grant — 2% of purchase price (with a Virginia Housing Conventional first mortgage) or 2.5% (with a Virginia Housing FHA first mortgage). Qualified first-time homebuyer (no ownership in past 3 years) OR repeat buyer purchasing in an Area of Economic Opportunity; must use an eligible Virginia Housing bond first mortgage (Conventional or FHA); household income within Virginia Housing DPA income limits; within sales-price/loan limits; minimum 600 credit score; borrower brings at least 1% of purchase price from own funds/eligible gift. Cannot be combined with the Plus Second Mortgage or Closing Cost Assistance Grant.
FHA Loans FAQ
- What credit score do I need for an FHA loan?
- Generally 580 for 3.5% down (500–579 may qualify with 10% down). FHA is designed to be more forgiving than conventional financing.
- What is FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)?
- FHA loans carry an upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium. I'll show you the real monthly cost and when refinancing out of it makes sense.
“Homeownership is a partnership.” Let's talk about your FHA loan in Portsmouth. No pressure — just straight answers from someone who's done this for 30 years.