FHA loans were 13.3% of Guilford County mortgage originations in 2025 and VA loans 7.6% (CFPB/FFIEC HMDA). FHA mortgage insurance premiums are set by HUD and are the same at every lender, so compare FHA lenders on rate, lender fees and points using their Loan Estimates.
Median owner-occupied home value (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year): $244,800
FHA share of mortgage originations (Guilford County, HMDA 2025): 13.3%
Conventional share of mortgage originations (Guilford County, HMDA 2025): 78.9%
Median real estate taxes paid by homeowners (Guilford County, ACS 2024 5-year): $2,174 a year
Data from U.S. Census Bureau, HMDA
FHA Loans in Greensboro: 2026 Market Snapshot
If you're shopping for a home in Greensboro, it helps to know where the market stands heading into 2026. The median owner-occupied home value in Greensboro is $244,800 (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year).
In 2025, 78.9% of Guilford County mortgage originations were conventional loans, 13.3% were FHA and 7.6% were VA (CFPB/FFIEC HMDA). Which route makes sense for you depends on your own situation, so it's worth running the numbers carefully and comparing several offers before you commit.
Don't forget to factor in property taxes when you budget. Guilford County homeowners paid a median $2,174 a year in real estate taxes (Census ACS 2024 5-year), about 0.84% of the county's $259,900 median owner-occupied home value in the same survey.
When you're ready to talk to lenders, names that show up locally include Wells Fargo, Truist, and Uwharrie Bank. Reach out to more than one, read the fine print, and ask plenty of questions before signing anything.
What is the average mortgage rate in Greensboro right now?
Greensboro, NC borrowers price against the national 30-year fixed average: 7.28% in Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week of October 1, 2026, with the 15-year fixed at 6.60%. Local quotes vary by credit score, down payment, loan type and lender.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, conventional loans generally require a minimum score of 620 (Fannie Mae's floor for manually underwritten fixed-rate loans), while FHA's program minimum is 580 with 3.5% down (500–579 with 10% down); many lenders set their own FHA floor above that. Conventional loans above 740 typically receive the best rates — improving your score by even 40 points before applying can lower your rate by 0.25–0.5%.
How much down payment is typical in Greensboro?
First-time buyers in Greensboro commonly put down 3.5% on FHA loans or 5–20% on conventional loans. The NC Home Advantage Mortgage — 3% of loan amount in down payment assistance. A 20% down payment eliminates PMI and reduces your monthly payment, but is not required.
What are North Carolina-specific first-time buyer programs?
North Carolina offers the NC Home Advantage Mortgage — 3% of loan amount in down payment assistance. These programs typically have income limits of 80–120% of area median income and require completion of an HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Ask your lender to run a combined FHA + assistance program quote alongside a conventional loan.
FHA vs. conventional in Greensboro — which is more common?
Conventional loans are far more common: in 2025, 78.9% of Guilford County mortgage originations were conventional and 13.3% were FHA (CFPB/FFIEC HMDA). FHA loans are easier to qualify for but carry an upfront MIP fee (1.75% of loan amount) plus annual MIP. Once you have 20% equity, conventional loans allow PMI cancellation — making them more cost-effective long-term for buyers who can qualify.
How long does closing take in North Carolina?
The typical mortgage closing timeline in North Carolina is 38–44 days from application to closing. Pre-approval before making an offer can shorten this to 30–35 days. Delays most often occur at appraisal, title search, or underwriting — your loan officer can flag issues early if you provide all documentation upfront.
