6 Types of Conventional Loans All Home Buyers Should Know
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Conventional loans are a popular mortgage option, even for first-time home buyers. But it may surprise you to learn there’s more than one type of conventional loan.
Keep reading to learn more about the main types of conventional mortgage products, and what their differences might mean for you.
What is a conventional home loan?
A conventional loan is any type of home loan that isn’t insured or guaranteed through a government agency. Many conventional loans conform to government-set loan limits as well as income and credit score minimums. Conventional loans often cost less than government-backed mortgages such as FHA loans, but qualification requirements are more difficult to satisfy.
Common Types of Conventional Loans
1. Conforming conventional loans
If a conventional loan is less than the maximum loan amount set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and meets additional loan standards set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, it’s called a conforming loan. Because Fannie and Freddie are government-sponsored enterprises, you may also hear conforming loans referred to as “GSE loans.”
2. Nonconforming conventional loans
If a conventional loan exceeds FHFA loan limits or uses underwriting standards that are different from those set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it’s called a nonconforming loan. A jumbo loan is a common type of nonconforming conventional loan. You may need a jumbo loan to finance more than $484,350 in most U.S. counties.
3. Fixed-rate conventional loans
Whether they’re conforming or nonconforming, all mortgages require you to pay interest. With a fixed-rate conventional loan, the interest rate stays the same for as long as you have the mortgage. Many buyers choose a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan because it usually results in an affordable monthly payment, but shorter terms are also available.
4. Adjustable-rate conventional loans
The alternative to a fixed-rate mortgage is an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM. Conventional loans with adjustable rates, also known as hybrid ARMs, have rates that may go up or down over time. ARM rates usually adjust annually, after an initial fixed-rate period of three, five, seven or 10 years.
5. Low-down-payment conventional loans
There was a time when getting a conventional loan required a 20% down payment. Because borrowers who meet this requirement only have to finance 80% of the home’s value, it's often referred to as an “80/20 conventional loan.” But conventional loan down payment requirements have since become more flexible.
3% down payment
HomeReady and Home Possible are conventional mortgage options that allow down payments as low as 3% — sometimes referred to as "3 down conventional loans." If you qualify for a 3% down payment through one of these programs, you’ll need to finance the other 97%. That’s why you may hear them referred to as “conventional 97 loans.”
5% down payment
Borrowers with lower credit scores might be required to make a down payment of 5% or more to get a conventional loan, meaning they’d need to finance 95% of the home’s value. This is sometimes referred to as a “5 down conventional loan” or a “conventional 95 mortgage.”
Zero down payment?
If you're wondering “Can I get 100% conventional loan financing?,” the answer is yes, but it may be hard to find. Some lenders — often credit unions — offer in-house, nonconforming conventional mortgage programs that feature 100% financing, but special qualification requirements often apply. Be aware that zero-down-payment mortgages are risky: It will take you longer to build equity than someone who makes a down payment, and you’ll pay more interest as a result.
6. Conventional renovation loans
It can be hard to find the perfect house in your budget. Buying a fixer-upper is one way to achieve home ownership when prices are high or move-in-ready inventory is low.
The CHOICERenovation loan and HomeStyle loan are two types of conventional mortgages that allow you to finance a home purchase, as well as the necessary renovations, at the same time.
Not sure what type of loan is right for you? Use the tool below to help you find out.
