Conventional Loan Requirements in 2024 | LowerMyBills (2024)

What Is a Conventional Loan?

Conventional loans are mortgages offered by private lenders and are not backed by a government agency. They come in two types: conforming and nonconforming.

Conforming loans meet Federal Housing Finance Agency requirements, which include a maximum loan amount and a minimum 3% down payment. Conforming loans also require borrowers to meet minimum credit score and maximum debt-to-income ratio standards.

Lenders can sell conforming conventional loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which are government-sponsored enterprises. Selling the loans reduces the lenders’ risk in case of default and allows them to use the proceeds from the sale to offer more mortgages.

Nonconforming loans fail to meet FHFA requirements in some way, usually by exceeding the conforming loan limit. Often called jumbo loans, nonconforming mortgages are used mostly to buy more expensive homes. With no government requirements to meet, lenders carry all the risk on these loans and are free to set their own requirements for borrowers.

Lenders usually offer conventional loans with a range of features, such as fixed or adjustable interest rates, and 15- or 30-year terms.

Conforming Conventional Mortgages

Conforming conventional loans meet FHFA requirements, the most important of which for most borrowers is the maximum loan amount. A baseline maximum loan limit applies to most areas of the United States, with a high-cost limit applying in areas where homes are more expensive. The FHFA posts on its website amap showing where the high-cost limit applies.

Borrowers may use a conforming loan to buy a home with one to four living units.

It’s important to note that the conforming loan limit applies to how much you borrow —not the value of the home or its purchase price.

For example, you can buy a one-unit $800,000 home with a conforming loan as long as your down payment is at least $33,450 to keep your loan amount below the $766,550 baseline limit.

You also could get a “piggyback” loan, which is a second mortgage, home equity loan, or home equity line of credit that you take out alongside your first mortgage. You can use these loans to reduce how much you borrow on your primary mortgage so it’s under the loan limit.

Say you wanted to buy a $900,000 home in a baseline area. If you have $90,000 for a down payment, you would need a loan of $810,000, which exceeds the conforming loan limit. But if you get a piggyback loan for $90,000 and put that toward your down payment, it would reduce the amount you need to borrow on your primary loan to $720,000, which meets the conforming loan limit. The trade-off is you would have two mortgage payments each month.

Conforming loans also set a maximum debt-to-income ratio and a minimumcredit score requirement that borrowers must meet. Individual lenders may set requirements of their own.

Borrowers who may not have enough income or a high enough credit score to qualify for a conforming conventional loan may want to consider conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that are designed to make homeownership more affordable to more people.

Nonconforming Conventional Mortgages

Lenders set their own terms for nonconforming loans, and they vary significantly.

Most nonconforming loans fall into the category ofjumbo loans. These loans exceed the conforming loan amount up to about $2 million. Borrowers need good credit and a large down payment to get a jumbo loan.

Since nonconforming loans can’t be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, lenders take all the risk on these loans and often charge higher interest rates to compensate.

Other nonconforming loan types are designed for borrowers with unusual circ*mstances or are mortgages of any size that don’t belong to another category.

Conforming Conventional Loan Requirements in 2024: How Do You Qualify?

Lenders conduct a detailed review process called underwriting when processing mortgage applications to ensure borrowers can afford the loan and meet all its requirements.

Minimum down payment

Conforming loans require borrowers tomake a down payment. The minimum down payment is 3% of the purchase price for fixed-rate loans on single-unit homes. The minimum is higher if you choose an ARM, or are buying a home with multiple units.

A larger down payment reduces both the amount you need to borrow and your monthly payment. If you’re struggling to get approval for a mortgage, a larger down payment can help. Putting down more money also can get you a lower interest rate on your loan.

What is private mortgage insurance?

Private mortgage insurance compensates your lender for its losses if you default on your mortgage.

If you’re taking out a conventional loan and your down payment is less than 20%, your lender will require you to pay for PMI. This coverage is arranged by your lender but provided by private insurers.

Keep in mind that PMI increases the cost of your mortgage payment and benefits only the lender in case of foreclosure. As a result, many borrowers try to avoid PMI by making a larger down payment.

Minimum credit score

A credit score is a number that represents how well a borrower has repaid their debts and managed their credit. Using the FICO system, credit scores range between 300 and 850, with higher scores indicating better credit than lower ones. Borrowers need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional loan.

Individual lenders may have additional conventional loan requirements.

Maximum debt-to-income ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio shows how much of your gross monthly income is taken up by your minimum monthly debt obligations.

Conforming loan requirements allow for a maximum DTI ratio of 50%. If you earn $8,000 per month before taxes then your monthly debt payments — including your projected mortgage payment —should total no more than $4,000.

For manually underwritten loans, the maximum DTI ratio is 36%. That limit increases to 45% if the borrower meets additional credit score and reserve requirements.

Calculate your DTI ratio by adding up your monthly debt obligations, dividing the sum by your gross monthly income, and multiplying by 100. You also can use our free DTI ratio calculator.

Income and assets

Lenders review your income to determine whether you can afford the monthly payment on a mortgage. There’s no minimum income requirement to get a conforming conventional mortgage, but approval is easier if you can show a steady income.

If you’re self-employed, expect your lender to ask for income or profit-and-loss records from at least the last two years.

Lenders also will review financial assets such as your checking and savings account balances, certificates of deposit, individual retirement accounts, 401(k) savings, and any stocks, bonds, or mutual funds you own.

Closing costs

Closing costs are fees that must be paid to originate and fund the loan, as well as transfer legal ownership of the property. Closing costs typically include appraisal fees, loan origination fees, credit reporting fees, title insurance fees, homeowners insurance premiums, property taxes, and more. Expect closing costs to range between 2% and 5% of the purchase price. So, if you’re purchasing a $300,000 home, then expect your closing costs to total between $6,000 and $15,000.

Property requirements

Because the property secures the mortgage, the home itself is an important factor in getting a mortgage. Properties that are eligible for conventional loans includesingle-family homes, condos, townhouses, and co-ops. The home also must be structurally sound, safe to occupy, and have a roof with at least two years of functionality left. The home also must be accessible by roads that meet local legal requirements.

Lenders typically order an independent appraisal to determine how much a property is worth. Thehome appraisalestimates the property’s fair market value using, in part, recent sales prices for similar nearby properties. Your lender will use the appraisal to confirm that the principal you’re asking to borrow is appropriate relative to the value of the home.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Conventional Loans

While conventional loans are common, they aren’t the best option for everyone. Weigh the pros and cons when shopping around for a mortgage.

Advantages of a conventional mortgage

• Lower total cost.A conventional mortgage often is the most affordable option for homebuyers with good credit and a down payment of 10% to 15%. One way to compare loan costs is by looking at the loan’sannual percentage rate, which represents the annual cost of interest and fees. Your APR is listed on Page 3 of theloan estimateyour lender provides you three business days after receiving your mortgage application.
• Widely available.You can apply for a conventional loan at most major banks, credit unions, and other types of lenders.
• No PMI is required with a 20% down payment.Paying mortgage insurance is mandatory for all FHA loans, but you can avoid PMI on a conventional loan if you put down at least 20%.

Disadvantages of a conventional mortgage

• Stricter credit score requirement.Conventional loans generally require a higher minimum credit score compared with mortgages backed by government programs.
• Higher down payment requirement.To get a conventional loan, you need a down payment of at least 3%. Some government-backed loans allow borrowers to make a smaller down payment orno down payment at all.
• PMI requirement.You can expect PMI to cost $30 to $70 per month for every $100,000 you borrow. If you can’t afford to put down 20%, then PMI will be an additional expense to pay until you reach 20%equity in your home.

Alternatives to Conventional Loans

If a conventional loan isn’t right for you, there are othertypes of mortgagesout there. These include government-backed loans, such as:

• FHA loans.
• VA loans.
• USDA loans.

Conventional loans vs. FHA loans

Conventional loans are often less expensive for those who have good credit and a sizable down payment. Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration tend to be cheaper for borrowers with a lower credit score and down payment. An FHA loan is easier to get, which means it’s a good option forfirst-time homebuyers, but making a larger down payment with a conventional loan likely will save you money in the long run.

Conventional loans vs. VA loans

Veterans Affairs loansare available only to eligible military service members, veterans, and their surviving spouses. This type of loan is made by private lenders and insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Compared to conventional mortgages, VA loans can be more affordable and easier to get for borrowers who qualify. VA loans have no minimum credit score requirement, and no minimum down payment. VA loans also don’t require mortgage insurance, unlike FHA loans and some conventional loans, though borrowers must pay a one-time VA funding fee.

Conventional loans vs. USDA loans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers loans for low- and mid-income borrowers who want to buy a home in an eligible rural area.

Compared to conventional loans,USDA loanslimit how funds can be used and require borrowers to meet income eligibility standards. Borrowers also must pay an upfront guarantee fee and an annual guarantee fee. However, USDA loans have no down payment requirement, which means they can be a good option for qualified borrowers with little savings.

How To Get a Conventional Loan

If you’re just starting your homebuying journey, take stock of your finances. Apply for mortgage pre-qualification to get an informal idea of how much you can expect to borrow. Think about how you can adjust your budget to accommodate homeownership or help yousave for a down payment.

You can find a conventional loan by working directly with alender or mortgage broker.

Shopping around is essential. Though the details like loan limits and down payment minimums apply regardless of lender, interest rates and fees will vary. Getting multiple quotes can help you find the best deal on a loan and save money. You also may use a free loan comparison toolto help youcompare mortgage offers.

When you’re ready to tour homes andmake offers, getmortgage preapproval. This gives you a more precise idea of what your loan might look like and showsreal estate agentsand home sellers that you’re a serious buyer.

Once you’ve found a home you like and the seller has accepted your offer, it’s time to get official loan approval from a lender. Here are some of the documents you’ll likely be asked to provide:

• Bank statements for checking and savings accounts.
• Pay stubs.
• W-2 or 1099 forms.
• List of debts.
• Investment account statements.
• Social Security card.
• Proof of identification.
• Down payment gift letters, if applicable.

By law, mortgage approval decisions must be based on factors such as the borrower’s credit history, income, and existing debts. Lenders are prohibited from discriminating against borrowers based on race, skin color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, disability, or participation in income assistance programs.

You’ll receive a loan estimate within three business days of submitting your application. This document will explain in detail the loan the lender is offering you. You must tell the lender you’re accepting the offer to proceed.

Three days before closing, you’ll receive a closing disclosure, which will include all the final terms and costs associated with your loan. You accept those terms when you sign the loan documents at closing, after which the loan is funded, legal ownership of the property is transferred to you — and you now own a home.

FAQ: Conventional Loan Requirements and Benefits in 2024

Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions about conventional mortgages.

The Bottom Line on Conventional Loan Requirements and Benefits in 2024

Conventional mortgages are the most affordable type of loan for qualified borrowers in many cases. If you have a solid financial foundation, then a conventional loan can deliver a lower interest rate and more affordable fees. If that doesn’t sound like you, or if you’re a veteran or rural borrower, consider an FHA, VA, or USDA loan as an alternative mortgage option to buy your ideal home.

Rory Arnold and T.J. Porter contributed to the reporting of this article.