Is a new-build FHA deal with a 1.75% closing credit and a 4.99% rate through the builder's in-house lender a good deal?

On its face that's a strong package, and one line-by-line check will confirm whether it's as good as it looks. A permanent 4.99% FHA rate plus a credit worth 1.75% of the price toward closing costs is well below what a typical FHA buyer sees. Builders often attach their best incentives to using their in-house lender, and those incentives are frequently real and generous. The check matters because a builder credit is given in lieu of a lower price, so ultimately you're the one funding it. Get a full Loan Estimate from the in-house lender and compare it line by line against one outside quote for the same FHA loan. You're confirming that the fees on page 2 are normal and that the credit isn't simply offset by a padded purchase price. Also confirm the 4.99% is a true permanent rate rather than a temporary buydown that steps up later, and read the FHA mortgage-insurance details so you know the full payment. More often than not a package like this holds up and is worth moving forward on, and the competing Loan Estimate takes little time to get. If you'd like a second set of eyes on the in-house offer, bring it to a free Roadmap conversation and we'll sanity-check it with you.