What is a Conventional loan?

A conventional loan is a type of mortgage loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the government. Instead, the loan is backed by private lenders, and the terms and conditions of the loan are established between the lender and the borrower. Conventional loans are often used to purchase a home or refinance an existing mortgage, and they typically have a fixed or adjustable interest rate. The main requirements for conventional loans include a good credit score, a stable income, and a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Borrowers who meet these requirements and have a down payment of at least 20% can typically obtain a conventional loan with a lower interest rate than other types of loans, such as government-insured loans.

How Conventional loans work?

Conventional mortgage work in a similar way to other types of mortgage loans. Here's a general overview of the process:

1. Application. The borrower submits a loan application to the lender, which includes information about their income, employment, assets, liabilities, and credit history.

2. Approval. The lender evaluates the borrower's information and, if the borrower meets the requirements, approves the loan.

3. Underwriting. The lender underwrites the loan, which involves verifying the information in the loan application, checking the borrower's credit score, and assessing the property being purchased.

4. Closing. Once the loan is approved, the borrower and the lender agree on the terms of the loan, including the interest rate, monthly payments, and length of the loan. The borrower then signs the loan documents and pays any closing costs.

5. Repayment. The borrower begins making monthly payments on the loan, which include both the interest and the principal. Over time, the borrower pays down the loan until it is fully repaid.

It's important to note that conventional loans typically have stricter requirements than government-insured loans, such as FHA loans. Borrowers with lower credit scores, smaller down payments, or higher debt-to-income ratios may not be eligible for a conventional loan and may need to explore other options.

Key Features

1. Loan Amount. Conventional loans typically have higher loan limits compared to government-insured loans, allowing borrowers to purchase more expensive homes.

2. Down Payment. Conventional loans typically require a higher down payment, usually around 20% of the purchase price. However, some lenders may offer loan programs with as little as 3% down.

3. Credit Score. Conventional loans usually require a higher credit score than government-insured loans, although the exact minimum score can vary depending on the lender.

4. Interest Rates. Conventional loans may have either a fixed or adjustable interest rate, and the interest rate can be influenced by the borrower's credit score, income, and the type of property being purchased.

5. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). If the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, conventional loan borrowers are typically required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI), which protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan.

6. Prepayment Penalty. Some conventional loans may have a prepayment penalty, which means the borrower is charged a fee if they pay off the loan early.

7. Loan Term. Conventional loans can have a loan term of anywhere from 10 to 30 years, giving borrowers flexibility in the length of their loan and monthly payments.

It's important to consider these features and compare them with other loan options before choosing a conventional loan. Borrowers should also work with a lender to determine their eligibility and understand all the terms and conditions of the loan.

Types of Conventional loans

1. Fixed-Rate Conventional Loans. Fixed-rate conventional loans have an interest rate that remains the same for the entire term of the loan. This type of loan is ideal for borrowers who want the stability of a fixed monthly payment and don't want to worry about interest rate fluctuations.

2. Adjustable-Rate Conventional Loans (ARMs). Adjustable-rate conventional loans have an interest rate that can change over time, based on market conditions. These loans typically start with a lower interest rate than fixed-rate loans, but the rate can increase or decrease over time. ARMs are ideal for borrowers who plan to stay in the home for a shorter period of time or expect their income to increase significantly in the future.

There are also various loan programs within these two categories, such as jumbo loans for higher-priced homes, and conforming loans that meet the size restrictions set by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

Borrowers should work with a lender to determine which type of conventional loan is best for their situation, taking into account their financial goals, the type of property being purchased, and the length of time they plan to stay in the home.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Higher Loan Limits. Conventional mortgage typically have higher loan limits compared to government-insured loans, allowing borrowers to purchase more expensive homes.

2. Flexible Loan Terms. Conventional loans offer a range of loan terms, from 10 to 30 years, giving borrowers flexibility in the length of their loan and monthly payments.

3. Lower Interest Rates. Borrowers with good credit scores and stable income can typically obtain lower interest rates on conventional loans compared to other loan options.

4. No Mortgage Insurance for High Down Payments. Borrowers with a down payment of 20% or more are typically not required to purchase mortgage insurance, which can lower their monthly payments.

Cons

1. Strict Requirements. Conventional mortgage typically have strict requirements, including a high credit score and a stable income, which may make them difficult for some borrowers to obtain.

2. Higher Down Payments. Conventional loans typically require a higher down payment, which may be a barrier for some borrowers who do not have enough savings.

3. Higher Interest Rates for Lower Credit Scores. Borrowers with lower credit scores may have to pay higher interest rates on conventional loans, making the loans more expensive.

4. No Government Insurance. Conventional loans are not backed by the government, which means that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender is at risk of losing money.

It's important for borrowers to weigh the pros and cons of conventional loans before choosing this type of loan. They should also work with a lender to determine their eligibility and understand all the terms and conditions of the loan.

How to get an Conventional loan?

Here are the steps to getting a conventional loan:

1. Determine your eligibility. Review your credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for a conventional loan. Some lenders may have different requirements, so it's a good idea to shop around for the best loan option for you.

2. Get pre-approved. Obtain a pre-approval from a lender, which will give you an estimate of the loan amount you may be eligible for. This will help you determine your budget and narrow down your home search.

3. Find a property. Once you have a pre-approval, start looking for a property that fits your budget and needs. When you have found a property, the lender will order an appraisal to determine the property's value.

4. Submit loan application. Submit a loan application to your lender, along with supporting documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements.

5. Underwriting. The lender will review your loan application and supporting documentation, and perform a thorough underwriting process to determine your creditworthiness.

6. Closing. If your loan is approved, you will sign the loan documents and close on the loan. This typically involves paying closing costs and other fees associated with the loan.

7. Loan Disbursement. After closing, the loan funds will be disbursed to the seller and the property will be transferred to you.

It's important to work with a lender you trust and to fully understand all the terms and conditions of the loan before signing the loan documents. Be sure to ask any questions you have and review the loan documents carefully to ensure that the loan meets your needs and financial goals.

Requirements

1. Credit Score. Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620, but some may require a higher score. The higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate and the more likely you are to be approved for a loan.

2. Income. Lenders typically require borrowers to have a stable income and employment history, and may require proof of income, such as pay stubs and tax returns.

3. Down Payment. Conventional loans typically require a down payment of at least 3% of the purchase price, but some lenders may require a higher down payment.

4. Debt-to-Income Ratio. Lenders typically have a debt-to-income ratio requirement, which is the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income. The lower your debt-to-income ratio, the more likely you are to be approved for a loan.

5. Appraisal. The lender will order an appraisal of the property to determine its value and ensure that it meets the lender's guidelines.

6. Property Insurance. Borrowers are typically required to have property insurance to protect the property and their investment.

7. Employment Verification. Lenders may require proof of employment and may verify employment through the borrower's employer.

8. Residency. Lenders may require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or driver's license, to confirm the borrower's address.

It's important to check with your lender to determine the specific requirements for your loan, and to ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying for a loan.

Conventional loans vs FHA loans

Conventional loans and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are two common options for financing a home purchase. Here are some key differences between the two:

1. Down Payment. Conventional loans typically require a higher down payment than FHA loans. With an FHA loan, borrowers can put as little as 3.5% down, while conventional loans typically require a down payment of at least 5%.

2. Credit Score. FHA loans are more flexible when it comes to credit scores, with some lenders accepting scores as low as 500. Conventional loans, on the other hand, typically require a higher credit score, typically around 620.

3. Mortgage Insurance. Both FHA and conventional loans require mortgage insurance, but the type of insurance and the amount of the premium can vary. With an FHA loan, borrowers are required to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) and an annual MIP, while conventional loans typically require private mortgage insurance (PMI) for borrowers with a down payment of less than 20%.

4. Loan Limits. FHA loans have lower loan limits compared to conventional loans, which may limit the amount you can borrow. Conventional loans typically have higher loan limits and may allow you to borrow more.

5. Interest Rates. Interest rates on FHA loans are typically higher than interest rates on conventional loans, which can result in higher monthly payments.

It's important to compare both options and understand the pros and cons of each before choosing a loan. You should also work with a lender to determine which loan option is best for you based on your financial situation and goals.