What is the term used for a lender's ability to determine if a loan qualifies for FHA insurance?

The correct term that refers to a lender's ability to determine if a loan qualifies for FHA insurance is known as Direct Endorsement. This process allows approved lenders to underwrite and issue FHA loans without needing to send every loan to the FHA for prior approval. Instead, the lender assesses the loan eligibility based on established FHA guidelines and directly endorses the loans they originate. This streamlines the process, ultimately enhancing efficiency in the lending process and facilitating quicker access to FHA insurance for borrowers.

In contrast, the other terms listed do not accurately describe this specific function within FHA lending. Federal approval generally pertains to broader regulatory compliance and may involve heightened scrutiny that isn't necessary for the Direct Endorsement process. Loan validation does not represent a formal concept tied to FHA insurance but could refer to a general verification process in lending. Insurance authorization suggests a more broad or passive permission for insurance rather than the active decision-making process involved in Direct Endorsement. Thus, Direct Endorsement is the best term to characterize the lender's capability to determine a loan's eligibility for FHA insurance.