A conventional loan is a home loan for individuals who have steady income, good credit and have funds available for a down payment. A conventional loan requires a 3-20% down payment. Alliance Mortgage Group in Houston, Texas helps buyers secure a conventional loan when purchasing property.

A conventional loan is not insured by the federal government (like USDA, FHA and VA loans) and can be the preferred route to home financing for many homebuyers and those purchasing investment property.

Lenders who sell conventional loans review debt/income ratios and monthly housing costs. Also reviewed in the conventional loan application are credit scores, credit history and income over the past several years.

FHA loans originate from the Federal Housing Administration and are insured by HUD (US Dept. of Housing) so that lenders can offer more affordable mortgage rates. FHA loans require lower down payments and closing costs. There are even options for financing 100% of the loan, and several grant programs that provide FHA loan customers financing for the down payment.

FHA loans offer options to those who’ve undergone bankruptcy or foreclosure. They’re available to first time homebuyers, refinancers and anyone who’s purchasing property and doesn’t already have an existing FHA loan. The guidelines for debt ratio and job qualifications are more lenient than a conventional loan.

USDA home loans, also known as rural development loans, are loans issued by the US goverment. To help families who may not quality for convential loans or have the same lending options as those in larger cities, the US government issues these loans through approved private lenders.

With a USDA loan, the family can borrow up to 100% of the home’s appraisal, meaning no down payment is needed. The loan is set for a 30-year fixed rate home loan, and requires no mortgage insurance.

A VA loan is a mortgage loan available through a program established by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans assist service members, veterans and eligible surviving spouses to become homeowners. The VA sets the qualifying standards, dictates the terms of the mortgages offered and guarantees a portion of the loan. VA home loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies.

The VA will guarantee a maximum of 25 percent of a home loan amount up to $113,275, which limits the maximum loan amount to $453,100. Generally, the reasonable value of the property or the purchase price, whichever is less, plus the funding fee may be borrowed. Being a veteran doesn’t make a homebuyer automatically eligible for a home loan, you must meet both service requirements and credit/income requirements to be eligible.

With interest rates reaching record lows, you may be wondering if refinancing your mortgage is right for you. Below is a quick guide for home owners interested in lowering their mortgage payments and refinancing their home loans.

While refinancing your mortgage may seem like a great opportunity for you to lower your monthly mortgage payments and reduce your debt, make sure to use a mortgage calculator and calculate if refinancing your mortgage will actually save you in the long run.

Refinancing your mortgage should be done to reduce your interest rate, shorten your term, or consolidate any revolving debt.