Conventional or FHA?
Both FHA and Conventional loans offer the opportunity to refinance or buy a home at a low fixed rate but Conventional and FHA loans have a few major differences that are important to understand when deciding to apply for a mortgage - click to speak with a specialist
Benefits of an FHA Loan
- You don't need perfect credit to qualify for FHA's low fixed rates
- FHA interest rates are just as low, if not lower, than conventional loans
- With an FHA loan you can buy a home with only 3.5% down
- You can refinance your home up to 97.75% of the appraised value
- You can cash out equity up to 85% of your homes value with a minimum 580 FICO score
- FHA loans allow a co-borrower on the loan that does not live in the property
- FHA loans are generally easier to qualify for than Conventional loans
- FHA loans are insured by the Government
FHA Loan Drawbacks
- FHA closing costs may be higher than conventional loans
- FHA loans may take longer to close than a conventional loan
- You ar required to pay mortgage insurance on all FHA loans where as conventional loans only require this extra monthly payment if your loan to value ratio exceeds a certain amount
- FHA lenders will not loan on investment properties
Conventional Loan Benefits
- Conventional loans have lower closing costs than FHA loans
- If your credit is excellent, you may qualify for a very low rate
- Conventional lenders will loan on investment properties
- Conventional loans generally take less time to close
- The seller of a home may be more attracted to a buyer who is pre-qualified for a conventional loan
- Conventional lenders may offer a no income check loan, FHA will not
Conventional Loan Drawbacks
- Imperfections in credit may result in a higher rate or disqualification of your application
- A larger down payment is usually required when buying a home
- Refinancing to a low fixed rate usually requires excellent credit with a conventional loan where as FHA loans can give you a low fixed rate regardless of credit score or credit blemishes
Factors like your credit score, equity in the home (or amount of down payment if you are buying a home), property type and other factors can play a major role in choosing a conventional or FHA mortgage. Click here to have our mortgage specialist help you determine whether a Conventional or FHA loan is right for you.