Find the Right
Loan for You
Every borrower's situation is different. We offer a full spectrum of loan programs — each with its own eligibility criteria, down payment requirements, and rate structures. Explore your options below.
Last updated: March 2026
The Standard
Choice
Conventional loans are the most common mortgage type in the United States, backed by private lenders rather than a government agency. They typically offer the most competitive rates for borrowers with strong credit and stable income. Available in both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options with terms from 10 to 30 years.
Down Payment
As low as 3% for first-time buyers. Put down 20% or more to eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI) entirely and reduce your monthly payment.
Eligibility Requirements
Minimum credit score of 620. Debt-to-income ratio typically under 45%. Stable employment history of at least 2 years. Loan limits up to $766,550 in most areas (2026).
Best For
Borrowers with good to excellent credit (700+) who want the lowest possible rates, plan to stay long-term, or can put 20% down to avoid PMI.
Accessible Home
Ownership
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are designed for borrowers who may not qualify for conventional financing. They feature more lenient credit requirements, lower down payments, and allow higher debt-to-income ratios, making homeownership achievable for more people.
FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the life of the loan if you put less than 10% down. With 10% or more, MIP drops off after 11 years. The upfront MIP is 1.75% of the loan amount, typically rolled into the mortgage.
Honoring Those
Who Served
VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are available exclusively to active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. They offer some of the most favorable terms in the mortgage market, including zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance requirement.
Zero Down Payment
Eligible veterans can finance 100% of the home purchase price with no down payment required. This is one of the only programs that offers true zero-down financing.
No PMI Required
Unlike FHA and conventional loans with less than 20% down, VA loans never require private mortgage insurance, saving hundreds per month.
Eligibility
Active duty (90+ consecutive days), veterans (90 days wartime / 181 days peacetime), National Guard/Reserve (6+ years), and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty.
Financing Beyond
Conforming Limits
Jumbo loans exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, making them essential for purchasing luxury properties or homes in high-cost markets. In most of the U.S., this means any loan above $766,550 (higher in designated high-cost areas like parts of California, where limits can reach $1,149,825).
Because jumbo loans aren't eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, lenders take on more risk. This typically means stricter qualification criteria: larger down payments, higher credit scores, and more extensive documentation of income and assets. However, our lender network includes specialists who offer competitive jumbo rates, and our AI engine identifies the best terms across all of them.
Rural & Suburban
Home Financing
Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA loans offer zero-down-payment financing for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Despite the name, many areas that qualify are suburban communities close to major metro areas — not just farmland. Income limits apply, but they are often higher than expected.
Location Eligibility
Property must be in a USDA-designated eligible area. Check the USDA eligibility map or ask us — you may be surprised how many suburban communities qualify.
Income Limits
Household income cannot exceed 115% of the area median income. For a family of four, this is often $100,000+ depending on the county.
Key Benefits
Zero down payment, no PMI (though a small guarantee fee applies), competitive fixed rates, and relaxed credit requirements starting at 640.
Loan Program
Comparison
A quick reference to help you understand how each loan program stacks up. Your actual eligibility depends on your full financial profile.
Conventional
- Down Payment: 3-20%
- Credit Score: 620+
- PMI: Yes (if <20% down)
- Loan Limit: $766,550
- Occupancy: Primary, Second, Investment
FHA
- Down Payment: 3.5-10%
- Credit Score: 500+
- MIP: Yes (upfront + annual)
- Loan Limit: $498,257
- Occupancy: Primary only
VA
- Down Payment: 0%
- Credit Score: 580+
- PMI: None
- Loan Limit: No limit (full entitlement)
- Occupancy: Primary only
Jumbo
- Down Payment: 10-20%
- Credit Score: 700+
- PMI: Varies by lender
- Loan Limit: Up to $3M+
- Occupancy: Primary, Second
USDA
- Down Payment: 0%
- Credit Score: 640+
- Guarantee Fee: 1% upfront + 0.35% annual
- Loan Limit: Based on income/area
- Occupancy: Primary only (eligible areas)
Non-QM
- Down Payment: Varies
- Credit Score: 600+
- Alt-doc & bank statement programs
- Self-employed & investor friendly
- Occupancy: Primary, Second, Investment
Let Us Help
Answer a few quick questions and our AI engine will match you with the loan programs you qualify for, ranked by estimated savings.
Find My Best LoanWhich Loan Is
Right for You?
Your ideal loan depends on your credit profile, down payment savings, military status, property location, and long-term goals. Here are some common scenarios.
First-Time Buyer with Limited Savings
Consider FHA (3.5% down, credit as low as 580) or Conventional 97 (3% down, 620+ credit). FHA is more forgiving on credit; Conventional avoids permanent mortgage insurance if you later refinance or reach 20% equity.
Military Service Member or Veteran
VA loans are almost always the best option: zero down, no PMI, and often the lowest rates available. Even if you have enough for a down payment, the VA program's cost advantages are difficult to beat.
Strong Credit with 20%+ Down
A conventional loan is your best bet. With 20% down you skip PMI entirely. If your credit score is 740+, you'll qualify for the very best rates the market offers, often lower than any government program.
Buying in a Suburban or Rural Area
If your property is in a USDA-eligible zone and your household income is within limits, the USDA program offers zero down payment with very low fees. Check eligibility before assuming you don't qualify.
Purchasing a High-Value Property
If the purchase price exceeds conforming limits, you'll need a jumbo loan. Expect to bring 10-20% down and have a credit score of 700+. Our lender network includes jumbo specialists with rates competitive to conventional loans.
Get Your Personalized
Rate Quote
Our AI engine matches your profile against every loan program and 200+ lenders to surface the options that save you the most. It takes less than 3 minutes.