Conventional Loan Guide · Maryland
Conventional Loan Requirements in Maryland (2026)
Everything a Maryland buyer needs to know to qualify for a Conventional Loan — credit score, down payment, DTI limits, and local considerations.
Conventional Loan at a glance
Conventional loans conform to Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines and aren't backed by the government. They're the most common loan type in the U.S. and offer the widest range of terms, property types, and borrower profiles.
Eligibility in Maryland
- 620+ FICO minimum (740+ for best pricing)
- 45% DTI standard, up to 50% with strong compensating factors
- 3% down for first-time buyers (HomeReady/Home Possible) or 5% otherwise
- Primary, second home, and investment properties all eligible
- Two years of employment history preferred
Maryland closing cost realities
Maryland's average effective property tax rate is 1.06%, and homeowners insurance averages around $1,300/yr. Both are collected in your escrow account and factored into the DTI your lender uses to qualify you — so a Conventional approval in a high-tax Maryland county requires more income than the same purchase price in a low-tax state.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum credit score for a Conventional loan in Maryland?
620 is the standard minimum for a Conventional Loan in Maryland. Some lenders will go lower with compensating factors like a larger down payment or strong reserves.
What is the minimum down payment for a Conventional loan in Maryland?
Conventional Loan borrowers in Maryland need at least 3% down. Down payment assistance programs in Maryland can cover part or all of this.
Does a Conventional loan require mortgage insurance?
Conventional Loan: PMI required if <20% down, but drops off automatically at 78% LTV.
Who is a Conventional loan best for in Maryland?
Conventional Loans in Maryland are best suited for buyers with 680+ credit and 5%+ down who want to avoid FHA's lifetime MIP.
What is the Conventional loan limit in Maryland?
Most Maryland counties use the base Conventional limit of $806,500 for a single-unit home in 2026. High-cost counties in Maryland may allow substantially higher loan amounts.
Am I actually ready for a Conventional loan?
Take the free 60-second Scorecard — RED analyzes your credit, DTI, and reserves against Conventional guidelines and tells you exactly what's blocking approval.
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