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10 Best FHA Lenders in Arkansas

This ranking identifies the top 10 FHA lenders active in Arkansas, evaluated across pricing competitiveness, fee levels, pullthrough performance, and local market presence. It is designed for Arkansas homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors seeking FHA financing that balances cost, execution certainty, and lender credibility. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a renovation-focused purchaser, or a broker sourcing dependable closings, this list provides a structured starting point for lender comparison.

LoanWise Editorial Team

Isometric scene of an Arkansas main street with a brick bank building, residential homes, a capitol dome in the background, and small figures near the entrance.

Arkansas presents a compelling environment for FHA borrowers. With median home prices that remain more accessible than many parts of the country, the state continues to attract first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers alike who benefit from FHA's lower down payment thresholds and flexible credit qualifying standards. FHA loans — backed by the Federal Housing Administration — allow qualifying borrowers to purchase with as little as 3.5% down with a credit score of 580 or higher, making them one of the most widely used entry points into homeownership in markets like Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Conway.

The lender you choose for an FHA loan in Arkansas is not a minor decision. While FHA guidelines set a national floor for credit, down payment, and mortgage insurance requirements, individual lenders vary meaningfully on pricing, origination fees, pullthrough rates, and local execution quality. A lender with deep Arkansas market familiarity may close more reliably than a high-volume national platform that treats Arkansas as one of hundreds of states it serves at scale. Conversely, a lender with strong digital infrastructure and high origination volume may offer processing consistency that smaller institutions cannot always match.

This ranking was constructed using a combination of factors relevant to Arkansas FHA borrowers and mortgage professionals, including:

  • FHA pricing competitiveness within the Arkansas market
  • Average total FHA origination fees based on available loan-level data
  • Pullthrough performance, reflecting a lender's ability to close loans it originates
  • Local market presence and branch or servicing infrastructure in Arkansas
  • Program breadth, including availability of FHA 203(k) renovation financing and other complementary products
  • Approval and recognition through Arkansas housing channels such as ADFA

The ten lenders featured here span community banks, regional institutions, mortgage specialists, and national platforms — each with a distinct profile suited to different borrower situations. Understanding how they differ is the first step toward identifying which lender aligns with your specific purchase scenario, credit profile, and priorities in Arkansas.

#1

Firstar Bank

Top-ranked Arkansas FHA lender for pricing and execution

Safe Rate Arkansas FHA Rank

#1

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Minimum Credit Score with Higher Down Payment

500

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

Firstar Bank stands out for Arkansas FHA borrowers based on top ranking for pricing, pullthrough, and local FHA expertise. It is especially attractive for borrowers and referral partners who value strong execution and Arkansas market knowledge.
#2

Arvest Bank

Arkansas-based bank with broad FHA and branch presence

Average Total FHA Fees

$7,889

Fee Difference vs. Largest FHA Lender in AR

$1,576 lower

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

ADFA Approved Lender Listing

Yes

Program Types Referenced

FHA, VA, RD

Arvest Bank combines strong Arkansas branch presence with active FHA, VA, and Rural Development mortgage programs. It is well suited to borrowers and mortgage professionals seeking a locally established lender with broad in-state support.
#3

Quicken Loans, LLC

High-volume national FHA lender active in Arkansas

Arkansas FHA Loan Originations

802

Average Total FHA Fees

$9,465

Fee Difference vs. Arvest Bank

$1,576 higher

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Quicken Loans is the top Arkansas FHA lender by loan originations in the research pack, giving it clear scale and operational depth. It is a strong choice for borrowers who value digital mortgage execution and an established national platform.
4
#4

First Security Bank

Competitive FHA pricing from an established Arkansas bank

Pricing Position in Arkansas FHA

Top tier

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Minimum Credit Score with Higher Down Payment

500

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

First Security Bank scores strongly on Arkansas FHA pricing and offers an in-state banking platform that appeals to borrowers wanting local accessibility. It fits well for rate-conscious FHA buyers and originators looking for Arkansas credibility.
5
#5

Priority Bank

Arkansas FHA lender known for pricing and pullthrough

Pricing Position in Arkansas FHA

Top tier

Pullthrough Position in Arkansas FHA

High

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

Priority Bank is recognized for strong FHA pricing and close-likelihood in Arkansas, making it appealing where certainty of execution matters. It is a pragmatic option for homebuyers, brokers, and loan officers focused on both cost and completion.
6
#6

Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

Low-fee FHA lender for cost-sensitive Arkansas borrowers

Arkansas FHA Fee Position

Among lowest fee lenders

Eligibility Threshold in Fee Study

>10 loans

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

Mid America Mortgage is identified among Arkansas's lowest-fee FHA lenders, which makes it attractive for borrowers focused on reducing closing costs. Its mortgage-centric model is useful for shoppers comparing total loan expense rather than rate alone.
7
#7

SWBC Mortgage Corporation

Established mortgage platform with lower-fee FHA positioning

Arkansas FHA Fee Position

Among lower-fee lenders

Eligibility Threshold in Fee Study

>10 loans

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

SWBC Mortgage is recognized in the research pack as one of Arkansas's lower-fee FHA lenders. It offers a scaled mortgage platform that can suit borrowers and referral partners seeking a balance of cost efficiency and institutional lending infrastructure.
8
#8

Centennial Bank

Regional bank with Arkansas FHA 203(k) renovation relevance

Arkansas FHA 203(k) Listing

Yes

Referenced Arkansas City

Conway

Referenced Conway Address

620 Chestnut St

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Centennial Bank is notable for FHA 203(k) availability in Arkansas, giving it an edge for borrowers financing both purchase and renovation. Its regional banking presence also supports borrowers who prefer a bank relationship over a pure online lender.
9
#9

Simmons Bank

Regional bank offering FHA 203(k) options in Arkansas

Arkansas FHA 203(k) Listing

Yes

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Minimum Credit Score with Higher Down Payment

500

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

Simmons Bank appears as an Arkansas FHA 203(k) lender and brings a strong regional banking profile. It is a practical option for borrowers seeking bank-backed FHA financing with renovation potential and multi-market operating scale.
10
#10

DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd.

Builder-linked lender with competitive Arkansas FHA rates

Arkansas FHA Rate Position

Among lowest rate lenders

Minimum FHA Down Payment

3.5%

Minimum Credit Score for 3.5% Down

580

Minimum Credit Score with Higher Down Payment

500

Required Down Payment Below 580 Score

10%

DHI Mortgage is identified among the lowest Arkansas FHA rate lenders, making it particularly relevant for borrowers purchasing builder inventory. Its builder-affiliated model can streamline financing for homebuyers who want integrated purchase and loan execution.

●Conclusion

Selecting the right FHA lender in Arkansas requires more than identifying who offers the lowest headline rate. The lenders in this ranking represent meaningfully different value propositions — from the local bank with deep Arkansas roots and high pullthrough reliability, to the national platform processing hundreds of Arkansas FHA loans annually, to the mortgage specialist competing aggressively on fees or rate. Each profile suits a different type of borrower and transaction.

When evaluating your options from this list, consider the following dimensions:

  • Total loan cost: Compare origination fees, lender charges, and rate together. A lender with a lower rate but higher fees may not represent the best total-cost outcome over your loan term.
  • Pullthrough and execution certainty: For purchase transactions with contract deadlines, a lender's track record of closing reliably matters as much as its initial pricing. Lenders recognized for strong pullthrough in Arkansas can reduce the risk of a delayed or failed closing.
  • Local knowledge and accessibility: Borrowers who value direct communication, in-person branch access, or a lender with established relationships in the Arkansas real estate community may weigh local bank presence more heavily than digital convenience.
  • Program fit: If your purchase involves a fixer-upper or distressed property, lenders with confirmed FHA 203(k) capability in Arkansas open financing options that standard FHA lenders cannot provide. Builder-affiliated or construction-linked purchases may similarly benefit from lenders with that specialization.
  • Credit profile alignment: While FHA sets minimum credit standards nationally, individual lender overlays can differ. Borrowers with scores near the minimum thresholds should confirm the specific lender's credit requirements before proceeding.

No single lender on this list is the right answer for every borrower. The strongest approach is to engage two or three lenders whose profile matches your priorities — whether that is cost, execution, local presence, or product breadth — and compare loan estimates on equivalent terms. In a market like Arkansas, where FHA remains a high-utility financing tool for a broad range of buyers, the lender selection decision has real and measurable impact on both your closing experience and your long-term loan economics.

Keywords:Mortgage