6 Different Types of Home Mortgage Loans
Society Mortgage offers adjustable-rate mortgage loans to people looking for a fitted option for their new property. We have specialized adjustable-rate mortgages that match your needs and money profile. Our mortgage loan process is flexible and our goal is to help prospective homebuyers achieve homeownership on the best terms for them.
The right personal or business mortgage is an important decision during the homebuying journey. As trusted and reliable mortgage lenders, we offer various home loans designed to meet different market needs, price options, and circumstances. Let’s explore each home loan option to help you make a plan with low risk that fits your financial expectations.
Different Types of Loans
USDA Loans
The USDA loan program, backed by the United States Department of Agriculture, is designed to promote homeownership in rural and suburban areas. This adjustable program helps eligible buyers make an initial purchase with no down payment while offering a competitive interest rate. These loans are specifically intended for properties in USDA-designated rural areas and are particularly beneficial for moderate to low-income borrowers.
For potential homeowners living in the countryside or a suburb, fixed rate mortgages such as USDA loans could be the best option.
Pros:
- No down payment required
- Lower mortgage insurance premiums compared to FHA loans
- Competitive interest rates
- Flexible credit requirements
Cons:
- Geographic restrictions (only available in eligible rural areas)
- Income limits apply
- Property must be primary residence
- Mandatory mortgage insurance
FHA Loans
Pros:
- Down payment as low as 3.5%
- Lower credit score requirements
- Flexible debt-to-income ratio requirements
- Available for various property types
Cons:
- Mandatory mortgage insurance for the life of the loan
- Higher mortgage insurance premiums
- Property must meet strict FHA standards
- Limited loan amounts
VA Loans
VA loans, guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their surviving spouses. A VA loan offers some of the most favorable terms in the mortgage industry as a benefit to those who have served our country. If you are eligible, they are an ideal mortgage vehicle to buy your home.
Pros:
- No down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance
- Lower interest rates
- Flexible qualification requirements
Cons:
- Limited to eligible service members, veterans, and spouses
- VA funding fee required (unless exempt)
- Property must meet VA standards
- Some sellers may be hesitant due to VA appraisal requirements
Conventional Loans
Conventional loans are fixed-rate mortgages that are not backed by government agencies. These lending programs follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and are the most common type of mortgage in the United States. A conventional mortgage is particularly favorable for people with good credit scores and above-average incomes; this means that borrowers benefit from a good fixed-rate mortgage and excellent loan term requirements. If you can afford to make a down payment of 20%, you won’t have to pay mortgage insurance, which will significantly reduce your monthly payments.
Pros:
- PMI can be removed once 20% equity is reached
- Various down payment options
- Available for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties
- Often close faster than government-backed loans
Cons:
- Typically require higher credit scores
- May require larger down payments
- Stricter debt-to-income criteria
- Higher interest rates for lower credit scores
203K Loans
Pros:
- Finance both purchase and renovation costs
- Lower down payment requirements
- Can be used for various renovation projects
- Makes fixer-uppers more accessible
Cons:
- More complex application and approval process
- Higher interest rates than standard FHA loans
- Requires working with approved contractors
- Renovation plans must be approved by FHA
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A jumbo loan is designed for high-value properties and luxury homes that require larger financing amounts. These high-cost loans come with their specific terms and conditions and closing costs, and are geared towards large incomes that can repay such a high mortgage payment.
Pros:
- Higher loan amounts available
- Can finance luxury properties
- Various term options available
- Potential for competitive rates
Cons:
- Larger down payments typically required
- Stricter credit score requirements
- Higher income and reserves requirements
- May have higher interest rates
Making Your Decision
We think that borrowers should have the right to choose among these common types of mortgages that best fit their needs. Society Mortgage offers many different types of mortgages and will explain to you the difference between them to help you buy your home on terms that match your budget, income, credit score, and lifestyle.
If you have decided the time is right for buying your home, schedule an appointment with Society Mortgage to learn more about your mortgage options and assess which one best fits your needs and financial profile.
There are many facts that you should consider, including how to qualify for a loan, the loan period, and the potential to save on principal and interest costs. Our loan officers will help you access the benefits of each option, such as staying within budget, keeping savings, or even the possibility to refinance in the future.
Contact Society Mortgage today at 866-847-3001, and one of our loan officers will answer all your questions. Start your home-owning journey today!