Loan Programs

Your complete guide to understanding the major mortgage loan programs available to borrowers. This hub covers conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, and non-QM loans, including eligibility requirements, down payment rules, mortgage insurance, second home financing, and how to compare programs to find the right fit.

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Balloon Mortgages A balloon mortgage is a loan structured with relatively small periodic payments that do not fully amortize the... Construction-to-Permanent Loans A construction-to-permanent loan is a single-close financing product that funds both the building of a new home and... Conventional Loans Explained A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a federal government agency. Conforming... Convertible ARM Explained A convertible adjustable-rate mortgage includes a contractual option allowing the borrower to convert the loan from an adjustable... Doctor/Physician Loans A doctor or physician loan is a specialized mortgage product designed for medical professionals, offering reduced or zero... Down Payment Requirements by Loan Type Down payment requirements range from 0% for VA and USDA loans to 3% for certain conventional programs and... Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM) An Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM) allows borrowers to finance the cost of qualifying energy-efficient home improvements into their purchase... FHA 203(h) Disaster Victim Loans The FHA 203(h) is a specialized Federal Housing Administration mortgage program exclusively available to victims of presidentially declared... FHA Loans Explained An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration that allows lenders to offer more... FHA vs Conventional Loans: A Complete Comparison FHA loans are government-insured mortgages with lower credit score and down payment thresholds but permanent mortgage insurance for... Fixed-Rate vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM) A fixed-rate mortgage locks in the same interest rate for the entire loan term, providing payment certainty, while... How to Choose the Right Loan Program Choosing the right mortgage loan program requires evaluating a borrower's credit score, available down payment, military eligibility, property... Interest-Only Mortgages An interest-only mortgage allows the borrower to pay only the interest on the loan for an initial period,... Jumbo Loans Explained A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA, which means... Loan Limits by County and Program Conforming loan limits, set annually by the FHFA, define the maximum loan amount Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac... Non-QM Loans Explained Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are mortgage products that do not meet the CFPB's Qualified Mortgage criteria but still... PMI and Mortgage Insurance Explained Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required on conventional loans when the borrower puts less than 20% down, protecting... Second Home vs Investment Property Mortgage Rules How lenders classify a property (primary residence, second home, or investment property) determines every mortgage term you receive:... USDA Loans Explained A USDA loan is a no-down-payment mortgage guaranteed by the USDA Rural Development program for moderate-income borrowers purchasing... VA Loans Explained A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans,...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FHA and conventional loans?

FHA loans are government-insured with lower credit score requirements (580 minimum) and 3.5% down, but require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Conventional loans require higher scores (typically 620+) but allow PMI removal at 80% LTV.

What is a jumbo loan?

A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA. In most areas the 2025 limit is $806,500 for a single-family home. Jumbo loans typically require higher credit scores, larger down payments, and more reserves.

Do VA loans require a down payment?

No. VA loans offer 100% financing with no down payment requirement for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. There is a VA funding fee that can be financed into the loan or waived for veterans with service-connected disabilities.

What is a non-QM loan?

Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans do not meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau qualified mortgage standards. They serve borrowers who cannot qualify through traditional documentation, such as bank statement borrowers, foreign nationals, or investors using DSCR.

How do I know which loan program is right for me?

The best program depends on your credit score, down payment, property type, income documentation, and military service status. Comparing loan estimates from multiple lenders across different programs is the most effective way to identify the optimal choice.

Can I switch loan programs after I apply?

Yes, in most cases you can switch programs before closing, though it may require re-underwriting and could affect your timeline. Discuss options with your loan officer early in the process.

What are the current conforming loan limits?

For 2025, the conforming loan limit is $806,500 in most areas and up to $1,209,750 in high-cost areas. Limits are adjusted annually by the FHFA based on home price changes.