Conventional Loans
The first thing most people consider when buying a home is how they are going to cover the payments. It’s not everyday that someone can make a cash offer on a home so the typical route is via financing. There are multiple ways to finance a home with a lender but the most common option is a conventional loan. The main difference between this loan other common ones like the FHA or Va loans is that is not backed by the government.
Types of Conventional Loans
A non-conforming loan usually has a larger limit than conforming loans and also can be known as jumbo mortgages. Since these loans are above the limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, they don’t “conform” so they are called non-conforming loans, but they do vary based on county so it is important to research the limits in the area in which you intend to purchase.
If you are looking for a loan for a specific purpose such as investment, you might consider researching portfolio loans. Portfolio mortgages are quite a bit different than other conventional loans so their terms and features can work out for those that may not qualify for a typical loan. This means that if you happen to have stocks and bonds that can be kept in portfolio for the life of a loan, you may qualify for this type of loan even if you don’t qualify for a typical loan.
The last type of conventional loan you may want to consider f you have a lower credit score is a sub-prime mortgage. The interest rate and fees are usually higher, but they do give those with less than perfect credit a chance to still purchase a home. These come with special regulations created by the government but they are not backed by the government so they are still considered conventional loans.
Things To Consider
The primary consideration lenders consider when discussing your eligibility for a loan is your credit score and credit history as it’s going to determine your creditworthiness, which in turn is what is used to qualify you for a loan in the first place.
Many first time home buyers start looking at homes before they consider financing because they just want to see what’s out there. It’s a good idea to start thinking about a down payment as this time as well. If you are able to come up with a large down payment, you may have better options in regard to your interest rate to keep your monthly payments as low as possible.
The last thing to take into account when determining the type of loan that works best for you is why you are buying a home. If you are purchasing for the first time versus if you are looking for an investment, the type of loan is going to change based on your situation. If you want to stay in the home until it’s paid off, you’ll want to make sure your payments are consistent over the life of the loan as well unless you think you’ll be refinancing at some point.
Contact Us Today!
If you are considering buying a home have not settled on your financing options, we want to help you figure out the best options for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us at North Star Mortgage in Jacksonville, FL today!
Conventional Loans
Learn About a Conventional Loan
A conventional loan is a type of mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government, unlike government-backed loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans. This means that the lender assumes the risk of the loan and borrowers are required to meet certain eligibility criteria and financial requirements. If you're thinking of buying a home, check out the information below to see if a conventional loan may be a good option for you.
What is a Conventional Loan?
A conventional loan is a mortgage that is originated and funded by private lenders such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. It is a type of loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the government. In other words, the lender assumes the risk of the loan instead of the government. A conventional loan can be used to purchase or refinance a home or investment property. It is important to know that there are two types of conventional loans: conforming and non-conforming loans.
Who is Eligible for a Conventional Loan?
To be eligible for a conventional loan, you will need to meet certain criteria such as having good credit, a stable income, and a low debt-to-income ratio. The exact requirements vary and depend on the type of conventional loan you are applying for. Typically, borrowers will need at least a credit score of at least 620, although it may require a higher score. You will also need to provide proof of income, which can include pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns.
What are the Benefits of a Conventional Loan?
One of the main benefits of a conventional loan is that it allows you to borrow more money than government-backed loans. This is because there are no limits on the loan amount, unlike FHA loans, which have maximum loan limits based on the area you live in. Another benefit is that conventional loans usually have lower interest rates than government-backed loans, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Mortgage insurance is not mandatory with conventional loans if you put down at least 20% of the purchase price of the home, saving you hundreds of dollars in monthly mortgage payments.
What are the different types of Conventional Loans?
The most common type of conventional loan is a fixed-rate mortgage, which offers stable monthly payments over a set interest rate for the life of the loan. Another popular option is an adjustable-rate mortgage, which offers lower initial interest rates that can adjust up or down over time. Many borrowers also choose to take advantage of jumbo loans, which are designed for higher-priced homes that exceed the conforming loan limits of a traditional mortgage.
If you have any additional questions, be sure to contact North Star Mortgage Network Inc. to see if a conventional loan is the right choice for you.
