Conventional home loans · Buy or refinance

The most common way to buy a home, built around your plans.

A conventional loan has no government agency behind it, so it can finance the home you live in, a second home or a rental. Strong credit and steady income earn its better pricing, and the mortgage insurance can come off once you’ve built equity.

See conventional next to your other options, with the full costs of each.

A brick colonial home at dusk after a light snow

What to know.

The essentials, in plain English.

Often costs less with strong credit
With good credit and a solid down payment, a conventional loan often costs less over time than a government-backed loan.
Mortgage insurance that ends
Unlike FHA’s, conventional mortgage insurance can be cancelled once you’ve built enough equity, and it ends on its own at a set point.
One loan for any home
Finance the home you live in, a second home or a rental. Government-backed loans cover only the home you live in.
Weighed against every option
Your loan officer prices conventional next to FHA and the other loans open to you, so you choose on the full costs, not a headline.

What happens after you press the button.

Your loan officer reaches out
Andrew reads what you send personally and gets in touch to talk it through.
What you’ll talk about
The home you want, your income, your savings and how long you plan to stay, so the options fit your plans.
What to have handy
A rough idea of your income, savings and price range. Documents come later, when you apply.
  1. A couple sitting together on the front steps of their brick home

    Who it fits

    Buyers and homeowners with steady income and established credit.

    • First-time and repeat buyers
    • Second-home buyers
    • Investors buying a rental
    • Homeowners refinancing out of another loan
  2. A laptop and papers on a kitchen table in morning light

    What you’ll need

    Have these ready when you apply. Your loan officer confirms exactly what your file needs.

    • Recent pay stubs and W-2s, or tax returns if you’re self-employed
    • Bank statements for your down payment and savings
    • A photo ID
    • Details of your debts, such as car loans and credit cards

Conventional or FHA?

ConventionalFHA
Backed byNo government agencyThe Federal Housing Administration
CreditRewards stronger creditMore flexible with credit
Mortgage insuranceCan be removed once you have enough equityUpfront and annual premiums, for a period set by the loan
HomesYour home, a second home or a rentalThe home you live in

Common questions

Is a conventional loan better than FHA?

It depends on your credit, your savings and the home. Conventional loans often cost less over time for borrowers with strong credit, while FHA loans can be easier to qualify for. Compare both, with the full terms of each.

How much do I need for a down payment?

It depends on the loan, the home and your credit, and it may be less than you expect. Putting down less usually means paying mortgage insurance. Your loan officer can show you the options side by side, with the full terms of each.

Can I remove mortgage insurance later?

Usually yes. On most conventional loans you can ask to cancel it once you have built enough equity, and it ends on its own at a set point.

What credit score do I need?

Lenders set a minimum, and a higher score usually earns better pricing. A short conversation and, with your permission, a credit check tell you where you stand.

Can I use a conventional loan for a second home or a rental?

Yes. Conventional loans can finance the home you live in, a second home or an investment property, with different requirements for each.

What is a conforming loan limit?

The most a conventional loan that follows Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines can be, set each year by county and higher in some high-cost areas. Above it, a jumbo loan takes over.

Should I choose a fixed or an adjustable rate?

A fixed rate keeps your principal and interest the same for the life of the loan. An adjustable rate starts fixed for a set period, then can move up or down within limits. Which fits depends on how long you plan to keep the loan.

Will checking my options affect my credit?

Answering a few questions doesn’t check your credit. A credit check comes later, only with your permission, and your loan officer can explain how it may affect your score.

What if I don’t qualify?

Your loan officer tells you why and what would change the answer, and can show you FHA or another program that may fit better.

What does a conventional loan cost?

Closing costs such as lender fees, an appraisal and title charges, plus mortgage insurance if you put down less. Your Loan Estimate lists every cost before you commit.

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“Tanner Orr was extremely helpful guiding me on my website and lead generation strategy. I have been a client for 18+ months and the website they put together for me is exactly what I need. I have some new ideas to work with and just paid for another year in advance because I'm super confident with what they can help me with. Thanks again Leadpops / Rebel IQ! Definitely will recommend them to others.”

ER

Eric Vander Werff4 months ago

“Tanner Orr at Rebel iQ has truly gone above and beyond for me. He helped me get started with my marketing during a very difficult time and worked with me when he easily could have treated me like just another customer. Tanner genuinely cares about my situation, my business, and helping me succeed. His patience, understanding, and support have meant more to me than he probably realizes. Because of how he has treated me and everything he has done to help me grow, I plan to continue working with him and Rebel iQ for a long time. I highly recommend Tanner to anyone looking for someone who truly cares about their clients.”

QU

Quang Tran2 months ago

“Jasper Coraza is hands down the most helpful support specialist. He is incredibly thorough in making sure he fully understands each request, and he consistently follows through with clear communication. He also does an excellent job of offering solutions when a specific request can’t be completed, rather than simply saying no.”

VI

Vivian Shlemon7 months ago

“Tanner Orr was extremely helpful guiding me on my website and lead generation strategy. I have been a client for 18+ months and the website they put together for me is exactly what I need. I have some new ideas to work with and just paid for another year in advance because I'm super confident with what they can help me with. Thanks again Leadpops / Rebel IQ! Definitely will recommend them to others.”

ER

Eric Vander Werff4 months ago

“Tanner Orr at Rebel iQ has truly gone above and beyond for me. He helped me get started with my marketing during a very difficult time and worked with me when he easily could have treated me like just another customer. Tanner genuinely cares about my situation, my business, and helping me succeed. His patience, understanding, and support have meant more to me than he probably realizes. Because of how he has treated me and everything he has done to help me grow, I plan to continue working with him and Rebel iQ for a long time. I highly recommend Tanner to anyone looking for someone who truly cares about their clients.”

QU

Quang Tran2 months ago

“Jasper Coraza is hands down the most helpful support specialist. He is incredibly thorough in making sure he fully understands each request, and he consistently follows through with clear communication. He also does an excellent job of offering solutions when a specific request can’t be completed, rather than simply saying no.”

VI

Vivian Shlemon7 months ago

“Tanner Orr was extremely helpful guiding me on my website and lead generation strategy. I have been a client for 18+ months and the website they put together for me is exactly what I need. I have some new ideas to work with and just paid for another year in advance because I'm super confident with what they can help me with. Thanks again Leadpops / Rebel IQ! Definitely will recommend them to others.”

ER

Eric Vander Werff4 months ago

“Tanner Orr at Rebel iQ has truly gone above and beyond for me. He helped me get started with my marketing during a very difficult time and worked with me when he easily could have treated me like just another customer. Tanner genuinely cares about my situation, my business, and helping me succeed. His patience, understanding, and support have meant more to me than he probably realizes. Because of how he has treated me and everything he has done to help me grow, I plan to continue working with him and Rebel iQ for a long time. I highly recommend Tanner to anyone looking for someone who truly cares about their clients.”

QU

Quang Tran2 months ago

“Jasper Coraza is hands down the most helpful support specialist. He is incredibly thorough in making sure he fully understands each request, and he consistently follows through with clear communication. He also does an excellent job of offering solutions when a specific request can’t be completed, rather than simply saying no.”

VI

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JO

John Roberts5 months ago

“I've been a customer of LeadPops/RebelIQ for the past few years for my mortgage broker team website. Jasper Coraza and the development team are always very helpful and accommodating every time I need an update, and their rates are reasonable too. Recently Tanner Orr proactively reached out to me to offer a couple of awesome upgrades at no charge. I'm really thankful to have Tanner, Jasper, and the whole LeadPops team in my corner. Keep up the great work guys!”

TO

Tom Pessemier5 months ago

“Tanner Orr, is the Best! Very knowledgeable and super helpful. He is also very patient and understanding. He has many qualifications. Too many for me to list at the moment now. I definitely recommend his services to anyone looking for a hard-working true professional in the digital marketing space, managing client relationships, building ad strategies and much more!”

JO

John Roberts5 months ago

“I've been a customer of LeadPops/RebelIQ for the past few years for my mortgage broker team website. Jasper Coraza and the development team are always very helpful and accommodating every time I need an update, and their rates are reasonable too. Recently Tanner Orr proactively reached out to me to offer a couple of awesome upgrades at no charge. I'm really thankful to have Tanner, Jasper, and the whole LeadPops team in my corner. Keep up the great work guys!”

TO

Tom Pessemier5 months ago

“Tanner Orr, is the Best! Very knowledgeable and super helpful. He is also very patient and understanding. He has many qualifications. Too many for me to list at the moment now. I definitely recommend his services to anyone looking for a hard-working true professional in the digital marketing space, managing client relationships, building ad strategies and much more!”

JO

John Roberts5 months ago

“I've been a customer of LeadPops/RebelIQ for the past few years for my mortgage broker team website. Jasper Coraza and the development team are always very helpful and accommodating every time I need an update, and their rates are reasonable too. Recently Tanner Orr proactively reached out to me to offer a couple of awesome upgrades at no charge. I'm really thankful to have Tanner, Jasper, and the whole LeadPops team in my corner. Keep up the great work guys!”

TO

Tom Pessemier5 months ago

Know your loan,
then find the home.

Start with a few questions, or book a call with Andrew and talk it through first.

(619) 886-6985