Mortgage loans are a way for homebuyers to buy a house without having to come up with all the money upfront. There are many different types of home loans available, each with its own requirements, interest rates and benefits.
The interest rate you pay on your mortgage is determined by two things: current market rates and the level of risk the lender takes to loan you money. A higher credit score and fewer red flags on your credit report will help you qualify for a lower interest rate.
Conventional Loans
Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage. They’re not backed by a government agency, like FHA or USDA, and they have stricter credit requirements than government-backed loans do.
They can be used to buy any kind of property, including a primary residence, vacation home or rental property. The interest rates on conventional loans are usually higher than those on FHA and USDA mortgages.
To qualify for a conventional loan, you’ll need to provide your lender with proof of income and a down payment. You can put as little as 3% down, but we recommend at least 10% for the best chance of getting a low interest rate.
These types of loans can also come with private mortgage insurance, or PMI, which can be canceled once you have at least 20% equity in your home. This can add to your monthly payments, though.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are a mortgage option for homebuyers who have trouble qualifying for a conventional loan. They often require less money for a down payment and have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans.
These loans can help you buy a single-family residence, a condo or even a manufactured home. They also have special programs for people who want to make energy-efficient improvements to their existing home or purchase a new home.
One of the ways a lender evaluates you for risk is by looking at your debt-to-income ratio. This is a measure of how much of your monthly income is spent on debts like student loans, auto loans and other debts.
You might qualify for an FHA loan if you have a credit score of at least 580 and a down payment of 3.5% or 10%. You can use gift money for your down payment if you get a letter from the donor that states they expect no repayment.
Government-Backed Loans
Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, refinance your current one or do a bit of home improvement and rehab with an FHA 203(k) loan, government-backed loans can make homeownership more affordable. They also offer several advantages that conventional mortgages don’t, like lower down payments and better credit requirements.
Unlike direct loans, which are backed by private lenders, all government-backed mortgages are insured by federal agencies, which remove significant risk from the lender and makes it easier for them to offer lower interest rates or no down payment options.
There are three primary types of government-backed loans: FHA, VA and USDA. They’re all geared toward different borrowers and have differing qualifications, down payment requirements and credit score minimums. Each has its own benefits, so it’s important to understand your options before making a decision.
Down Payments
The down payment on a mortgage represents the money you’ll have to pay upfront in order to purchase your home. The amount you’ll need depends on your financial situation and the type of mortgage you choose.
A larger down payment also typically means lower interest rates for you. Lenders want to see that you’re committed to making your monthly payments, and they consider the size of your down payment as part of your financial risk profile.
Your down payment can also influence your ability to qualify for additional loans in the future, particularly if you’re able to eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI). A large down payment can also help to reduce your debt-to-income ratio, which helps lenders assess your ability to afford your loan payments.
It’s important to weigh the benefits of different down payment amounts, as well as talk to loved ones, your real estate agent and a mortgage loan officer before making your decision. Start saving early and make your down payment fund a priority, whether through regular savings or by selling assets to raise money.