Flexible conventional loans with competitive rates.
Apply for a conventional home loan online and get your pre-approval in as little as 24 hours, from a direct lender that works with you from application through closing.
What is a conventional loan?
A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not backed or insured by a federal agency, unlike FHA, VA, or USDA loans. It is issued by private lenders and may follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines. Because there is no government guarantee, lenders look more closely at credit and income — but qualified borrowers get flexibility in term, property type, and mortgage-insurance options.
- Not government-backed; may follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines
- Stricter credit requirements than government-backed loans
- No mandatory upfront mortgage insurance fee
- Mortgage insurance may be cancellable once you reach enough equity
- Available for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties
What it takes to qualify.
Credit score
The minimum is typically 620, but conventional rates may be more favorable for borrowers with scores of 740 and above.
Down payment
As little as 3% down for qualifying first-time buyers, options around 5% or more for repeat buyers, and 20% down typically avoids PMI.
Debt-to-income (DTI)
Most lenders look for a DTI of 45% or lower; strong credit or a larger down payment can stretch it toward 50%.
Income and employment
Stable, verifiable income, generally at least two years of consistent history in the same line of work.
Property requirements
Primary residences, second homes, and investment properties qualify; the home must meet basic safety and habitability standards.
Loan limits
The 2026 conforming limit is $832,750 for a single-family home in most areas; properties in high-cost areas may qualify for higher limits. Limits are updated annually.
What determines your rate.
Credit score
A borrower with a 760 score typically receives a lower rate than a borrower with a 660 score.
Down payment
Putting down 20% or more typically avoids PMI and may also earn you a better rate.
Loan term
Shorter terms often carry lower interest rates. A 15-year typically sits below a comparable 30-year.
Fixed vs. adjustable
A fixed rate holds for the full term. An ARM often starts lower, then adjusts after a set period.
Loan size and property type
Larger loans, investment properties, and second homes may carry higher rates than a standard primary residence.
Market conditions
Rates move daily with economic data, Federal Reserve policy, and bond market activity.
Apply for a conventional loan online.
The average time from application to closing is 28 days. Closing timelines vary by loan and transaction.
Complete the application
Answer a few questions about your income, assets, and the home. Soft credit pull only to start.
Upload your documents
Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, and bank statements through our secure portal.
Get your pre-approval
Verified pre-approval letter, typically within 24 hours of receiving your documents.
Lock your rate
Choose your term and lock a competitive rate when you're under contract.
Close and move in
Sign digitally; your team coordinates appraisal, title, and closing.
Conventional loan FAQs.
What is a conventional loan?
What credit score do I need for a conventional mortgage?
What are the current conventional mortgage rates?
How much do I need to put down on a conventional home loan?
Can I use a conventional loan to buy an investment property?
Ready to move forward? Get pre-approved today.
No credit impact to check your options. No surprise fees. Just straightforward guidance from a team that has helped thousands of borrowers buy their home.
Important rate & fee disclosures
Down payment options as low as 3% are available only to qualifying first-time buyers of eligible conventional programs; other borrowers may need 5% or more. Loans with less than 20% down typically require private mortgage insurance. Not a commitment to lend.
Pre-approval timing of 24 hours is typical once complete documentation is received; a pre-approval is not a final loan approval or commitment to lend and remains subject to final underwriting, property review, and appraisal. The average time from application to closing is 28 days; closing timelines vary by loan and transaction.
Rates, APRs, and terms vary by credit profile, loan-to-value, property type, and program guidelines and are not guaranteed. Not a commitment to lend.