Case Number Assignment Page - Field Descriptions
The field descriptions for the Case Number Assignment page are listed below in the order they appear on the page under their section headings: General Information , As Required , Affordable Housing / Community Land Trust , --> Property Address , Compliance Inspection Fields , Borrower Information , and Lender Notes .
Case Number Assignment - Business Background
Case Number Assignment - Processing
Validate Borrower/Address for Case Number Assignment Page - Field Descriptions
Holds Tracking - Business Background
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Reasons the FHA Case Number Could Save You Money or Save Your Loan
Any buyer or homeowner using an FHA loan to purchase or refinance a home will have a number assigned during the FHA mortgage process. If closed, this number will follow the loan for the entire life of the loan. In order to track these loans, every FHA loan is assigned a unique, 10-digit number called an FHA case number or ID. Although, do not confuse this with the lender’s account number. They are not the same thing. The account number would change if ever transferred to another lender. Yet, the FHA case number stays the same for the life of the FHA loan.
Most FHA borrowers are not aware that the FHA case ID even exists. It isn’t the most exciting topic in the world. Although, it becomes a pretty popular and beneficial topic during an FHA transfer or an FHA streamline refinance.
Most Popular FHA Case Number Uses
- Transfer an FHA borrower file to another lender
- FHA appraisal transfer
- Transfer an FHA case ID to another buyer
- FHA to FHA streamline appraisal
- FHA Funding Fee Refund
So, we are talking about potentially saving money on a streamlined refinance , a refund credit, or move to another lender to get the deal done. Let’s dig in!
What is the Purpose of the FHA Case Number?
First of all, the case number is assigned to a loan through a processed simply called a case number assignment. The case number is requested by an FHA lender through a system called the FHA Connection. FHA Connection creates and stores a record for every single FHA loan. Thus, making it easier for lenders and FHA to track the loan.
Keep in mind that sometimes an FHA case number does not make it to closing. So, it may get completely canceled or it may be transferred to another buyer. We will discuss these important scenarios in a minute.
Where Do I Find My FHA Loan Case Number?
It is entirely possible that an FHA borrower may never know or care about their FHA case ID. But, when one of these instances happen that we mentioned above, it helps to know where to find it. Hopefully, a borrower has stored their mortgage paperwork somewhere safe for quick access. Once this paperwork is located, the FHA case number should be found in at least 2 key places.
FHA Closing Paperwork
Depending on when the loan was closed, the final accounting of the numbers at closing are shown on one or more settlement papers. This form is called either a HUD settlement statement or a closing disclosure . For FHA and most other loan types, the closing disclosure took over for loans that started October 2015. Prior to this date, lenders and settlement agents used the HUD settlement statement for FHA closings. If your loan closed during this transition period, it is possible either could have been used.
Another place to find this key FHA number is on the mortgage or deed of trust. They are basically the same thing, yet some states this security instrument a mortgage while other states use the deed of trust. Additionally, the case number may be located at the top of the FHA promissory note. It may be called promissory note, fixed rate note, or just plain old note. No matter which form it is, the case number is typically found right at the top of the first page.
The FHA Appraisal
Another location of the FHA case ID is on the FHA appraisal. On a purchase or regular refinance (not FHA streamline without appraisal), the appraisal request by the lender must be preceded by requesting the case number assignment. So, the number has to be on the FHA appraisal.
So, if a scenario comes up where finding the case number could be beneficial, check one of these documents. But, if you come up empty, reach out to your closing attorney / settlement company, mortgage lender, or appraiser.
FHA Loan Transfer to Another Lender
Sometimes during a purchase or refinance process, issues arise that may warrant changing FHA lenders. Maybe the lender is non-responsive, slow, guidelines are too strict, or maybe does not like the appraisal. In these cases or others, a borrower may choose to have their FHA loan transferred to another lender. These days the FHA transfer process is pretty simple and does not cause undue stress on the borrower. The borrower simply needs to make a request for the prior lender to transfer the FHA case number to lender X (Maybe OVM?). The prior lender must transfer the loan and the FHA appraisal. Therefore, the FHA loan and appraisal transfer is a simple one.
One area to keep in mind is that if the preceding lender noted in FHA connection that the borrower’s loan was denied, the new lender must address this denial. Basically, the new lender must be able to fit the loan within their FHA guidelines and ensure that the loan now meets requirements.
FHA Appraisal Transfer
As mentioned above, when an FHA file is moved to a new lender, the appraisal must be provided as well. Thus, the new lender has access to the original appraisal. The new lender is responsible to ensure the appraiser has been paid for the appraisal too. Although,today most lenders require appraisal payment up-front from borrowers and the appraiser is paid right away. A far cry from the old days when appraisers had to hunt down lenders for payment.
When the appraisal is transferred, the same FHA case number follows it and the loan. Once transferred, the transfer is noted in the FHA Connection system.
Transfer an FHA Appraisal to a New Buyer
Sometimes an FHA appraisal has recently been performed on a property for another buyer, but it did not close for some reason. Another buyer using an FHA loan may use the same FHA appraisal which saves time when it comes to closing. Alternatively, a prior low appraisal or appraisal showing condition issues must be used up to 120 days from the original appraisal date. Therefore, this could be a buyer benefit or problem. Although, if using a different type loan like VA, USDA, or conventional, the FHA appraisal does not have to be used. If this case happens, consult with your mortgage lender.
The Role of an FHA Case Number in an FHA Streamline Refinance
Homeowners with an existing FHA loan may benefit from a drop in interest rates. When interest rates drop enough where it makes sense for a homeowner to consider a refinance, an FHA streamline refinance could be in play. Keep in mind, only homeowners with an existing FHA loan may use this refinance product. There are several benefits besides an interest rate and/or payment reduction. The streamlined process allows some borrowers the potential of not proving income. Another feature waives the FHA appraisal requirement. When this is chosen, the value assigned to the case number in FHA connection is used to calculate the maximum loan amount. Finally, the value stated in FHA connection may be enough to reduce the monthly FHA mortgage insurance . Thus, another potential small monthly savings.
FHA MIP Refund
Another reason the FHA case file number is used would be in the case of an FHA to FHA refinance. If a borrower refinances their current FHA loan to another FHA loan within the first 3 years, a credit is applied towards the mortgage insurance premium on the new loan. Since the financed MIP, also called FHA funding fee, is 1.75% of the loan amount, every little refund could help. The new FHA lender will use the FHA refund schedule to calculate the amount of the refund credit.

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FHA Case Number on New Applications and Transfers

In this blog, we will cover and discuss the FHA case number on new FHA mortgage applications. We will also discuss transfers from one lender to a new lender. FHA loans are the most popular loan program in the U.S. HUD, the parent of FHA, created and launched FHA loans so first time homebuyers and buyers with less than perfect credit can qualify for a home loan. HUD’s mission is to promote homeownership to hard-working American families by making homeownership affordable.
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Benefits of FHA Loans

HUD created very lenient down payment and credit agency mortgage guidelines. HUD, th parent of FHA, wants hard-working Americans able to afford a home purchase. FHA loans are ideal for homebuyers with little down payment, lower credit scores, higher debt to income ratios, and homebuyers who had a prior bankruptcy and/or a housing event. Lenders can offer a 3.5% down payment home purchase FHA loan with only a 580 credit score at low mortgage rates due to the government guarantee.
HUD Agency Guidelines On FHA Loans
Borrowers applying for an FHA loan will be assigned a FHA Case Number. Borrowers will need to meet the minimum agency mortgage guidelines on FHA loans. HUD allows homebuyers to purchase a home with a 3.5% down payment with a 580 credit score.. Borrowers with under 580 down to 500 credit scores can qualify for FHA loans. However, any borrower with under 580 credit scores will need a 10% versus 3.5% down payment. Borrowers can qualify for an FHA loan with a prior bankruptcy and/or foreclosure as long as they meet the minimum waiting period requirements. Outstanding collections and charged-off accounts do not have to be paid to qualify for FHA loans. HUD’s role is to promote homeownership for homebuyers of all types. All FHA borrowers will need an FHA case number. You can only have one FHA case number.
Importance Of Case Numbers On FHA Loans
Case Numbers is required on all FHA loans. The FHA Case Number is a unique 10-digit number assigned to a borrower’s loan file. The Case Number is assigned by the Case Number Assignment on FHA Connection. The FHA Loan that this number is assigned is known as a case. The Case Number is mandatory for every FHA loan. This case number is assigned when a borrower applies for FHA loans. This holds true whether it is a purchase or refinance.
How To Read FHA Case Number

The first three numbers on an FHA Case Number state the area such as the county and state. The last three numbers are representative of the Sections of the ACT in where the FHA Insurance was issued for each house. The Case Number can be viewed on the top of each page of every completed FHA Home Appraisal. The Borrower who is buying a home with an FHA Loan, the property in which the home buyer is purchasing is assigned a Case Number. Case Numbers can be transferred from one borrower to another borrower. However, the Case Numbers cannot be transferred from the property.
How HUD Case Number Connections Work
When a home buyer who is pre-approved for an FHA loan starts the FHA loan process, the lender will need to get the borrower a Case Number on the property the borrower has a contract on. However, in the event, that the borrower decides not to purchase the home, the Case Number is now void.
Getting a New FHA Case Number
When the borrower decides to purchase another property, then they would need to get a new Case Number on the second property they are purchasing. With the above example, if another home buyer wants to purchase the original property that was canceled by the first borrower, then all the new home buyer needs to do is to have the Case Number for the original canceled property transferred to them. If there are multiple Lenders involved, that can be a cause for delays in the mortgage process. Lenders with original Case Numbers need to release the Case Number to the new lender.
How Long Is The FHA Case Number Valid

If the FHA loan with a case number did not close in six months, the original FHA Case Number will be canceled. In the event FHA makes changes to HUD 4000.1 FHA Handbook with another revised HUD Handbook and Guidelines such as increasing FHA MIP, the changes take validity on Case Numbers that have been assigned on or after the date of the changes of FHA Programs and Guidelines. Any Case Numbers that are assigned prior to that date are still underwritten within the Guidelines before the changes as long. This holds true as the FHA Loan closes within a six-month window.
Qualifying For FHA Loans
FHA Loans is the most popular loan program in the U.S. FHA Loans are popular with first time home buyers, home buyers with outstanding collections and charge offs, buyers with higher debt to income ratios, and homebuyers with little to no credit. Here are the basic HUD Guidelines on FHA loans:
- 580 FICO credit score
- 3.5% down payment
- 46.9% front end and 56.9% back end DTI
- Non-Occupant Co-Borrowers allowed
- 100% of the down payment can be gifted
- No Closing Costs: Closing Costs can be covered with seller concessions and/or lender credit
To qualify for FHA Loan, please contact us at Gustan Cho Associates at 1-800-900-8569 or text us for a faster response. Or email us at [email protected] The Team at Gustan Cho Associates Mortgage Group is available 7 days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays.


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Case Number Assignment. The first step in establishing a new single family FHA case with HUD is to provide the required information and obtain an FHA case
For cases with a Construction Code of Proposed Construction or Under Construction, information in the Month/Year Completed field is optional and
Please contact your FHA Connection Application Coordinator and request that they set the Case Number Assignment authorization to "Add/Update" on your FHA
Frequently Asked Questions - Case Processing ; Case Number Assignment consists of three functions that are listed below: · Establish a New Case allows lenders to
Ten-digit FHA ID of the FHA-approved lender that originated the mortgage or FHA-approved lender (principal) that designated another FHA-approved
Identifier assigned to the case by the lender, such as a loan number. Is this a Sponsored Originator Case? Indicator specifying whether the
Requesting an FHA Case Number ... FHA case number assignments ... entitled to a fee for the transfer of a streamline refinance case number,.
At the request of a borrower, the case number is to be assigned to the new lender using the Case Transfer function in FHA Connection. The transferring lender is
First of all, the case number is assigned to a loan through a processed simply called a case number assignment. The case number is requested by
Case Numbers is required on all FHA loans. The FHA Case Number is a unique 10-digit number assigned to a borrower's loan file. The Case Number