An FHA Loan may be the answer if you’ve been saving, scrolling through listings, and wondering if homeownership is really possible in 2025 — especially with current mortgage rates and home prices.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect credit or 20% down to buy your first home.
At Martini Mortgage Group, we specialize in helping North Carolina homebuyers unlock the power of the loan program — one of the most flexible, affordable mortgage options available today.
Led by Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini, our fiduciary-style approach prioritizes your long-term financial strategy over the loan itself. We call it clarity-based lending because when you understand your options, you can make decisions with confidence.
Complete Loan Raleigh NC Guide: Topics Covered
This program, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, was built to help more Americans become homeowners — and it continues to be one of the most trusted financing options for Raleigh buyers looking for stability, predictability, and low down payments.
In a market where rents are climbing and savings are tight, financing gives Raleigh buyers a way to stop renting and start building real equity — one payment at a time.
✅ Low Down Payment – You can buy with as little as 3.5% down, keeping more cash for moving expenses or emergency savings.
✅ Flexible Credit Requirements – Many FHA homebuyers qualify with credit scores starting at 580 — and sometimes even lower with compensating factors.
✅ Competitive Interest Rates – FHA loans often feature lower rates than conventional mortgages, which can translate to a more affordable monthly payment.
✅ Gift Funds Allowed – Your down payment can come from family, friends, or even an employer — helping you get started sooner.
✅ Assumable Mortgages – Future buyers can assume your FHA loan’s low rate, making your home even more valuable if rates rise.
In a market where rents are climbing and savings are tight, financing gives Raleigh buyers a way to stop renting and start building real equity — one payment at a time.
What Homebuyers (First-Time and Repeat) Need to Know About Down Payments
Many people think FHA loans are only for first-time homebuyers — but that’s a myth.
The Home Loan is open to any eligible buyer, whether you’re purchasing your very first home or your fifth. The key is that the home must be your primary residence.
Here’s what makes the loan such a powerful (and flexible) mortgage solution:
- Not Just for First-Timers: Repeat homebuyers can use an FHA loan, even if they’ve owned a home before — there’s no “first-time buyer only” restriction.
- You Can Use It Again: If you’ve had an FHA loan in the past and sold that property, you’re still eligible to use the program again.
- Yes, Two FHA Loans Are Possible: In very specific circumstances — such as a job relocation, divorce, or family size change — FHA guidelines may allow you to hold two FHA loans at once. (This requires meeting certain occupancy and distance rules.)
- Low Down Payments Still Apply: Whether you’re a first-time or repeat buyer, an FHA Loan Raleigh NC still allows you to qualify with as little as 3.5% down, provided you meet credit and income guidelines.
This flexibility is one of the reasons loans remain one of the most trusted tools for Raleigh homebuyers.
At Martini Mortgage Group, we help both first-time and repeat buyers strategically use mortgage options to build long-term wealth — whether it’s your starter home, your move-up home, or your next chapter.
(You can explore all your options in our North Carolina Mortgage Guide).
The Fiduciary Difference: Why Raleigh Chooses Martini Mortgage Group
At Martini Mortgage Group, we don’t sell loans — we design strategies.
Our fiduciary-style approach means your goals always come first. Instead of steering you toward one lender’s products, we evaluate multiple options to find the structure that fits your life, your timeline, and your wealth-building goals.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
✨ Same-As-Cash Mortgage Approval — Our clients’ offers stand out because they carry the strength of cash. Sellers notice. You gain leverage. No surprises, no delays.
✨ Mortgages Under Management — After closing, our relationship continues. We proactively monitor your mortgage and reach out when the market shifts — so you never miss a chance to save.
✨ Transparent, Stress-Free Process — From application to keys in hand, we simplify every step, giving you the clarity, certainty, and confidence to move forward.
When you work with Kevin Martini or Logan Martini, you’re not just getting a mortgage — you’re gaining a long-term fiduciary partner who ensures your strategy aligns with your broader wealth goals.
FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Which Is Right for You?
Both FHA and conventional loans have unique benefits. The right one depends on your credit, income, and long-term goals.
| Feature | FHA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment | 3.5% | 3% (with stricter guidelines) |
| Credit Flexibility | More forgiving | Requires higher credit scores |
| Mortgage Insurance | Required for all | Can be removed after 20% equity |
| Loan Limits (Raleigh 2025) | $530,150 (approx.) | $819,000 (conforming) |
| Ideal For | First-time buyers, repeat homebuyers, lower credit | Strong credit, larger down payment |
At Martini Mortgage Group, we’ll help you evaluate both — so you can choose the path that builds maximum wealth with minimum stress.
FHA Loan Limits in Raleigh and the Triangle of North Carolina for 2025
Every year, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) updates its loan limits to reflect changes in home prices. For 2025, FHA loan limits have increased across much of North Carolina — giving buyers greater purchasing power.
2025 FHA Loan Limits (Wake County)
1-Unit (Single-Family Home): $530,150
2-Unit Property: $678,700
3-Unit Property: $820,350
4-Unit Property: $1,019,550
2025 FHA Loan Limits (Johnston County)
1-Unit (Single-Family Home): $530,150
2-Unit Property: $678,700
3-Unit Property: $820,350
4-Unit Property: $1,019,550
2025 FHA Loan Limits (Durham County)
1-Unit (Single-Family Home): $632,500
2-Unit Property: $809,700
3-Unit Property: $978,750
4-Unit Property: $1,216,350
100% Financing: Martini Mortgage Group’s No-Down-Payment FHA Home Loan
For many Raleigh and North Carolina homebuyers, the biggest barrier to homeownership isn’t credit — it’s cash. That’s why Martini Mortgage Group developed a proprietary Loan no-down-payment program, designed to make homeownership more accessible without sacrificing financial stability.
This program combines the flexibility of a standard insured mortgage with a second loan or grant that covers your required 3.5% down payment — allowing qualified borrowers to achieve 100% financing.
How the Program Works
Here’s how our no-down-payment FHA structure removes one of the biggest financial hurdles:
- Two-Loan Structure: You receive a traditional FHA first mortgage, paired with a second loan or grant that covers the 3.5% FHA down payment requirement.
- Two Types of Assistance:
- Repayable Option: A low-interest second mortgage with manageable monthly payments.
- Forgivable Option: A 0%-interest second mortgage that may be completely forgiven after you’ve lived in the home for a set period (typically 5–10 years).
- Increased Accessibility: By covering the down payment, this program empowers eligible buyers to purchase a home sooner — while still benefiting from FHA’s flexible credit and debt-to-income standards.
This means more Raleigh families can stop renting and start building equity — even if saving for a down payment has felt out of reach.
Who Qualifies for Martini Mortgage Group’s No-Down-Payment FHA Program
Eligibility for this program depends on both requirements and guidelines from Martini Mortgage Group’s down-payment-assistance partners. Common qualifications include:
✅ Meeting standard loan eligibility (credit, income, and primary-residence requirements).
✅ Available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers — no three-year lookback is required.
✅ Completing a homebuyer education course to ensure confidence and understanding before closing.
✅ Holding a credit score of 600 or higher, though exceptions may apply.
NOTE: $0 down payment doesn’t mean $0 due at closing—closing costs still apply (can be covered via seller credits or gift funds, when available).
Why This Program Matters
This innovative approach bridges the gap between affordability and opportunity. It’s not just about buying a home — it’s about giving qualified families the chance to build generational wealth sooner.
At Martini Mortgage Group, we believe homeownership shouldn’t be defined by how much cash you have saved — but by how ready you are to invest in your future.
If you’re in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina and want to explore 100% financing, our team is ready to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.
Transform a Fixer-Upper into Your Dream Home with the 203K Limited Loan

Sometimes the right home isn’t perfect — yet.
If you’ve found a property in Raleigh, or anywhere in North Carolina, that needs a little love, the FHA Loan Raleigh NC 203k Limited option can help you finance both the purchase and renovation with one mortgage
How the FHA 203k Limited Loan Works
This program combines an FHA-insured first mortgage with built-in renovation funds, allowing you to update, repair, or improve your home immediately after closing — without needing separate financing.
Common eligible projects include:
- Kitchen or bathroom updates (fixtures, cabinets)
- Interior or exterior painting
- Roof repair (non-structural)
- HVAC replacement
- Floor upgrades (hardwood, tile, carpet)
- Window or door replacements
- Minor electrical or plumbing repairs
- Energy-efficiency improvements
Up to $75,000 in renovation costs can be financed directly into your mortgage — meaning one loan, one payment, and one simple process.
Why Raleigh Buyers Choose the 203k Limited Loan
✅ Buy the right home, not just the right now home. You can look beyond move-in-ready listings and focus on neighborhoods or homes with untapped value.
✅ Increase equity from day one. Strategic updates often boost a property’s market value faster than standard appreciation alone.
✅ Streamlined process. The “Limited” version of the 203(k) avoids the complexity of the full 203(k) Standard loan — making it faster and easier to close.
(You can explore all your options in our FHA 203k Limited Loan: The Smart Way to Buy a Fixer-Upper in Raleigh).
How to Get Pre-Approved for an FHA Loan in Raleigh
Getting started with an FHA Loan Raleigh, NC, through Martini Mortgage Group is simple, transparent, and empowering.
Step 1: Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
→ Book your free call today with Kevin Martini or Logan Martini.
Step 2: Know Your Numbers
We’ll walk you through your credit, income, and down payment options — turning confusing terms into clear next steps.
Step 3: Get Same-As-Cash Approval
Strengthen your offer with an approval that gives you the leverage of a cash buyer.
Step 4: Shop with Confidence
Work with your Realtor knowing exactly what you can afford — no guesswork, no surprises.
Step 5: Close with Certainty
Our team coordinates every detail for a smooth, on-time closing — and we’ll keep managing your mortgage long after.
Frequently Asked Questions About FHA Loans in Raleigh
What is an FHA Loan Raleigh NC and who is it best for?
An FHA Loan Raleigh NC is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that helps homebuyers with lower down payments and flexible credit. It’s ideal for first-time and repeat buyers purchasing a primary residence.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Most qualified borrowers can buy a home with as little as 3.5% down through a traditional FHA loan. However, Martini Mortgage Group also offers a proprietary no-down-payment FHA option that allows eligible buyers to achieve 100% financing by pairing their FHA loan with a second loan or grant for the down payment.
Not all borrowers will qualify for this program — eligibility depends on income, credit, and other underwriting factors — but for those who do, it can eliminate one of the biggest barriers to homeownership.
Does Martini Mortgage Group offer a no-down-payment FHA option?
Yes. Our proprietary no-down-payment FHA program pairs a standard FHA first mortgage with a second loan or grant covering the 3.5% down payment—giving eligible borrowers 100% financing.
Can repeat buyers use an FHA loan?
Absolutely. FHA loans are available to first-time and repeat buyers. There’s no three-year lookback, and in limited circumstances, you can even hold two FHA loans at once (such as for relocation).
What are the FHA loan limits in Raleigh for 2025?
For 2025, Wake County’s approximate FHA limits are $530,150 (1-unit), $678,700 (2-unit), $821,200 (3-unit), and $1,020,800 (4-unit). Limits vary by county; we’ll confirm your property’s maximum during pre-approval.
Can I use an FHA loan for a fixer-upper?
Yes—through the FHA 203(k) Limited Loan. It lets you finance up to $75,000 in home improvements along with the purchase price, so you can renovate and build equity with one mortgage.
Can my down payment be a gift?
Yes. FHA allows gift funds from eligible family members or approved donors to cover part or all of your required 3.5% down payment.
What makes Martini Mortgage Group different?
We don’t sell loans—we design strategies. Our fiduciary-style guidance, Same-As-Cash Approval, and Mortgages Under Management ensure clarity before closing and proactive care afterward.
The Bottom Line: Clarity Creates Confidence
Homeownership isn’t about timing the market — it’s about having a strategy that works in any market.
An FHA Loan Raleigh NC remains one of the most effective ways for North Carolina families to achieve affordable homeownership — especially when paired with strategic mortgage planning.
When you’re ready to stop renting and start building wealth, let’s talk.
👉 Schedule your complimentary consultation and take your first confident step toward homeownership today.
Clarity = Certainty. Certainty = Power.
If you’re ready to explore your options with a fiduciary-style FHA Loan Raleigh NC lender, schedule your complimentary consultation today with Kevin or Logan Martini.
NOTE: The Martini Mortgage Group isn’t merely a Raleigh Mortgage Broker in Raleigh, North Carolina. Their reach spans across all 100 counties in North Carolina. It extends into Florida, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, and Virginia, serving individuals and families alike.

