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LOAN TYPES
Conventional loans are ideal for borrowers with good credit and stable income who can meet standard lending requirements. These loans are not government-backed and offer flexible terms for various property types.
• Ideal for borrowers with strong credit and stable income.
• Typically requires a 620+ credit score.
• Down payment options range from 3% to 20%.
• Competitive interest rates and flexible terms.
• Suitable for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.
Key Points to Remember:
• Requires a credit score of 620+
• Down payment options from 3% to 20%
• No upfront mortgage insurance with 20% down
Tips:
• Improve your credit score to qualify for better rates
• Consider a larger down payment to avoid PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)
Pros:
✔ Lower interest rates for qualified borrowers
✔ Flexible loan terms (fixed or adjustable)
✔ Available for various property types
Cons:
✘ Stricter credit and income requirements
✘ Larger down payments compared to government loans
FHA loans are government-backed and designed for first-time buyers and those with lower credit scores, offering lower down payment options and more lenient qualifications.
• Designed for first-time homebuyers and those with lower credit scores.
• Down payments as low as 3.5%.
• More lenient credit and income requirements.
• Requires mortgage insurance (MIP).
• Government-backed for added lender security.
Key Points to Remember:
• Down payment as low as 3.5%
• Requires a credit score of 580+ (or 500 with 10% down)
• Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) required
Tips:
• Check eligibility for down payment assistance programs
• Budget for mortgage insurance costs when calculating payments
Pros:
✔ Low down payment requirements
✔ Easier credit qualifications
✔ Can be used for 1-4 unit properties
Cons:
✘ Mandatory mortgage insurance for the life of the loan
✘ Property must meet specific FHA standards
USDA loans help low-to-moderate-income homebuyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas with zero down payment.
• For rural and suburban homebuyers.
• No down payment required.
• Income limits apply based on location.
• Competitive fixed interest rates.
• Must meet USDA property eligibility requirements.
Key Points to Remember:
• No down payment required
• Property must be in an eligible rural area
• Income limits apply based on location
Tips:
• Use the USDA eligibility map to confirm property qualifications
• Be aware of annual guarantee fees
Pros:
✔ 100% financing available
✔ Competitive fixed interest rates
✔ Lower mortgage insurance costs than FHA loans
Cons:
✘ Property eligibility restrictions
✘ Strict income limits
VA loans are exclusive to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses, offering great benefits such as no down payment and no PMI.
• Available to eligible veterans, active-duty military, and spouses.
• No down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
• Competitive interest rates.
• Flexible credit requirements.
• Funding fee may apply, but can be rolled into the loan.
Key Points to Remember:
• No down payment or PMI required
• VA funding fee may apply (can be financed)
• Must meet service eligibility requirements
Tips:
• Use VA loan benefits for refinancing options too
• Ensure your lender is VA-approved for smooth processing
Pros:
✔ No down payment required
✔ Lower interest rates compared to conventional loans
✔ Flexible credit requirements
Cons:
✘ VA funding fee increases with multiple uses
✘ Only available to eligible military personnel
Bank statement loans are designed for self-employed individuals who may not have traditional income documentation but have consistent cash flow.
• Ideal for self-employed borrowers.
• Income verification based on 12 to 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns.
• Higher down payment requirements.
• Flexible credit requirements.
• Useful for business owners, freelancers, and gig workers.
Key Points to Remember:
• Uses 12-24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns
• Higher down payments typically required
• Suitable for freelancers and business owners
Tips:
• Maintain clear records of personal and business expenses
• Work with lenders experienced in self-employed financing
Pros:
✔ No tax returns required
✔ Flexible income verification options
✔ Ideal for self-employed individuals
Cons:
✘ Higher interest rates than traditional loans
✘ Larger down payments needed
DSCR loans are perfect for real estate investors as they focus on the property’s income potential rather than the borrower’s personal income.
• Designed for real estate investors.
• Qualification based on rental income rather than personal income.
• No tax returns required.
• Allows financing for multiple investment properties.
• Flexible loan terms and property types.
Key Points to Remember:
• Loan qualification based on rental income
• No tax returns or W-2s required
• Common for investment properties
Tips:
• Ensure the property generates sufficient rental income
• Consider properties in high-demand rental areas
Pros:
✔ Easier qualification for investors
✔ No personal income verification needed
✔ Can finance multiple properties
Cons:
✘ Typically higher interest rates
✘ Requires solid rental cash flow projections
Stated income loans allow borrowers to declare their income without full documentation, making them useful for self-employed individuals with non-traditional income.
• Borrowers state their income without traditional documentation.
• Higher down payment requirements.
• Suitable for self-employed individuals with fluctuating income.
• Typically carries higher interest rates.
• May require strong credit and financial reserves.
Key Points to Remember:
• Income stated without traditional verification
• Higher down payments required
• Suitable for fluctuating or seasonal incomes
Tips:
• Keep accurate financial records for lender review
• Be prepared for larger reserve requirements
Pros:
✔ No need for extensive documentation
✔ Faster approval process
✔ Flexibility for self-employed borrowers
Cons:
✘ Higher interest rates
✘ Limited lender availability
Hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans used for real estate investments, focusing on the property value rather than borrower credit.
• Short-term loans for real estate investments.
• Asset-based lending, with property value as the primary qualification.
• Fast approval and funding.
• Higher interest rates and fees.
• Ideal for fix-and-flip investors or those needing quick capital.
Key Points to Remember:
• Fast approval and funding times
• Higher interest rates and fees
• Typically used for fix-and-flip projects
Tips:
• Have a clear exit strategy before applying
• Work with reputable private lenders
Pros:
✔ Quick access to funds
✔ Flexible credit requirements
✔ Suitable for short-term investment projects
Cons:
✘ Higher costs and fees
✘ Short repayment terms
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