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Conventional mortgages: Here's what you should know

by Barry Bates 07/31/2024

Conventional mortgages are the most popular form of home financing for buyers in the United States. However, it may not always be clear how these loans differ from other loans, such as those provided by government agencies. To help you gain a better understanding of conventional loan basics, here is a quick guide with further information:

The best way to qualify for a conventional loan

When obtaining conventional financing, your lender will examine your financial situation. The loan officer may request information including your credit score, income statements and debt to income ratios.

A down payment is required for conventional loans. Each lender has different minimum requirements, but the larger the down payment, the less money you’ll have to pay back over time.

Minimum required down payments

Many believe a 20% down payment is required for conventional loans, but the minimum requirement is typically much lower. You can find mortgages with minimum down payment requirements anywhere from 3% to 20% of the overall purchase price. 

Your choice of down payment amount can affect the terms of your mortgage, like interest rate or the need for private mortgage insurance.

Conventional loan vs a government loan

Government-backed home loans have specific features to suit some homebuyers. 

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a government institution offering home loans for buyers who meet certain qualifications. Government-backed loans have advantages for those with bad credit or other financial roadblocks, but require other qualifications for approval.

Interest rates

Conventional mortgages tend to have higher interest rates than FHA loans, although these loans typically require borrowers to pay mortgage-insurance premiums. 

Interest rates charged on a conventional mortgage vary by several factors, including the term and amount borrowed. However, interest rates are also subject to change every year based on the overall economy. Many buyers choose to wait for a period when interest rates are lower to apply for a mortgage, regardless of the loan type.

Ultimately, your choice of loan will depend on your personal circumstances. The more you know about different types of mortgage, the better equipped you’ll be for your journey into thefinancial real estate marketplace.

About the Author
Author

Barry Bates

I am an experienced Real Estate Professional who has anchored rich relationships within the Greater Cincinnati and Suburban Area Regions. I analyze the market multiple times throughout the day in order to optimize the search criteria of my clients. The knowledge and experience I have attained over the years has led to thousands of lives to being positively impacted through purchasing and selling real estate. My dynamic commitment to the success of others has allowed me to help many individuals and families realize their dreams. Wouldn't you want to be Real Satisfied with the service you receive?

Collaborating with Coldwell Banker West Shell, we possess the technology and other remarkable industry-leading resources to help you connect with the best possible property for you. We have your best interest as our TOP PRIORITY!

My extensive history in Management within Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties empowers you, my client, to benefit from the richness of the diverse markets and resources that are an integral part of the real estate relationship.

I desire to be in sync with your goals. YOU are my focus. YOU are my business.