Conventional Mortgages: Exploring the Basics

Mortgage Varieties

While house hunting, you’re very likely to come across the term “conventional mortgage” or “conventional loan”. Offered by the majority of lending institutions, these loans are often an optimal choice for individuals with robust credit. Those who can afford a down payment of at least 3% (and potentially much more) might find this type of mortgage fits their needs best.

Diving Deeper into Conventional Mortgages

A hallmark of the conventional mortgage is that it’s not secured by any government entity, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs. These mortgages usually align with the down payment and earnings guidelines laid out by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Moreover, they adhere to the loan caps set by the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA).

A credit score of roughly 620 or more is usually required to avail a conventional mortgage. Notably, a score exceeding 740 might fetch more favorable interest rates. Depending on one’s financial standing and loan amount, down payments could be as minimal as 3%, though larger down payments can potentially unlock better rates.

Comparing Government-backed and Conventional Mortgages

Loans insured by federal agencies offer a safety net for lenders against potential defaults, fostering a more inclusive home buying ecosystem.

Conventional loans might be seen as risk-laden from a lender’s perspective since there’s no government backing. Hence, the criteria for such loans are relatively stringent.

On the other hand, government-backed options cater to various demographics. FHA loans, supported by the Federal Housing Administration, target low- to mid-tier income homebuyers. They offer flexible lending criteria and necessitate down payments as modest as 3.5% coupled with competitive interest rates.

VA loans are specifically tailored for active-duty military personnel and veterans. Uniquely, they can sometimes demand no down payment at all.

USDA loans, endorsed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, focus on rural property acquisitions. They also offer direct loans to select low-income demographics.

Conventional loans don’t discriminate based on income, locale, or military affiliation. Essentially, if a borrower fits a lender’s criteria, they’re eligible.

Types of Conventional Mortgages

There are two primary classes of conventional loans: conforming and nonconforming.

Conforming loans adhere to standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with the most recognized guideline being the loan’s size. In 2023, the conforming cap for most single-family homes across the U.S. stood at $726,200, though high-cost regions like Hawaii and Alaska observed higher thresholds, sometimes reaching $1,089,300.

Jumbo or nonconforming loans cater to individuals seeking larger loan amounts that surpass the area’s conforming limits. Other nonconforming variants might be designed for borrowers with credit challenges, high debt loads, recent financial upheavals, or homes with elevated loan-to-value ratios.

Given their riskier nature, jumbos and other unconventional loans may come with a steeper interest rate and might carry added charges or insurance prerequisites.

Why Opt for a Conventional Mortgage?

Despite potentially stricter qualifications, conventional mortgages offer several advantages:

• Versatility in Property Types: Beyond jumbo loans, conventional mortgages can also finance a secondary residence or investment property.
• Control Over Mortgage Insurance: With less than a 20% down payment, you’ll need private mortgage insurance (PMI). But once your main loan balance is reduced to 78% of the property’s value, you can request PMI cancellation, unlike lifelong insurance premiums seen with FHA loans.
• Absence of Specific Program Fees: Unlike government-backed loans, which might have distinct upfront costs, conventional loans typically lack such fees. For context, FHA loans have an upfront 1.75% insurance charge, and VA loans come with a 1.4% to 2.3% funding fee based on the down payment.
• Broadened Loan Structure Choices: While 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are prevalent, a multitude of other terms and adjustable-rate options exist, providing homeowners with greater flexibility.