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Conventional Loans

What are Conventional Loans?

Conventional Loans are mortgage loans that are not insured by the government (like FHA, VA, USDA Loans), but they typically meet the lending guidelines that have been set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Typically, conventional loans have better rates, terms and/or lower fees than other types of loans. However, conventional loans typically require a borrower to have good-to-excellent credit, reasonable amounts of monthly debt obligations, a down payment of 5-20% and reliable monthly income. Conventional loans are ideal for borrowers with excellent credit and at least a 5% down payment.

Most Common Types of Conventional Loans

Fixed Rate Mortgages: Your rate and payment never change.

  • 30 Year Fixed Loan
    Benefits: Lowest fixed monthly payments
  • 20 Year Fixed Loan
    Benefits: Low fixed monthly payments
  • 15 Year Fixed Loan
    Benefits: Lower rate than the 30 or 20 Year Fixed Loans; Pay less interest and pay your home off more quickly.
  • 10 Year Fixed Loan
    Benefits: Lower rate; Pay off your loan and build equity faster.
  • 5 Year Fixed Loan
    Benefits: Lowest rate; Pay off your loan and build equity the fastest

Adjustable Rate Mortgages: After the initial period your interest rate can change once a year.

  • 3/1 ARM
    Fixed Rate for 3 Years, Adjustable Rate for the remaining 27 years
  • 5/1 ARM
    Fixed Rate for 5 Years, Adjustable Rate for the remaining 25 years
  • 7/1 ARM
    Fixed Rate for 7 Years, Adjustable Rate for the remaining 23 years

What are the Conventional Down Payment Requirements?

For Purchase transactions Conventional Loans require the home-buyer to put down at least 5% - 20% of the purchase price of the home. For a Refinance transaction, most lenders require at least 10% equity in the property.

What types of property are eligible?

Most conventional loan programs allow you to purchase single-family homes, warrantable condos, planned unit developments, and 1-4 family residences. A conventional loan can also be used to finance a primary residence, second home and investment property.

FHA Loans

 
 

FHA loans are private loans insured by the federal government. These loans are popular with borrowers who don’t have enough funds to pay a traditional 20 percent down payment because they only require 3 percent down to qualify. Those who choose these loans are required to pay mortgage insurance which slightly increases their monthly payments. Lenders who wish to offer these loans must be approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Please contact us today to find out if a FHA loan is right for you.

Reverse Mortgage Loans

Reverse mortgage loans, also known as reverse equity loans, are only available to homeowners 62 or older. Like its name indicates, this program pays the homeowner either a one-time large payout or monthly installment. Once the loan term expires the house either becomes the property of the lender or the house can be sold to repay the debt. Reverse mortgage loans are great options for seniors looking to increase their monthly incomes. Contact us for more details.

USDA Loans

A USDA Loan is a mortgage loan that is insured by the US Department of Agriculture and available to qualified individuals who are purchasing or refinancing their home loan in an area that is not considered a major metropolitan area by USDA. Benefits of USDA Loans USDA Loans 100% Financing - you can buy a home with no money down. In some cases you can even finance your closing costs. You can refinance your home up to 100% of the value of your home. Low Fixed Rate Mortgage Options. They are usually easier to get because the Government insures the loan so that there is much less risk to the lender. They can be used for Existing Homes, Foreclosures or New Construction. Simple Loan Process. No Loan Limit. No Acreage Limit. There is No Prepayment Penalty. You can use the loan to repair or add on to your home. Flexible Credit Requirements. Who is eligible for a USDA Loan? Generally these loans are available to anyone who meets minimum credit guidelines and local area income requirements and is purchasing a home or refinancing their home in an area that is not considered a major metropolitan area by USDA. Some common misconceptions of USDA Loans: They are just for farmers - USDA Loans are not "just for farmers," millions of people from all walks of life already qualify. FHA or Conventional Loans are better - USDA Loans often offer better terms than an FHA or conventional loans. They aren't flexible - Actually, USDA Home Loans can be used to buy a new home or refinance to a lower rate. Only certain people can qualify - Anyone who meets the income and credit guidelines can qualify for a USDA Home Loan. They are only for rural areas - Actually, USDA Loans are available in many areas that most people would not consider rural. For example, many small communities just outside of metropolitan areas qualify as rural areas according to the US Department of Agriculture. They are harder to get than FHA or Conventional Loans - This just isn't true. In many cases USDA Loans are actually easier to get because the loans are guaranteed by the government. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. Great for First-time Home Buyers 100% Financing (including Closing Costs) No Down Payment Requirements No Prepayment Penalties Low Rates Existing Homes, Foreclosures, New Construction

VA Loans

Like a FHA loan, VA loans are private loans insured by the federal government. VA loans are only available to qualified military veterans and their families. These loans are only available to these individuals for their own primary residences and cannot exceed a $417,000 loan limit. For information on qualifying for this loan program please give us a call today.