Knowledge Hub · 17 pages

🏦Loan Programs

FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, Jumbo, Construction — matched to your situation.

“Which loan program is right for me?”

Overview

There is no best loan program — only the best program for your credit, cash, income type, and property. FHA wins on forgiveness. Conventional wins on long-run cost. VA and USDA win outright when you qualify.

Start with the comparison that matches your situation, then read the deep dive on the program you're leaning toward.

Start hereFHA vs VA vs ConventionalThe three-way comparison most buyers actually need — cost, credit, and down payment side by side.Read it

Learning path

The right order for this topic.

Program comparisons

FHA vs VA vs ConventionalAll three, side by side.FHA vs Conventional: real cost comparisonWhich is cheaper over 5, 10, and 30 years.Conventional 97 vs FHA3% down conventional vs 3.5% down FHA.VA vs FHA CalculatorRun your own numbers on both.

FHA

Minimum credit score for FHA580, 500, and what lenders really do.FHA construction loans (One-Time Close)Build and finance in a single transaction.

VA

VA funding fee 2026What it costs and who's exempt.Minimum credit score for VANo federal minimum — but overlays are real.Military homebuying guidePCS, BAH, and using your entitlement.VA Entitlement CalculatorHow much you can borrow with zero down.

USDA

USDA loans explainedZero down, income caps, and eligible areas.

Conventional

Minimum credit score for conventional620 and what each tier costs.Buying with 3% downConventional 97 in practice.Buying with 20% downWhen it's worth it — and when it isn't.

Down payment assistance

Down payment assistance explainedGrants, second liens, and forgivable loans.Using gift fundsDocumentation rules that trip buyers up.

Compare

The full comparison libraryPrograms, terms, lenders, and calculators.

Frequently asked questions

Is FHA or conventional better?

FHA is better if your credit is under 680 or your DTI is high. Conventional is better at 700+ credit because PMI is cheaper and cancellable at 80% LTV, while FHA mortgage insurance lasts the life of most loans.

Can I get a mortgage with no money down?

Yes — VA (eligible veterans and service members) and USDA (income and location limits) both allow 0% down. Some state and lender programs also pair 3% conventional with down payment assistance covering the rest.

What is a jumbo loan?

A loan above the conforming limit for your county. Jumbos typically want 700+ credit, 10%–20% down, and 6–12 months of reserves, and they're priced by individual investors rather than Fannie or Freddie.

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