Closed-loan snapshot

A $319,113 FHA purchase loan for a primary residence in Livingston, Louisiana, closed on October 5, 2026. The closing record lists a 644 credit score, 98% loan-to-value ratio and 35.8% debt-to-income ratio.

Loan Snapshot

Historical terms from one closed primary-residence transaction, not a current rate quote. LTV means loan-to-value; DTI means debt-to-income ratio. Rates and APR are reported from the closing record.

The Challenge: Limited Down-Payment Funds and a 644 Credit Score

The buyer wanted to purchase a primary residence while keeping the upfront contribution low. A 644 credit score made program choice important: credit standards and pricing vary, and a lower score can narrow the choices available.

This purchase closed using FHA financing. FHA insurance can make homeownership accessible to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, but the lender still evaluates the full application. The transaction is evidence of one completed loan, not a score-only approval rule.

Understanding the 98% LTV and Cash Needed to Close

Loan-to-value (LTV) describes the loan relative to the property value used for lending. It is not a cash-to-close calculation. FHA financing may include a financed upfront mortgage insurance premium; assistance, credits and other funds can also affect what the buyer personally brings to closing.

HUD describes FHA down payments as low as 3.5%. A buyer’s own contribution can differ when eligible assistance or gift funds are involved. A high LTV should not be read as a universal 2% or 3% FHA down-payment offer. Review the actual purchase price, base loan, mortgage insurance and Closing Disclosure with your loan officer.

Closing costs are another part of the budget. The record lists $12,132.83 in total closing costs, which is separate from the down payment and is not necessarily the buyer’s cash to close. See closing costs explained and FHA versus conventional financing.

DTI Was a Different Part of This Buyer’s Profile

Debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, compares monthly debt payments with gross monthly income before taxes. Lenders use it to assess repayment capacity. A higher ratio leaves less room for additional debt and everyday expenses. Read the CFPB explanation of DTI.

This file recorded a 35.8% DTI. The main challenges highlighted here were credit and the upfront funds, rather than the very high DTI found in the Denham Springs example. Similar credit scores can lead to different financing discussions when monthly debt, income and available funds differ.

The Result: An FHA Purchase Closed in Livingston

The $319,113 purchase loan closed on October 5, 2026. It was a 30-year fixed FHA loan for a primary residence, with a historical 6.281% interest rate and reported 7.276% APR. APR reflects certain finance charges in addition to the interest rate; it is useful when comparing otherwise similar loan offers.

What to Review in Your Own Scenario

• Credit: Review the full report and loan options rather than assuming one score determines approval.
• Monthly obligations: Confirm the debts and qualifying income used for DTI, then compare the payment with your household budget.
• Cash and equity: Review the down payment, mortgage insurance, assistance if applicable, credits and cash needed to close.
• Complete terms: Compare interest rate, APR, term and total costs using the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.

★★★★★ · Google review

The Borrower’s Experience With Lyndi

“10/10 Lyndi Gajan helped us all the way through from the shopping phase to the closing phase.”

Borrower name omitted on this page. Read the original review on Google.

Excerpt from a public five-star review, verified October 12, 2026. The linked Google source displays the reviewer’s public profile. Reviews describe individual experiences and do not guarantee loan approval, terms or timing.

Livingston FHA Case Study FAQs

Can a buyer get an FHA loan with a 644 credit score?

This purchase closed with a recorded 644 score. Approval still depends on the full application, property and applicable lender and FHA requirements.

Does 98% LTV mean a 2% FHA down payment?

Not necessarily. LTV may reflect financed mortgage insurance and does not show the buyer’s personal contribution, assistance or total cash needed to close.

Were closing costs the same as the down payment?

No. This record lists total closing costs separately. Down payment, credits, deposits and other funds also affect the final cash-to-close amount.

Have a Similar Purchase Situation?

Talk with Lyndi about your credit, income, debts, property and available down-payment funds. A personal review can help you understand the options and next steps for your own file.