There are various loan options tailored to meet the diverse needs of borrowers. Conventional loans, government-backed loans, jumbo loans, fixed-rate loans, and adjustable-rate loans each cater to specific borrower scenarios.
Specialized loan products are available for unique situations, such as construction loans for those building or renovating a home, or investment loans for purchasing rental properties.
Choosing the right loan involves assessing your credit history, financial situation, and long-term goals, ensuring the loan product aligns with your specific needs.
There are five main kinds of mortgages, each with its own benefits and features.
Conventional loans, the most popular type of mortgage, come in two flavors: conforming and non-conforming.
Conventional loans are ideally suited for borrowers who possess a strong credit history and the financial capability to make a substantial down payment. These loans offer greater flexibility compared to government-backed alternatives, such as the ability to purchase a vacation home or a secondary residence. Additionally, conventional loans often come with fewer fees, making them a cost-effective choice for those who meet the lending criteria. Borrowers who value long-term stability and have a solid financial standing will find conventional loans to be an attractive option.
Conventional loans are a popular choice among borrowers due to their flexibility and potential cost savings. However, they also come with certain drawbacks that borrowers should be aware of before making a decision.
Jumbo mortgages are home loans in an amount that surpasses the FHFA’s conforming loan limits. In 2025, that means any loan of more than $806,500, or $1,209,750 in higher-cost areas. Because these are bigger loans and can’t be purchased by the GSEs, they can present more risk and have more stringent qualifying criteria than conventional loans.
Jumbo loans can be an attractive option for borrowers looking to finance high-value properties, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully considered.
Overall, while jumbo loans provide an opportunity to finance more expensive properties, they demand a strong financial profile and thorough preparation from the borrower.
Jumbo loans are perfect for borrowers aiming to purchase high-value properties that surpass the conforming loan limits established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). These loans are especially appealing to individuals with a robust financial profile, including an excellent credit score, substantial income, and a significant amount of liquid assets. Borrowers interested in luxury homes, properties in high-cost areas, or large estates will find jumbo loans to be an excellent choice due to the higher loan amounts available.
Moreover, jumbo loans are suitable for those who possess the financial stability to meet the more stringent qualification criteria, such as a larger down payment and a lower debt-to-income ratio. These borrowers often seek competitive interest rates and flexible loan terms, which jumbo loans can offer to those with outstanding credit histories. Consequently, jumbo loans are best suited for financially secure individuals who are seeking to invest in premium real estate and have the means to manage the associated costs and responsibilities.
While the U.S. government doesn't directly lend money for mortgages, it plays a vital role in making homeownership more accessible to Americans by backing three primary types of mortgages:
If your credit or down payment savings prevent you from qualifying for a conventional loan, an FHA loan can be a viable alternative. Similarly, if you’re purchasing a home in a rural area or qualify for a VA loan, these options might be easier to secure than a conventional loan.
Fixed-rate mortgages maintain the same interest rate throughout the life of your loan, ensuring that the portion of your monthly mortgage payment covering your principal and interest remains consistent. Fixed-rate loans typically come in terms of 15 years or 30 years, although some lenders offer flexible term lengths.
If you’re planning to stay in your home for an extended period and desire a predictable monthly payment — aside from potential increases in homeowners insurance premiums and property taxes — a fixed-rate mortgage is ideal for you.
Unlike fixed-rate loans, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) feature interest rates that fluctuate over time. Generally, you'll enjoy a lower, fixed introductory rate for a set period. After this period, the rate adjusts at predetermined intervals for the remaining loan term. For instance, a 5/6 ARM has a fixed rate for the first five years, and then the rate adjusts based on economic conditions every six months until the loan is paid off. When your rate increases, so does your monthly mortgage payment, and vice versa.
If you don't plan to stay in your home for more than a few years, an ARM could help you save on interest payments. However, it's essential to be comfortable with the risk that your payments might rise if you remain in the home and don't refinance. If your job is stable and offers likely income growth, the savings you'll achieve in the initial years of an ARM may be worthwhile.
Beyond these common mortgage types, there are other options you might encounter when exploring loan opportunities:
If you wish to build a home, a regular mortgage won't suffice, as there's no property to secure the loan yet. However, you can obtain a construction loan, particularly a construction-to-permanent loan, which converts into a traditional mortgage once you move into the residence.
With an interest-only mortgage, the borrower pays only the interest for a predetermined period — usually five or seven years — followed by payments that cover both principal and interest.
Best for: Those who plan to sell or refinance during the interest-only period, or those who can reasonably expect to afford the higher monthly payment later on.
Home renovation loans merge the costs of purchasing and repairs into a single mortgage.
Best for: Borrowers buying homes that require significant work.
Non-qualifying (non-QM) mortgages don't adhere to certain federal standards, offering more lenient credit and income requirements, but they might also involve higher down payments and interest rates.
Best for: Borrowers with unique circumstances, such as inconsistent earnings, foreign income, or a history of bankruptcy.
Based on your credit and financial situation, multiple mortgage options might be suitable for you. Conversely, you might eliminate certain loan types immediately. For example, a VA loan isn't available if you or your spouse hasn't served in the military.
When deciding on the type of mortgage to pursue, consider:
There are many nuances embedded in each program, which is why borrowers are well served by going to a trained mortgage broker!