Most of our headlines are about Non-QM, but the agency loan stack is still the lowest-cost financing in America for borrowers who fit. Conventional, FHA, and VA loans together cover the vast majority of W-2 and salaried buyers — first-time and seasoned alike — and we close them every day.
Conventional (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac)
The default for borrowers with a clean income profile, decent credit, and a downpayment.
- Loan limits: $806,500 in standard counties for 2026, higher in high-cost areas.
- Downpayment: as low as 3% on primary, 15–25% on investment.
- Credit: 620+ minimum, 740+ for best pricing.
- Mortgage insurance: required below 20% equity, removable at 78% LTV.
FHA
The first-time buyer's workhorse, backed by the Federal Housing Administration.
- Downpayment: 3.5% with a 580+ FICO.
- Credit: 500–579 FICO eligible with 10% down (lender overlay dependent).
- Mortgage insurance: upfront MIP and monthly MIP for the life of the loan in most cases.
- Best for: first-time buyers with limited downpayment, recent credit events, or higher DTI.
VA
Zero-down financing for eligible active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.
- Downpayment: $0 on primary residence up to the county loan limit.
- Credit: 580+ in most cases; flexible underwriting around residual income.
- No monthly MI — replaced by a one-time funding fee (waived for disabled veterans).
- Best for: any qualifying veteran or active-duty buyer — usually the best loan in America for those who served.
How we add value
As a broker we shop your conventional, FHA, or VA loan across multiple wholesale channels — UWM, Pennymac, Newrez, and more — to land the sharpest rate and credit. Same loan, lower price.
Apply now and we'll quote your scenario
One application. Multiple lenders shopped. We'll come back with options in hours.