Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo loans compared side by side — requirements, costs and when each makes sense.
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Buying a vacation home or a second property for occasional personal use comes with different mortgage rules than buying a primary residence or investment property. Understanding the distinction matters — because lenders and tax authorities treat these three property types very differently. What Qualifies as a Second Home?…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Financing an investment property is significantly harder and more expensive than financing a primary residence. Lenders view investment properties as higher risk — and price them accordingly. Here’s what to expect. What Counts as an Investment Property? For mortgage purposes, a property is an investment property if: You…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Buying a duplex, triplex, or fourplex while living in one unit — commonly called «house hacking» — is one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies in real estate. Here’s how the financing works. What Counts as a Multi-Family Property? For mortgage purposes, 1–4 unit properties are considered residential…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Manufactured homes offer an affordable path to homeownership — but financing them is more complex than financing a site-built home. Here’s what you need to know about loan options and requirements. What Is a Manufactured Home? A manufactured home is a factory-built home constructed after June 15, 1976,…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards When a home’s purchase price exceeds the conforming loan limit, you need a jumbo loan — and the qualification standards are significantly stricter. Here’s what to expect. What Is a Jumbo Loan? A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards Conventional and FHA loans are the two most common mortgage types for home purchases. They’re not interchangeable — each has distinct strengths. The right one depends entirely on your credit score, down payment, and financial situation. The Basic Difference Conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by any…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards FHA loan limits cap how much you can borrow with an FHA-backed mortgage. These limits vary by county and are updated annually based on changes in home prices. Here’s what you need to know for 2026. What Are FHA Loan Limits? FHA loan limits are the maximum mortgage…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards The VA loan funding fee is the one cost unique to VA loans — and understanding it is important for budgeting your home purchase. Here’s what it is, how much it costs, and who doesn’t have to pay it. What Is the VA Funding Fee? The VA funding…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards VA loans are arguably the best mortgage product available to any buyer — zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. But they’re reserved for those who have served. Here’s exactly who qualifies and how to access the benefit. What Makes VA Loans Special VA loans are guaranteed…
Last updated: October 2026 · Editorial standards USDA loans are one of the best-kept secrets in home financing. They offer 100% financing — no down payment required — and competitive interest rates for eligible buyers in rural and suburban areas. Here’s everything you need to know. What Is a USDA Loan? A USDA loan is…