Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Different types of mortgage loans
From first-time homebuyer programs with no down payment or private mortgage insurance, to jumbo loans exceeding $2 million — there are plenty of mortgage loans for different buyers.
Mortgage Guides
Compare mortgage rates in your area
How To:
Loan Types
Term Length
When it comes to home loans, borrowers have a staggering array of options. Understanding the different mortgages available before you shop for a loan can save you time, effort and potentially thousands of dollars down the road
This guide covers the most popular types of mortgage loans available today, including loans for first-time homebuyers, investors and retirees. You may discover options you didn’t know about but could be the perfect fit for your situation.
What is a mortgage loan?
A mortgage is a secured loan from a bank or other financial company that makes it possible to buy a home without having to cover the total cost yourself. While every mortgage has different characteristics, they’re all comprised of three basic things:
- The loan term. This is the amount of time you have to pay back your loan. Common terms are 15 or 30 years. The shorter the loan term, the less interest you’ll pay.
- Interest rate type. Mortgage interest rates can either be fixed or adjustable. Adjustable-rate home loans often have lower rates at the beginning, whereas fixed-rate loans offer more payment predictability.
- Loan type. The most common types of home loans are:
- Conventional: Multiple types available
- Government-backed: FHA, VA, USDA
- Loans for high-wealth individuals, investors and retirees: Jumbo loans, reverse mortgages and more
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of mortgage loans and the options available.
Conventional mortgages
A conventional mortgage is a type of home loan that isn’t part of a government program. It’s by far the most common type of mortgage. But it may be harder to qualify for a conventional loan than a government-backed loan, which typically has lower credit score requirements.
Who can qualify for a conventional loan?
While lenders have the flexibility to set their own requirements, borrowers must typically have the following to qualify for a conventional loan:
- A credit score of 620 or higher
- A debt-to-income ratio of 50% or lower
- A down payment of at least 3%
Conventional loans fall into two categories: conforming and nonconforming, which refer to the size of the loan. Here’s a quick overview of the difference.
Conforming vs. nonconforming loans
| Conforming |
|
| Nonconforming |
|
Types of conventional mortgages
Here are the main types of conventional mortgages and who they’re ideal for.
| Conventional loan type | Ideal for borrowers who: |
|---|---|
| Fixed-rate loans have a set interest rate for the entire life of the loan. Payments stay the same from month-to-month, making it easier to budget. Fixed-rate loans may have higher rates than adjustable-rate mortgages. | Want predictability in their monthly mortgage payment over the long term |
| Adjustable-rate loans have an interest rate that is usually fixed for an initial “teaser” period — for example, three or five years. After the initial period ends, your rate and payment will change — either go up or down — depending on market conditions. |
|
| Low or no down payment. Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible are conventional loans that allow borrowers to put down as little as 3%. |
|
| Renovation loans are single loans that can be used to purchase a fixer-upper and pay for renovations at the same time. With renovation loans, there may be a time limit on when the renovations must be completed. | Are confident that the project will be cheaper than buying a new home or for whom the long-term benefits outweigh the costs |
| Jumbo loans are nonconforming home loans with amounts that exceed the FHFA loan limit — which is currently $548,250 in most counties and $822,375 in high-cost areas, such as Alaska or Hawaii. |
|
Special program mortgages. Many credit unions offer special programs to select groups of borrowers, for example:
| Want a loan through a credit union offering greater flexibility and financial benefits that bigger lenders may not be willing to extend |
Government-backed mortgages (FHA, VA and USDA)
Government-backed mortgages are insured by the federal government. If a borrower defaults on a government-backed loan, Uncle Sam foots the bill rather than the lender. Because these loans are guaranteed, lenders can often offer lower interest rates to borrowers.
Unlike conventional loans, government-backed mortgages are generally easier to qualify for. To qualify for a conventional loan, a borrower typically must have:
- A credit score of 580 or higher
- A debt-to-income (DTI) of 57% or lower
- A 3.5% down payment for FHA loans — VA and USDA loans have no down payment requirement
FHA loans
An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA loans can be a good choice for first-time homebuyers because they have less stringent lending requirements than other types of loans, including other government-backed loans.
FHA loans can be used to purchase a primary residence, to refinance an existing mortgage or for other purposes.
The main types of FHA loans:
| FHA loan type | Requirements | Ideal for: |
|---|---|---|
| General purchase. Fixed and adjustable-rate FHA mortgages for low- to moderate-income borrowers. In 2021, loan limits are $356,362 for single-family FHA home loans and up to $822,375 for high-cost areas. |
| Low- to moderate-income borrowers and first-time homebuyers |
| 203(k). A renovation loan to pay for a home and renovations at the same time. Geared towards low- to moderate-income borrowers who will live in the home. |
| Borrowers looking to combine a first mortgage with renovation costs in a single loan |
| Energy efficient. This program allows borrowers to add the cost of energy-efficient improvements into their new or existing home. It’s available as part of a new FHA loan mortgage or by refinancing your existing mortgage loan. | Available to low- or moderate-income borrowers who meet the income requirements for FHA’s Section 203(b) | Borrowers looking to save on their home’s long-term energy cost |
| HECM reverse. A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) allows homeowners to withdraw from their home’s equity in the form of a fixed monthly payment, a line of credit or a combination of both. |
| Retirees looking to eliminate their mortgage payments and who don’t plan on bequeathing the house |
VA loans
A VA loan is a $0 down mortgage loan for veterans, active military members and their spouses. VA loans are originated by private lenders and are partially guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA loans can either be used to purchase a primary residence or to refinance an existing mortgage.
| VA loan type | Requirements | Ideal for: |
|---|---|---|
| General purchase. For eligible veterans, service members and survivors with full entitlement, there are no lending limits on loans over $144,000. For those with remaining entitlement, there are VA loan limits based on where you live. |
| Current and ex-military members and their spouses |
Other things to know about VA loans:
- You can secure multiple VA loans, even if you’ve declared bankruptcy, lost a home to foreclosure or currently have a VA loan.
- VA loans don’t carry a private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement.
- VA loans have a funding fee requirement of 2.3%.
- There’s no lending limit, except for what the lender imposes.
USDA loans
A USDA loan is a $0 down, low-interest mortgage for property owners in rural areas. USDA loans are issued by lenders and backed by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture). USDA loans can either be used to purchase a primary residence or to refinance an existing mortgage.
| USDA loan type | Requirements | Ideal for: |
|---|---|---|
| General purchase. USDA loans are typically used to finance homes under 2,000 square feet or less, and have loan limits that vary by county. In 2021, these limits range from $285,000 and up. |
| Borrowers looking to purchase a home in a USDA-designated rural area |
Reverse mortgages
A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan that allows homeowners to borrow against a home’s equity to get rid of monthly mortgage payments. Available for homeowners 62 and older, reverse mortgages are paid off after the borrower no longer lives in the home.
Reverse mortgages come with risk, so understand your obligations before taking out this type of loan. For example, you must continue to pay property taxes and home insurance while you have a reverse mortgage, or you could lose your home.
There are three types of reverse mortgages:
| Reverse mortgage types | Requirements |
|---|---|
|
|
Other things to know about reverse mortgages:
- Reverse mortgages carry financial risk. If you fail to meet certain agreements, you could lose your home.
- Money received from the reverse mortgage generally isn’t taxable.
Term and rate considerations
When it comes to choosing a home loan, it’s important to consider your interest rate and term. Even a small fraction of a percentage point difference in APR could cost or save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan. Compare rates and get multiple quotes to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Your loan’s term also has a massive impact on how much interest you pay. While a 30-year mortgage may have more affordable payments than a 15-year loan, you’ll end up paying more in interest.
For example, on a $350,000 15-year loan at 4%, you’ll pay a total of $116,003 in interest. The same loan with a 30-year term will cost you $251,543 in interest — over $135,500 more.
Do I need a 20% down payment to get a loan?
No. A common myth among homebuyers is that you need a large down payment. The fact is, many lenders offer loans that let you purchase a home for as little as 3% or 3.5% down — or even zero in some cases.
Compare mortgage lenders
Compare top brands by home loan type, state availability and credit score. Select See rates to provide the lender with basic property and financial details for personalized rates.Bottom line
Whether you’re a new homebuyer or want to refinance your existing mortgage, there is probably a loan type to suit you. When you understand the different loan options available to you, you’ll be able to confidently negotiate for the best loan to suit your needs. If you’re ready to start looking, compare mortgage lenders that can help you through the entire process.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
What happens to my home loan if I die?
Learn about what will happen to your home loan when you die and how to avoid any nasty situations with some pre-planning.
-
Mortgage brokers versus banks
Check out our guide on the differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers. See which one will suit your needs.
-
Getting a home loan on maternity leave
Some lenders will approve a home loan even though you’re not receiving a permanent income. However, you’ll need to undergo some assessments.
-
Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgages
Which is right for you?
-
What to do when your mortgage forbearance period ends
TLDR: Don’t panic — you won’t be forced to pay everything back at once.
-
Is the low-rate mortgage window closing?
Industry experts predict mortgage rates will move past 3% this year, but that doesn’t mean refinancing is off the table.
-
Should you refinance your FHA to a conventional loan?
Is it time to refinance your FHA to a conventional loan?
-
How to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Smart strategies that homeowners can use to get rid of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
-
US mortgage statistics
We take a look at national home loan data & trends and speculate where the mortgage market is heading.
-
Figure personal loan
Loans of up to $50,000 available from this well-established lender.