A Primer on Loan Programs

December 18, 2023

A Variety of Loan Programs

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.

Different loan products

Types of home loans

There are five main kinds of mortgages, each with its own benefits and features.

  • Conventional loan: Best for borrowers with good credit scores
  • Jumbo loan: Best for borrowers with good credit looking to buy a more expensive home
  • Government-backed loan: Best for borrowers with lower credit scores and minimal cash for a down payment
  • Fixed-rate mortgage: Best for borrowers planning to stay in the home for a long time
  • Adjustable-rate mortgage: Best for borrowers planning to move or refinance within the first few years of the loan term
Variety of loan options

Conventional loan

Conventional loans, the most popular type of mortgage, come in two flavors: conforming and non-conforming.

  • Conforming loans: A conforming loan “conforms” to a set of Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) standards, including guidelines around credit, debt and loan size. When a conventional loan meets these standards, it’s eligible to be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that comprise much of the mortgage market.
  • Non-conforming loans: These loans do not meet one or more of the FHFA’s standards. One of the most common types of non-conforming loan is a jumbo loan, a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit. Non-conforming loans can’t be purchased by the GSEs, so they’re a riskier prospect for lenders.

Who are conventional loans best for?

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.

Pros and Cons of a Conventional Loan

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.

  1. Flexibility in Property Type: Conventional loans offer the flexibility to finance a wide range of property types, including primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties.
  2. No Mortgage Insurance with 20% Down: If you can afford to make a 20% down payment, you can avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan.
  3. Potentially Lower Interest Rates: Borrowers with good credit scores may qualify for lower interest rates compared to other types of loans, reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
  4. More Loan Options: Conventional loans come in various forms, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages, allowing borrowers to choose the loan type that best suits their financial situation and goals.
  5. No Upfront Funding Fees: Unlike some government-backed loans, conventional loans do not require upfront funding fees, which can lower the initial cost of obtaining a mortgage.

Conventional loan product

Jumbo loan

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. 

Pros and Cons of a Jumbo Loan

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.

  1. Higher Loan Amounts: Jumbo loans allow borrowers to finance homes that exceed the conforming loan limits, making them ideal for purchasing luxury properties or homes in high-cost areas.
  2. Competitive Interest Rates: Despite their larger size, jumbo loans can offer competitive interest rates, especially for borrowers with excellent credit histories, which can help in reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
  3. Flexible Loan Terms: Borrowers may have access to a variety of loan terms, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options, allowing them to choose the repayment structure that best fits their financial situation and goals.
  4. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike conventional loans, jumbo loans typically do not require PMI, even with a lower down payment, which can lead to significant savings over the life of the loan.
  5. Higher Qualification Standards: On the downside, jumbo loans often require a higher credit score, a larger down payment, and a lower debt-to-income ratio compared to conforming loans, making them less accessible for some borrowers.
  6. Stricter Documentation Requirements: Lenders may require more extensive documentation to verify income, assets, and financial stability, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome for applicants.
  7. Potentially Higher Closing Costs: Due to the increased risk associated with larger loan amounts, borrowers might face higher closing costs and fees, which can add to the upfront expenses of obtaining a jumbo loan.

Overall, while jumbo loans provide an opportunity to finance more expensive properties, they demand a strong financial profile and thorough preparation from the borrower.

Who are Jumbo Loans Best Suited For?

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.

Jumbo loan product

Government-backed loan

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:

  • FHA loans: These loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are available to borrowers with a credit score as low as 580 and a 3.5 percent down payment, or a score as low as 500 with a 10 percent down payment. FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums, which add to your costs but help protect lenders against default. The maximum amount you can borrow with an FHA loan is lower than the ceiling for conventional conforming loans.
  • VA loans: Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VA loans are for eligible members of the U.S. military — including active duty, veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and surviving spouses. VA loans typically don't require a down payment or a minimum credit score, nor do they require mortgage insurance. However, you’ll need to pay a funding fee ranging from 1.25 percent to 3.3 percent of the loan amount at closing.
  • USDA loans: Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), these loans assist moderate- to low-income borrowers in purchasing homes in rural, USDA-eligible areas. USDA loans don't have a credit score or down payment requirement, but they do charge guarantee fees.

Who are government-backed loans best for?

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.

Government backed-loan VA and FHA

Fixed-rate mortgage

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.

Who are fixed-rate mortgages best for?

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.

Adjustable rate loan options

Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)

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.

Who are adjustable-rate mortgages best for?

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.

Other Types of loans

Other types of loan products

Beyond these common mortgage types, there are other options you might encounter when exploring loan opportunities:

Construction loans

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.

Interest-only mortgages

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

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 loans

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.

How to choose the right loan products

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:

  • Your credit score: Can you qualify for a conventional loan, or would a government-backed loan be a better fit?
  • Your down payment: Do you need a low- or no-down payment loan? What about down payment assistance? Will you be using gift funds from family or friends? If you’re a first-time homebuyer or have limited funds for a down payment, consider government-backed loan options first.
  • Your debt and income: After debt payments, is your monthly income sufficient to cover a mortgage? Be sure to factor in insurance, taxes, and PMI, if your loan will require it.
  • Your appetite for risk: Do you prefer a stable monthly payment? Would you be able to afford a higher monthly payment with an ARM? Many borrowers opt for a fixed-rate loan for predictable payments.
  • Your future plans: Do you plan to move in the short term? Would you want to pay off your mortgage sooner than 30 years? This might inform whether you choose an ARM, an interest-only mortgage, or another option.

There are many nuances embedded in each program, which is why borrowers are well served by going to a trained mortgage broker!

 

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