Residential
Conforming Conventional Loans
Standard Conforming Loan
Meets FHFA loan limits ($766,550 in most counties for 2024)
Minimum down payment: 3%–5%
Fixed-rate or adjustable-rate options
Requires PMI if <20% down
High-Balance Conforming Loan
For high-cost areas (up to $1,149,825 in 2024)
Slightly higher rates than standard conforming
HomeReady® (Fannie Mae) / Home Possible® (Freddie Mac)
Low-income borrower programs
3% down payment allowed
Reduced PMI and flexible income sources
Requires homebuyer education course
Non-Conforming Conventional Loans
Jumbo Loan
Exceeds conforming loan limits
Typically 10%–20% down
Stricter credit/income requirements
No PMI, higher reserve requirements
Portfolio Loan (residential)
Kept on lender’s books
Custom guidelines (helpful for self-employed, high-net-worth borrowers)
Other Residential Loan Features
Fixed-Rate Mortgage (FRM): 15, 20, or 30-year fixed payments
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): Lower initial rate, adjusts after 5, 7, or 10 years
Cash-Out Refinance: Tap home equity (up to 80% LTV)
Rate-and-Term Refinance: Lower rate or change loan term without pulling cash