What Credit Score Is Needed for an FHA Loan in New Hampshire?

🏡 What Credit Score Is Needed for an FHA Loan in New Hampshire?

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options in New Hampshire, especially for first-time buyers in areas like Plymouth, Campton, Bristol, Rumney, Thornton, and Ashland.

The good news? FHA loans are very credit-flexible, making homeownership possible even if your credit isn’t perfect.

Here’s exactly what you need to qualify.

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Minimum Credit Score for FHA Loans in NH

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580+ Credit Score = 3.5% Down

This is the most common scenario.

If your score is 580 or higher, you only need 3.5% down.

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500–579 Credit Score = 10% Down

You can still qualify for an FHA loan, but you must:

Put 10% down, and

Show stronger financial stability

This is still a good option for buyers rebuilding credit.

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Other FHA Loan Requirements in NH

Besides credit score, FHA lenders look at:

Stable income and employment

Debt-to-income ratio (usually 43% or lower)

Clean recent payment history

No major bankruptcies in the past 2 years

No foreclosures within the last 3 years

FHA is very forgiving, especially compared to conventional loans.

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Why FHA Loans Are Popular in New Hampshire

FHA loans work well for:

Older homes

Cabins

Homes with minor defects

Rural properties

First-time buyers

Buyers with limited down payment

NH’s housing stock includes MANY older properties, making FHA a strong fit.

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FHA Loan Limits in NH (2025)

Loan limits vary by county, but most of Central NH falls into the standard FHA limit range.

Typical limits:

Single-family: $498,257 (estimate)

Duplex: $637,950

Triplex: $771,125

Fourplex: $958,350

(These adjust yearly.)

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Down Payment Assistance Options

Some NH buyers can combine FHA with:

NH Housing programs

First-time buyer grants

Closing cost assistance

Helpful for buyers with limited savings.

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Q&A

Q: What credit score do I need for an FHA loan in NH?

A: 580+ for 3.5% down, or 500–579 with 10% down.

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About the Author

🏡 What Is a Septic Pumping Schedule and How Often Should NH Homeowners Pump?

For many homes in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, and rural parts of Central NH, septic systems are the norm — not the exception.

Keeping your septic system healthy starts with a regular pumping schedule.

Here’s how often NH homeowners should pump and why it matters.

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How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped in NH?

Most New Hampshire homes should pump their septic tank every:

✔ 2–3 years for average households

✔ Every year for large families or heavy water usage

✔ Every 4–5 years for seasonal/low-use properties

Tank size, number of occupants, and water usage heavily affect the schedule.

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What Happens If You Don’t Pump Frequently Enough?

Delaying septic pumping can lead to:

⚠ Backups into the home

⚠ Drainfield failure

⚠ Slow drains and gurgling

⚠ Expensive repairs ($10,000–$25,000+)

NH homes with high water tables or older systems are especially vulnerable.

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What Affects Septic Pumping Frequency?

In Central NH, factors include:

✔ Number of people in the home

✔ Tank size

✔ Age of the system

✔ Garbage disposal use

✔ Well water vs. city water (well water often increases sediment)

✔ Soil conditions and drainage

If you don’t know the last pump date, assume it’s overdue.

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Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping

Watch for:

⚠ Standing water near the tank or drainfield

⚠ Slow sinks or showers

⚠ Foul smells outdoors

⚠ Toilets bubbling when running water

⚠ Lush green grass over the drainfield

These warning signs can indicate the system is nearing failure.

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Q&A

Q: Can NH buyers request septic pumping before closing?

A: Yes — many buyers negotiate pumping or inspection during the due diligence period.

Q: Does pumping fix all septic issues?

A: No. Pumping maintains the tank, but drainfield issues often require separate repairs.

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Keywords

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Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com