FHA vs Conventional Loan: Which Is Better for You?
A buyer with a 730 credit score qualifies for both FHA and Conventional 97. Here is how the payments, mortgage insurance and closing-cost rules compare, with the math.
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Conventional Loans
A conventional loan is a mortgage with no government backing. Most follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules, and some allow 3% down. These articles explain the requirements, private mortgage insurance and loan limits. Start with our conventional loan guide.
Fannie Mae HomePath: What It Is and How to Buy a Home
A Fannie Mae HomePath property is a home Fannie Mae owns after a foreclosure and sells through HomePath.com. Here is who can buy one, how offers work and…
5% Down Multifamily Loans: 2-4 Unit Rules by Program
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow 5% down on a duplex, triplex or fourplex you live in. Here are the rules, the 2026 limits and the FHA and…
Freddie Mac Home Possible: Requirements and Income Limits
Freddie Mac Home Possible is a 3% down conventional loan for buyers whose qualifying income is at or below 80% of the area median. Here are the credit,…
FHA Loan Pros and Cons: Should You Get an FHA Loan?
An FHA loan accepts lower credit scores and 3.5% down, but its mortgage insurance usually lasts the life of the loan. Here is how the tradeoff works and…
Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI): How It Works
Lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI) removes the monthly PMI charge in exchange for a higher rate that lasts for the life of the loan. Here's how it compares with…
Conventional Streamline Refinance: What to Use Instead
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have no conventional streamline refinance. A rate-and-term refinance with an appraisal waiver, RefiNow or Refi Possible can come close, and an FHA or…
5 Ways to Buy a Home with 5% Down or Less
One of the most common misconceptions about mortgages is that you need 20% down to buy a home. Options for buyers with 5 percent down or less show…
Conventional Mortgage Down Payment Requirements 2026
What is the minimum down payment for a conventional mortgage? Most people assume they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. However, a conventional mortgage down…
Conventional Refinance | Rates, 2026 Loan Limits & Guidelines
A conventional refinance is one of the most versatile loans in today’s market. Conventional refinances can convert any type of mortgage loan into a conventional loan. Simultaneously, a…