MORTGAGE 101
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo — what’s the difference?
These loan types solve different problems. The right fit depends on down payment, credit profile, property type, military eligibility, location, and loan size.
RUN THE NUMBERS
Run the buyer numbers before choosing a price range.
Estimate the payment impact of price, down payment, rate, taxes, insurance, and HOA/condo fees.
Educational planning tools only. Results are estimates, not an approval, rate quote, Loan Estimate, APR disclosure, or commitment to lend.
Conventional
Flexible and common for many buyers, often with as little as 3% down.
FHA
Helpful for buyers needing more flexible credit and down-payment standards.
VA / USDA
Zero-down options for eligible veterans and qualifying rural properties.
Jumbo
For loan amounts above conforming limits with stronger reserve and qualification standards.
Fit matters more than labels
The “best” loan is the one that supports the buyer’s goals and risk tolerance.
Start with context
Steve helps buyers compare real payment and cash-to-close tradeoffs before deciding.