First Lending Solutions is a Riverside, California mortgage broker and mortgage lender that helps home buyers and homeowners use FHA loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, to buy or refinance a home. Founded in 2005 by CEO Alan Vogan, the company explains FHA guidelines, mortgage insurance and county loan limits in plain language before you apply.
FHA loans are popular with first-time buyers and with anyone whose credit or savings history doesn’t fit a perfect template. If you’re wondering whether FHA is right for you, we’ll give you a straight answer and compare it with your other options.
What is an FHA loan?
An FHA loan is a mortgage made by an FHA-approved lender and insured by the Federal Housing Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Because FHA insures the loan, lenders can offer more flexible credit guidelines than many conventional loans. That doesn’t mean anything goes: lenders still review your credit, income, debts and the property, and every loan is subject to approval.
Who an FHA loan can be a good fit for
- First-time home buyers who want flexible down-payment options and a clear path into homeownership. See our first-time home buyer guide.
- Buyers with limited or imperfect credit history, including some who have worked through past credit challenges, depending on the circumstances and time since the event.
- Families getting help from relatives. FHA allows eligible gift funds toward your down payment and closing costs, with proper documentation.
- Homeowners who want to refinance, including an FHA streamline refinance for existing FHA loans, or a rate-and-term or cash-out refinance for eligible borrowers.
Why borrowers choose First Lending Solutions for FHA loans
- Broker and lender in one, so we can look at more than one path and compare FHA with conventional or VA side by side.
- Local since 2005, with an office in Riverside you can visit Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PT.
- Plain-language explanations of mortgage insurance, loan limits and the FHA appraisal.
- What clients say: Rated 5.0 stars from 308 Google reviews (as of October 2026).
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP), explained plainly
Every FHA loan includes mortgage insurance, called the mortgage insurance premium, or MIP. It protects the lender if a loan isn’t repaid, and it’s part of why FHA guidelines can be more flexible. MIP has two parts:
- Upfront MIP, a one-time premium that is usually financed into the loan amount rather than paid in cash at closing.
- Annual MIP, which is divided into monthly amounts and included in your mortgage payment.
How long annual MIP lasts depends on your loan details. Some homeowners later refinance into a conventional loan to remove FHA mortgage insurance, if they qualify. We’ll show you exactly how MIP affects your costs on your Loan Estimate, so there are no surprises.
FHA loan limits vary by county
FHA sets maximum loan amounts for each county, and the limits are updated each year. Limits vary across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties, so the amount you can borrow with FHA depends on where you buy. Ask us for the current limit in your county. Buying locally? See our pages for Riverside, the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego County.
FHA property and condo requirements
An FHA appraisal checks the home’s value and also that it meets basic safety and soundness standards. Older homes may need minor repairs before closing. Condos generally need to be in an FHA-approved project, or qualify for an individual unit approval. We’ll help you check these details early, before you’re deep into escrow.
How it works
- Apply online or call. California borrowers can apply online, or call (951) 684-3307.
- Review FHA and your other options. We look at your credit, income, savings and goals, explain MIP and the loan limit for your county, and send a clear document list.
- Close with support. We coordinate the FHA appraisal, underwriting and escrow and keep you and your agent updated through closing.
FHA loan FAQs
What credit do I need for an FHA loan?
FHA loans have more flexible credit guidelines than many conventional loans, but lenders still review your full credit history, income and debts. Requirements vary by lender and by your overall situation. First Lending Solutions will review your credit with you and explain where you stand and what could help.
What is FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)?
MIP is mortgage insurance required on every FHA loan. It has two parts: an upfront premium that is usually financed into the loan, and an annual premium that is divided into monthly amounts and included in your payment. How long annual MIP lasts depends on your loan details, and we’ll show the exact costs on your Loan Estimate.
What is the FHA loan limit in my county?
FHA loan limits are set by county and updated each year, so they differ across Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego counties. Call First Lending Solutions at (951) 684-3307 and we’ll tell you the current limit for the county where you’re buying.
Can I use gift money for an FHA down payment?
Yes, FHA allows eligible gift funds from approved sources, such as family members, toward your down payment and closing costs. The gift must be properly documented, usually with a gift letter and proof of the transfer. We’ll explain exactly what’s needed.
Can I buy a condo with an FHA loan?
Often, yes. The condo generally needs to be in an FHA-approved project, or the unit may qualify for an individual approval. We’ll check the project’s status early so you know where you stand before you commit.
More questions? See our full mortgage FAQ.
Find out if an FHA loan is right for you
Apply online, or call our Riverside office for a plain-language review of your options.
Apply now (California) Call (951) 684-3307
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. PT · 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506
First Lending Solutions serves California primarily and is also licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida and Texas. The online application is for California borrowers; if you live in one of those other states, call (951) 684-3307 to talk with a licensed loan officer.
Disclosures
1st Lending Solutions, Inc. DBA First Lending Solutions, 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506. (951) 684-3307. Company NMLS #135932 (NMLS Consumer Access). Alan Vogan, NMLS #236124. CA DRE Corporation License #01482431. CA DRE Broker License #01373250. CA DFPI California Financing Law License #60DBO96452. AL Consumer Credit License #23244. AL Mortgage Brokers License #23245. FL Mortgage Broker Business License #MBR7449. KY Mortgage Company License #MC796021. TN Mortgage Lender License #174096. TX SML Mortgage Company License (NMLS #135932). Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, program guidelines and property eligibility. Programs and terms are subject to change without notice and may not be available in all areas. VA loans require eligibility. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.