A conventional loan is often better if you have good or excellent credit because your mortgage rate and PMI costs will go down. But an FHA loan can be perfect if your credit score is in the high-500s or low-600s. For lower-credit borrowers, FHA is often the cheaper option.
FHA loans require a lower minimum down payment and a lower credit score than many conventional loans. FHA loans are designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers who otherwise might not qualify for a conventional loan. These benefits make them popular with first-time homebuyers.
Cons: Why a conventional mortgage may not be right for you
The eligibility requirements for conventional loans are more stringent than government-backed loans. Conforming loans are sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac soon after being created to help keep mortgages affordable for homebuyers.
If you're unable to make a large payment upfront, conventional loans are available with a down payment as low as 3%. In most cases, borrowers save money in the long run with a conventional loan because there's no upfront mortgage insurance fee, and the monthly insurance payments are cheaper.
FHA loans tend to have higher closing costs than conventional loans, but because FHA loans allow the seller to pay for more of your closing costs than conventional loans, they may actually be cheaper.
Borrowers who take out FHA loans will likely face higher costs upfront and with every payment, and it could signal that they aren't ready for a mortgage. You'll also have to pay mortgage insurance, and FHA loans are less flexible than conventional loans.
Conventional Loans
A conventional loan is a mortgage that's not insured by a government agency. Most conventional loans are backed by mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fannie Mae says that conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620. But lenders can raise their own requirements.
To qualify for a conventional loan, you'll typically need a credit score of at least 620. Borrowers with credit scores of 740 or higher can make lower down payments and tend to get the most attractive conventional loan rates, however.
A conventional loan is a traditional loan that is used to purchase property. It has several attractive features that make it a great choice for many people, especially first-time homebuyers who have good credit, some funds saved for a down payment and are at low risk for defaulting.
A conventional loan is a type of home mortgage loan that is not backed by federal mortgage assistance. Many home buyers prefer conventional loans because they do not carry many of the fees charged with government-backed loans.
To convert an FHA loan to a conventional home loan, you will need to refinance your current mortgage. The FHA must approve the refinance, even though you are moving to a non-FHA-insured lender.
Options for putting down less than 20 percent
Here are some common options: A conventional loan with private mortgage insurance (PMI). “Conventional” just means that the loan is not part of a specific government program. Typically, conventional loans require PMI when you put down less than 20 percent.
The more money you put down, the better. Your monthly mortgage payment will be lower because you're financing less of the home's purchase price, and you can possibly get a lower mortgage rate.
The Conventional 97 Loan is a 3% down payment option for any borrower. You don't have to be a low-income home buyer either, as is necessary for HomeReady and Home Possible loans, two other low down payment options Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer.
Conventional mortgages typically have a fixed rate of interest, which means that the interest rate does not change throughout the life of the loan. Conventional mortgages or loans are not guaranteed by the federal government and as a result, typically have stricter lending requirements by banks and creditors.
Sellers often prefer conventional buyers because of their own financial views. Because a conventional loan typically requires higher credit and more money down, sellers often deem these reasons as a lower risk to default and traits of a trustworthy buyer.
Typical Closing Times: By Loan Type
It takes approximately 47 days to close on a conventional mortgage loan in accordance with Fannie Mae's qualified lending standards. Conventional refinances are faster and take around 35 days to close on average.
An FHA loan has lower down payment requirements and is easier to qualify for than a conventional loan. FHA loans are excellent for first-time homebuyers because, in addition to lower up-front loan costs and less stringent credit requirements, you can make a down payment as low as 3.5%.
Even though a conventional loan is the most common mortgage, it is surprisingly difficult to get. Borrowers need to have a minimum credit score of about 640 in order to qualify—the highest minimum score of all mortgage products—and have a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less.
A conventional loan requires a credit score of at least 620, but it's ideal to have a score of 740 or above, which could allow you to make a lower down payment, get a more attractive interest rate and save on private mortgage insurance.
The mortgage approval process can take anywhere from 30 days to several months, depending on the status of the market and your personal circumstances.
For example, if you apply for a conventional mortgage you're typically allowed a mortgage payment up to 28% of your gross monthly income. Your debt-to-income ratio (which factors in all monthly debt payments, including the new mortgage) cannot exceed 36%.
700 is a good score — and with a little effort, you should be able to find a mortgage lender who will give you a competitive rate and get you into the home you want.
No down payment is required for VA, USDA and doctor loan programs detailed above. What credit score do I need to buy a house with no money down? No-down-payment lenders usually set 620 as the lowest credit score to buy a house.