A Conventional Mortgage is simply any mortgage loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. Conventional Mortgages typically require a higher down payment, usually 3%–20%. They also have higher income and credit score requirements than government loans.

Conventional Mortgages can have a fixed interest rate or an adjustable interest rate. Typical fixed-rate loans have a term of 30 or 15 years. However, Academy Mortgage offers 30-year, 25-year, 20-year, 15-year, and 10-year fixed-rate options.( Click here for more information about Fixed-Rate Mortgages)

With an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM), the interest rate stays constant for a term and then fluctuates based on market conditions. Academy offers a 10/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM, 5/1 ARM, and 3/1 ARM. ( Click here for more information about Adjustable-Rate Mortgages)

Conventional Mortgages are also categorized as conforming or non-conforming. If a loan meets the underwriting requirements set forth by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it is considered a conforming loan. If a loan does not meet all these requirements, it is considered a non-conforming loan.

One of the main factors that determine whether a mortgage is conforming is the loan amount. Generally, a mortgage with a loan amount below $417,000 is considered conforming, whereas any loan amount above $417,000 is considered non-conforming, or a Jumbo Mortgage. Conforming limits may be higher in areas of the country with more expensive housing; for example, the conforming limit is $625,500 in Alaska and Hawaii. Jumbo Mortgages usually have a higher interest rate because they carry greater risk. ( Click here for more information about Jumbo Mortgages)

What are the benefits of a Conventional Mortgage?
Conventional Mortgages offer the following features:

• Buyer has immediate equity in the property.
• No private mortgage insurance is required with a 20% down payment, which is a great advantage.
• Lower closing costs and fees.
• Closing costs and fees may be included in the loan.
• Repayment terms are generally more favorable.
• Fewer bureaucratic hurdles, making the loans quicker to process.
• No government stipulations and prepayment penalties if you sell or refinance your house.

Who may benefit from a Conventional Mortgage?
Conventional Mortgages are ideal for buyers with excellent credit who can afford a down payment.

For more information
Contact your loan officer today to see if a Conventional Mortgage is the right solution for you. We take pride in delivering value and savings to homebuyers across the United States. It would be a pleasure to help.

Information from the Academy Mortgage Site