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Conventional Loans

Conventional Home Loans — Competitive Rates, Maximum Flexibility

Get reliable financing with great terms tailored to your goals. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or investing, conventional loans offer the versatility and value you need.

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Understanding Your Options

What Is a Conventional Loan?

A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. Instead, it is offered by private lenders such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies.

Conforming Loans

Meet the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, including specific loan limits, credit score requirements, and debt-to-income ratios. These are the most common type of conventional loan and typically offer the best rates.

Non-Conforming Loans

Don't meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac standards — often because the loan amount exceeds conforming limits. Jumbo loans are the most common type of non-conforming loan, ideal for higher-value properties.

Private Lender Backed

Unlike FHA, VA, or USDA loans, conventional mortgages are backed entirely by private lenders. This often means fewer restrictions on property type, faster processing, and more flexibility for qualified borrowers.

Why Choose Conventional

Benefits of a Conventional Loan

Conventional loans remain the most popular mortgage type for good reason. Here's what makes them stand out.

Competitive Interest Rates

Borrowers with strong credit profiles can secure some of the lowest interest rates available on the market, saving thousands over the life of the loan.

No PMI with 20% Down

Put 20% or more down and avoid Private Mortgage Insurance entirely. Even with less down, PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity — unlike FHA's lifetime MIP.

Flexible Property Types

Finance your primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property. Conventional loans offer the widest range of eligible property types of any mortgage program.

Qualification Guide

Conventional Loan Eligibility

Meeting these general guidelines puts you in a strong position for approval. Our team can help determine your exact eligibility.

Credit Score

620+

A minimum credit score of 620 is typically required. Higher scores unlock better interest rates and more favorable terms. Scores above 740 qualify for the best pricing.

Down Payment

As Low as 3%

First-time buyers may qualify for down payments as low as 3%. Standard conventional loans require 5% down, while 20% eliminates private mortgage insurance.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

45% or Less

Your total monthly debts (including the new mortgage) typically should not exceed 45% of your gross monthly income. Some exceptions may apply with strong compensating factors.

Conforming Loan Limits

Up to $766,550

The 2024 conforming loan limit for most areas is $766,550 for a single-family home. Higher limits apply in designated high-cost areas. Amounts above this require a jumbo loan.

Choose Your Term

Conventional Loan Options

Select the loan structure that best fits your financial strategy and homeownership goals.

30-Year Fixed

The most popular mortgage option in America. Lock in a consistent interest rate and predictable monthly payment for the full 30-year term. Ideal for buyers who plan to stay in their home long-term and want budget stability.

  • Lowest monthly payment of any fixed option
  • Rate never changes over the life of the loan
  • Easy to budget with predictable payments

15-Year Fixed

Build equity twice as fast and pay significantly less interest over the life of your loan. A 15-year fixed rate is perfect for borrowers who can handle a higher monthly payment and want to be mortgage-free sooner.

  • Lower interest rates than 30-year terms
  • Save tens of thousands in total interest
  • Own your home free and clear in half the time

5/1 Adjustable Rate (ARM)

Enjoy a lower fixed rate for the first 5 years, then the rate adjusts annually based on market conditions. A smart choice if you plan to sell or refinance within the initial fixed period.

  • Lower initial rate than fixed-rate mortgages
  • Rate caps protect against extreme increases
  • Ideal for short-term homeownership plans
Simple Process

How It Works

From application to closing, we make the conventional loan process straightforward and stress-free.

1

Pre-Qualification

Share your financial details with us and get a clear picture of what you can afford. This takes just minutes and has no impact on your credit.

2

Application

Complete your full loan application with our guidance. We'll collect income verification, assets, and employment documentation to move forward.

3

Processing & Underwriting

Our team reviews your file, orders the appraisal, and verifies all documentation. We keep you informed every step of the way through underwriting.

4

Closing Day

Sign your final documents and receive the keys to your new home. We coordinate with all parties to ensure a smooth, on-time closing.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about conventional home loans.

The main difference is government backing. FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and have more lenient credit requirements (580+ score), but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional loans are not government-insured, typically require a 620+ credit score, but allow you to drop PMI once you reach 20% equity. Conventional loans also offer more flexibility in property types and often have lower overall costs for well-qualified borrowers.
The minimum down payment for a conventional loan can be as low as 3% for qualified first-time homebuyers through programs like Fannie Mae's HomeReady or Freddie Mac's Home Possible. Standard conventional loans typically require 5% down. Putting 20% or more down eliminates the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which can save you hundreds per month.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required when your down payment is less than 20%. It protects the lender in case of default. The good news is that PMI is not permanent on conventional loans. You can request removal once your loan balance reaches 80% of the original home value, and it is automatically canceled when the balance reaches 78%. This is a significant advantage over FHA loans, which require mortgage insurance for the entire loan term.
Yes. Conventional loans are one of the few mortgage types that can be used for investment properties and second/vacation homes. However, these typically require a larger down payment (15-25% for investment properties) and carry slightly higher interest rates compared to primary residence loans. You'll also need to show sufficient reserves and may face stricter credit requirements.
It depends on your plans. A fixed-rate mortgage (15 or 30 years) is ideal if you plan to stay in your home for the long term and want predictable payments. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) like a 5/1 ARM typically offers a lower initial rate, making it a good choice if you plan to sell or refinance within the first 5-7 years. Our loan officers can help you compare scenarios to determine which option saves you the most based on your timeline.
Get Started Today

Request Your Free Consultation

Tell us about your goals and one of our conventional loan experts will reach out within 24 hours.

Why Work with Lending Arena?

Fast Pre-Approvals

Get pre-approved in as little as 24 hours so you can shop for homes with confidence and make competitive offers.

Dedicated Loan Officers

Work one-on-one with a licensed loan officer who understands your unique financial situation and goals.

Competitive Rates

We shop multiple lenders to find you the most competitive conventional loan rates and terms available.

Transparent Process

No hidden fees or surprises. We walk you through every cost, document, and milestone from start to finish.

Start Your Application

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