Mortgage & Loan Services

These loans are a good match for borrowers who have a strong credit history, stable employment history, minimal debt, and enough funds to put down at least 3%. Unlike government-backed loans, they can be used to finance nearly any type of property, including primary residences, vacation homes, or investment properties.

Usually, when people talk about conventional loans, they’re referring to conforming loans, or loans that meet the limits set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two agencies that buy most of the mortgages in the U.S. As of 2020, in order to be considered a conforming loan, the loan must be less than $510,400 or, if you’re in a high-cost area it will be less than $765,600.

Requirements:

• Credit score of at least 620
• Down payment of at least 3%
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) that’s less than 45%
• Likely have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) if you put down less than 20% (but it may be able to be canceled once you own a 20% stake in the home)
• Verification of your income, assets, liabilities, and down payment

Conventional loans tend to be more flexible on the conditions of the home you’re purchasing because these types of loans are not back by the federal government and normally indicate a stronger borrower. This is also a popular loan for investors.

Learn More: Here’s What You Need to Get a Conventional Loan

Jumbo loans are larger than the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In 2020, this means any loan that’s larger than $510,400 is considered a jumbo loan.

These loans are best for higher-end borrowers who are looking into buying more expensive homes. Jumbo loan borrowers must have excellent credit scores, minimal debt, and a sufficient amount of savings.

Requirements:

• Credit score of at least 660 (though, in many cases a score of at least 700 will be required)
• Debt-to-income ratio of less than 45%
• Down payment of at least 10% to 20%

Lifetime payment amount: Typically, jumbo loan interest rates are fairly competitive. With that in mind, if you were to take out a $600,000 loan at an interest rate of 3.68% and a 30-year loan term, you could expect to pay $991,769 in total.

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). They’re meant for borrowers with smaller down payments and lower credit scores, who are unable to be approved for a conventional loan. Many first-time homebuyers use this type of loan.

Requirements:

• Credit score of at least 580 (3.5% down payment)
• Credit score of at least 500 (10% down payment)
• Debt-to-income ratio of less than 43%
• The home must be your primary residence and, in most cases, can’t be a condo
• Must pay PMI upfront and annually (if you’re putting less than 10% down)

Home must meet a certain requirement to be eligible for FHA loans! No chipped paint, exposed wires, missing shingles etc. 

VA loans are backed by the Veteran’s Administration and are meant for active-duty military members, reservists, and veterans.

Requirements:

• Credit score around 620 (varies per lender)
• Can be used for primary residences only
• No minimum credit score requirement (lenders can make that determination case-by-case)
• No PMI requirement
• No down payment required
• A funding fee is charged, but that can be rolled into your loan, along with your closing costs

Home must meet a certain requirement to be eligible for VA loans! No chipped paint, exposed wires, missing shingles etc.

USDA loans are backed by the United States Department of Agriculture. They’re meant to help low-to-moderate income borrowers become homeowners while also encouraging the development of rural areas.

Requirements:

• Credit scores as low as 620 are accepted (most lenders require 640+)
• Must meet certain income limits to be deemed eligible
• Must purchase a home in a USDA-eligible area
• No down payment required
• PMI required

Home must meet a certain requirement to be eligible for USDA loans! No chipped paint, exposed wires, missing shingles, and must be in an approved area.