How it works
Conventional financing is the backbone of the mortgage market and often the most flexible starting point for buyers with established credit and documented income. It can be used for primary residences, second homes and investment properties, across single-family homes, townhomes and many condominium projects.
What defines this program
- Usable for primary, second home and investment purchases
- Fixed and adjustable structures available
- Broad property eligibility including many condo projects
Common fits
Questions borrowers ask
Is a conventional loan better than a government loan?
Neither is universally better. Conventional financing often wins on flexibility and property type; government programs can be stronger for certain veterans, rural properties or credit profiles. I compare them side by side for your actual scenario.
Who are conventional loans usually a good fit for?
Most often move-up buyers, first-time buyers with documented income, refinancing homeowners. That list isn't a rule, though — plenty of files land here for reasons that don't show up on a bullet point, so it's worth asking even if you don't see yourself on it.
What should I have ready before we talk about conventional loans?
Nothing formal. Tell me the property type and where it is, whether it's a purchase or refinance, how you're paid, and roughly what you're working with for down payment or equity. That's enough for me to tell you which direction actually makes sense before you pull documents together.
What will my terms look like?
Pricing, structure and qualifying guidelines vary by lender, property, occupancy and your full financial picture — and they change often. Rather than publish numbers that may not apply to you, I review your scenario directly and walk you through the real options available for it.
This page intentionally avoids quoting rates, down payments, credit-score minimums or underwriting requirements. Guidelines differ by lender, property type, occupancy and borrower profile — and they change. April Ramker reviews your scenario and tells you what applies to it.