Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo loans compared side by side — requirements, costs and when each makes sense.
A jumbo loan is any mortgage that exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency — $806,500 for a single-family home in most US counties in 2025. In high-cost counties (parts of California, New York, Hawaii, and others), the limit is higher, up to $1,209,750. Any loan above those limits is…
USDA loans are one of the most underused mortgage programs in the US. They offer 0% down payment, competitive rates, and below-market mortgage insurance costs — but most buyers don’t know they exist because the name implies they’re only for farms or remote rural areas. They’re not. Many suburban communities outside major metros qualify. Here’s…
If you’re eligible for a VA loan, the decision between VA and conventional isn’t always obvious. VA loans have significant advantages — no down payment, no PMI — but they also have a funding fee and property restrictions that conventional loans don’t. The right answer depends on your down payment, how long you’ll stay in…
The VA loan is one of the strongest mortgage products available in the US — no down payment required, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. But it’s only available to a specific group: veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and qualifying surviving spouses. If you’re eligible, using your VA benefit…
Conventional loans are the most widely used mortgage type in the US — and unlike FHA or VA loans, they’re not backed by a government agency. That means lenders set their own standards within guidelines established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-sponsored enterprises that buy most conventional mortgages. Here’s exactly what you…
FHA and conventional are the two most common mortgage types in the US. The right choice isn’t obvious — it depends entirely on your credit score, down payment, debt load, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Getting this decision wrong can cost thousands of dollars. Here’s the direct comparison. Side-by-Side Overview…
FHA loans are the most common mortgage path for buyers with lower credit scores, limited down payment funds, or recent credit events like a bankruptcy or foreclosure. They’re government-backed (insured by the Federal Housing Administration), which allows lenders to offer more flexible qualifying standards than conventional loans. Here’s what you actually need to qualify. FHA…