Loan Programs
Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgages (FRM)
Conventional fixed rate mortgages are traditional home loans not backed by government agencies, featuring interest rates that remain constant throughout the loan term. These loans typically require a down payment of 3-20% and are available in various terms, most commonly 15 or 30 years. Borrowers with good credit scores and stable income often qualify for competitive interest rates. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) may be required if the down payment is less than 20% of the home's value.
FHA Mortgage Loans
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are government-backed mortgages designed to help first-time and low-to-moderate income borrowers achieve homeownership. These loans require as little as 3.5% down payment and accept lower credit scores than conventional mortgages. FHA loans include both upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums to protect lenders against default. The program offers fixed and adjustable rate options with competitive terms for qualified borrowers.
VA Mortgage Loans
VA loans are exclusive benefits available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. These loans offer significant advantages including no down payment requirement, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. VA loans can be used for purchasing, building, or refinancing primary residences. Borrowers must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility and meet specific service requirements to qualify for this valuable benefit.
USDA Loans
USDA Rural Development loans are government-backed mortgages designed to promote homeownership in eligible rural and suburban areas, as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture. These loans offer 100% financing with no down payment required for qualified borrowers meeting income limits based on area median income. USDA loans feature competitive interest rates and reduced mortgage insurance costs compared to other zero-down programs. Properties must be located in USDA-eligible areas and serve as the borrower's primary residence, making this program ideal for families seeking homeownership in smaller communities and rural markets.
First-time Homebuyer Loans
First-time homebuyer loans are specialized mortgage programs designed to assist individuals purchasing their first home or those who haven't owned a home in the past three years. These programs often feature reduced down payment requirements, competitive interest rates, and may include down payment assistance or closing cost credits. Many first-time buyer programs are offered through state and local housing authorities, combined with conventional, FHA, or VA loan products to maximize benefits. Additional advantages may include reduced mortgage insurance requirements, tax credits, or flexible credit score criteria to help overcome common barriers to homeownership.
Purchase Loans
Purchase mortgage loans are financing products specifically designed for buying residential properties, available in various formats including conventional, government-backed, and specialized loan programs. These loans require pre-approval processes involving credit evaluation, income verification, and debt-to-income ratio analysis. Purchase loans can accommodate different down payment levels, credit profiles, and property types depending on the specific program chosen. The mortgage application process includes home appraisals, title searches, and closing procedures to complete the property transfer.
Refinance Loans
Home Refinance Loans, also known as refinancing, involve replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, typically with different terms or interest rates. Borrowers often pursue refinancing to lower their monthly mortgage payments, reduce their interest rates, or access their home's equity for other financial needs. Refinance options include rate-and-term refinances, which aim to secure better loan terms, and cash-out refinances, allowing homeowners to borrow against their home's equity. The process usually involves a credit check, home appraisal, and evaluation of the borrower's financial situation to determine eligibility and the potential benefits of refinancing.
In some cases a refinance loan might result in higher finance charges over the life of the loan.
Bank Statement Loans
Bank Statement Loans are an alternative lending product for self-employed individuals and business owners who lack traditional tax returns or W-2 documentation. These loans are generally based on 12-24 months of personal or business bank statements to verify the applicant's ability to repay. This approach helps borrowers with variable income, cash-based businesses, or irregular employment qualify for financing. Bank statement loans typically carry higher interest rates than conventional loans, reflecting the increased risk to lenders. These loans are commonly used by freelancers, contractors, real estate investors, and small business owners.
Construction Loans
Construction loans provide short-term financing for building new homes or major renovations, typically lasting 6-12 months during the construction phase. These loans usually require interest-only payments during construction, with funds disbursed in stages as building milestones are completed. Upon construction completion, borrowers typically convert to permanent mortgage financing through a construction-to-permanent loan or secure separate long-term financing. Construction loans require detailed building plans, qualified contractors, and substantial down payments due to their specialized nature.
Down Payment Assistance
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs are state, local, or nonprofit initiatives that provide financial support to help qualified homebuyers cover down payment and closing cost requirements. These programs typically offer grants, deferred loans, or forgivable loans that can be combined with conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA mortgages to reduce upfront homebuying expenses. Assistance amounts vary by program and location, often ranging from a few thousand dollars to significant percentages of the purchase price or down payment requirement. Many DPA programs target first-time buyers, moderate-income households, or specific professions like teachers and public safety workers, with some requiring buyers to remain in the home for a specified period to avoid repayment obligations.
DSCR Loans
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans are investment property mortgages that qualify borrowers based on the rental income potential of the property rather than personal income. The DSCR calculation compares the property's projected rental income to its debt service obligations, typically requiring a ratio of 1.0 or higher. These loans are particularly attractive to real estate investors building rental portfolios without personal income limitations. DSCR loans streamline the qualification process for experienced investors by focusing on property performance rather than complex personal financial documentation.
Foreign National Loans
Foreign national loans provide mortgage financing for non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents seeking to purchase property in the United States. These specialized programs accommodate borrowers without U.S. credit history or Social Security numbers, often requiring larger down payments and cash reserves. Lenders may accept foreign credit reports, international income documentation, and alternative verification methods. Foreign national loans enable international buyers to invest in U.S. real estate markets while meeting specific documentation and financial requirements.
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, making them too large to be purchased by government-sponsored enterprises. These loans typically require larger down payments, higher credit scores, and more substantial cash reserves than conventional mortgages. Interest rates may be slightly higher due to increased lender risk and reduced liquidity in the secondary market. Jumbo loans are a great option for purchasing high-value properties in expensive real estate markets.
Non-QM Loans
Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) loans are alternative financing products that don't meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Qualified Mortgage standards, offering flexibility for borrowers with unique financial situations. These loans may feature interest-only payments, alternative income documentation, or higher debt-to-income ratios than traditional mortgages. Non-QM products serve borrowers who don't fit conventional lending criteria, such as self-employed individuals, real estate investors, or those with irregular income patterns. While offering greater flexibility, these loans typically carry higher interest rates and fees to reflect increased risk.
Reverse Mortgage Loans
Reverse mortgages allow homeowners aged 62 and older to convert home equity into cash while continuing to live in their homes. The most common type, Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and provide flexible payout options including lump sums, monthly payments, or credit lines. No monthly mortgage payments are required, with the loan becoming due when the borrower moves, sells, or passes away. Reverse mortgages require counseling sessions and have specific eligibility requirements to protect senior borrowers.
Commercial Loans
Commercial loans finance income-producing properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and multi-family apartment complexes. These loans are evaluated based on the property's cash flow potential, debt service coverage ratio, and borrower's commercial real estate experience. Commercial mortgages typically feature shorter terms, higher down payment requirements, and variable interest rates compared to residential loans. The underwriting process emphasizes property income generation and market analysis rather than personal income verification.
