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Conventional Loans

The most common way to finance a home. For buyers with steady income and reasonable credit, a conventional loan usually means the lowest long-term cost, flexible terms, and mortgage insurance you can cancel later, not carry for the life of the loan.

3%
Minimum down payment
620
Typical minimum credit score
$832,750
2026 conforming limit (1-unit)
Cancellable
Mortgage insurance drops off

What is a conventional loan?

A conventional loan is a mortgage that follows the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rather than a government agency like the FHA or VA. Because those two entities buy the loans on the secondary market, lenders can offer competitive pricing to borrowers who fit the guidelines. That "fits the guidelines" part is the whole game, and it is where working with a broker instead of a single bank pays off: we shop your file across multiple wholesale lenders to find the one that prices your exact scenario best.

Most conventional loans are conforming, meaning the loan amount stays at or below the annual limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. For 2026 that baseline limit is $832,750 for a one-unit home in most of the country, with higher ceilings in designated high-cost areas. Need to borrow above the local limit? That becomes a jumbo loan, which we also offer.

The numbers for 2026

Here is the honest version of what it takes to qualify, without the fine-print games.

Who a conventional loan fits best

Solid-credit buyers

If your score is in the 700s, conventional almost always beats FHA on total cost because your mortgage insurance is lower and it eventually disappears.

Buyers avoiding lifetime MI

Unlike FHA, conventional mortgage insurance can be removed once you reach 20% equity, so it is not a permanent line item.

Second homes & investors

Financing a vacation place or a rental? Conventional is the workhorse program for non-primary properties.

How PMI works, and when it goes away

If you put down less than 20%, your conventional loan will carry private mortgage insurance, or PMI. It protects the lender, not you, and it is priced based on your credit score and how much you put down, usually somewhere between roughly 0.4% and 1.5% of the loan per year.

The good news is that PMI is not forever. You can request that it be removed once your loan balance reaches 80% of the original value, and by law the lender must automatically cancel it at 78%. That is the key difference from FHA, where the mortgage insurance typically stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance. Over a full loan term, that difference can add up to real money, which is exactly the kind of trade-off we walk through with you before you commit.

Conventional vs. FHA vs. VA

There is no universally "best" program, only the best one for your file. As a quick orientation: FHA is often the answer for lower credit scores or thinner files, VA is almost always the winner for eligible veterans and active-duty service members because of its zero-down and no-monthly-MI structure, and conventional tends to win for strong credit and for anything that is not a primary residence. The fastest way to see the real difference is to price all three side by side in our calculator.

Good to know

Conventional loan FAQ

Is 20% down required for a conventional loan?
No. That is one of the most common myths in home buying. Qualified buyers can put down as little as 3% on a primary residence. Putting down less means you will carry PMI until you reach 20% equity, but it also keeps more cash in your pocket, which is often the better move.
What credit score do I need?
620 is the typical minimum, but higher scores unlock better pricing in tiers. If your score needs work, we can tell you exactly which changes would move you into a better bracket before you apply.
How is a conventional loan different from FHA?
FHA is government-backed with easier credit requirements but mortgage insurance that usually lasts the life of the loan. Conventional needs slightly stronger credit but lets you cancel mortgage insurance at 20% equity, which often makes it cheaper over time for well-qualified buyers.
Can I use a conventional loan for an investment property?
Yes. Conventional is the standard program for second homes and investment properties, which most government programs will not finance. Pricing is different from a primary residence, and we will show you the exact numbers for your scenario.
What is the 2026 conventional loan limit?
The baseline conforming limit for a one-unit home in 2026 is $832,750, with higher limits in designated high-cost counties. Loans above your local limit are financed as jumbo loans, which we also offer.
Keep exploring

Other loan programs

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No application, no SSN, and no credit pull. Price a conventional loan for your scenario, or send us a question and get a straight answer, usually the same day.

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