Services

A conventional loan is the most common type of mortgage and is not guaranteed or insured by the US government, such as VA, FHA and USDA. When most people think of a mortgage, they’re thinking of a conventional loan. Generally speaking, conventional loans are loans under $715,000, which is the Maricopa County conforming loan limit set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Typically, your down payment can be as low as 3% and can be used for primary residence, 2nd home or an investment property.

An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA insurance protects mortgage lenders, allowing them to offer loans with easier credit requirements and low-down payments. Although not a requirement, these loans are more popular with first time home buyers and lower-credit home buyers, thanks to their underwriting flexibility and low rates. Typically, your down payment can be as low as 3.5% on an FHA loan.

A VA loan is guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is designed for American veterans including U.S. military, reservists and select surviving spouses. This loan program can be used to purchase single-family homes, condominiums, multi-unit properties, manufactured homes and new construction. VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. Typically, there is no down payment requirement, no private mortgage insurance (PMI) and the interest rates are very low.

A USDA home loan is a zero down payment mortgage available for certain rural and suburban homebuyers. They are issued through the USDA Rural Development Housing Program by the Unites States Department of Agriculture. A USDA home loan is often the best choice for borrowers who meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture's guidelines. With no down payment requirement, USDA mortgages are often less expensive than FHA loans, both upfront and in the long run. Despite the name, many urban areas qualify for USDA financing as well.