There are 13 types to choose from when buying a home

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• Depending on the amount you need to borrow, you might choose either a conforming mortgage or a jumbo loan.
• Even if you don’t qualify for a conforming mortgage you might still be eligible to apply for an FHA, VA or USDA mortgage.
• You will need to choose between an adjustable-rate or fixed-rate mortgage.

You will need to make a decision when buying a house. which type of mortgage is the best fit. 

It could come down to how much money you have available and how strong your finances. If you don’t qualify for one type of mortgageYou may be able, however, to find another one who is a good match.

1. Conforming mortgage

A conforming mortgageThis is a type conventional mortgage, or a mortgage that is not backed up by a government agency like the FHA. 

Conforming loans are allowed to borrow up to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The FHFA sets the maximum limit for conforming loans each year. In most areas of the US, it is $726,200. The ceiling is $1,089,000.300 in areas with a higher standard of living.

Many lenders require you to provide this information. 620 credit scoreAnd 36% to 50% debt-to-income ratioTo get a conforming mortgage loan. You will need at minimum a 3% down paymentIf your mortgage is backed Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, however individual lenders may require more.

You’ll pay for it private mortgage insuranceIf you have less than 20% down payment, you can get a conforming mortgage. PMI usually costs 0.2% to 2% of your mortgage amount. PMI can be cancelled if you have at least 20% equity.

2. Jumbo mortgage

A jumbo mortgageAnother type of conventional loan is the nonconforming mortgage. To borrow more than your FHFA borrowing limit, you’ll need a Jumbo Mortgage.

As we have already discussed, the maximum amount is $726,200 in the US. There is a cap of $1,089.300 in high-cost areas. A jumbo loan is for a sum that is higher than these limits.

Jumbo mortgages have more strict eligibility requirements than conforming mortgages. This is because lenders are taking greater risks by lending you more money. Each lender will have its own requirements for a non-conforming mortgage. However, you’ll likely need higher credit scores, a lower debt to income ratio, and a larger downpayment than you would for conforming mortgages.

3. FHA mortgage

There are three types government-backed mortgages or home loans backed federal agencies: FHA VA and USDA. The agency will compensate the lender if you default on your mortgage payments. This makes the loans less risky and thus more accessible to you.

An FHA mortgageThis is a federally insured mortgage that is government-backed. FHA mortgages can be obtained with a 3.5% downpayment if your credit score exceeds 580. If your score is 500- to 579, you can get a 10% down payment. Most lenders require a ratio between debt and income of 43% or less.

An FHA mortgage doesn’t require you to pay PMI, but you will need to pay for another type of mortgage insurance. It will cost you 1.75% to close your mortgage. An annual premium of 0.45% – 1.05% will be added to your mortgage.

4. VA mortgage

A VA mortgageThis is a government-backed mortgage that is guaranteed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. It’s only for military families. The interest rates on VA mortgages are typically lower than those for conforming mortgages and you don’t need to put down any money.

To be eligible for a VA loan, you must have a minimum credit score of 660 and a ratio of 41% debt to income.

While you won’t be required to pay mortgage insurance, you will need to pay a financing fee.  If this is your first VA loan, the fee is 2.3%. If you have used VA loans before, the fee is 3.6%. If you have enough money to make a down payment, the fee will be lower.

5. USDA mortgage

A USDA mortgageA government mortgage that is backed by the US Department of Agriculture. It is available to low-to middle-income families who want to buy a home in a rural, suburban area. The income limit is dependent on where you live in the US. There are 35,000 restrictions for some counties, while there are 20,000 in others.

A USDA mortgage has lower interest rates than a VA mortgage and doesn’t require any down payment. Lenders require a minimum credit score of 640 and a 41% debt-to income ratio. 

Mortgage insurance will cost you more than PMI or insurance on an FHA mortgage. After closing, you will pay 1% of your principal and an annual premium of 0.355% of your remaining principal. 

6. Fixed-rate mortgage

You have two options when it comes to locking in your interest rate: fixed-rate or adjustable-rate.

Depending on the type you choose, you might be able to choose from one or both. You can choose between a fixed or an adjustable rate for a conforming loan, but only a USDA mortgage can have a fixed rate.

A fixed-rate mortgageLocks in your rate for the term of your loan While US mortgage rates can rise or fall over time, you’ll still be paying the same interest rate for 30 years as when you made your first mortgage payment.

7. Adjustable-rate mortgage

An adjustable-rate mortgage, commonly referred to as an ARM, keeps your rate the same for the first few years, then periodically changes over time — typically once a year. If you have a 5/1ARM for example, your initial rate period will be five years. The rate will then change every year.

8. Construction loan

You may need a construction loanIf you need financing to pay permits, supplies, labor, and other costs for building a house, 

Construction loans are short term loans that last for one year and have higher interest rates than regular mortgages. You have the option to pay off your loan immediately after completion of construction or to convert it into a regular mortgage.

A renovation loan is available if you are looking to purchase a home or make major changes to it. The money you borrow to renovate your home will be rolled into the mortgage.

9. Balloon mortgage

With a balloon mortgageYou’ll pay monthly mortgage payments for the first five year, just like any other type of mortgage. After the initial payment period, the total amount owed will be paid in one lump sum.

Although balloon mortgages offer low interest rates but are risky, they are still risky. If you plan to move out of your house or refinance your home before the initial payment period ends, a balloon mortgage might be a good option. This will allow you to benefit from the low interest rate without having to pay a lot of money in one go. 

If you expect to receive a lot in the time between applying for the mortgage and paying it off, a balloon mortgage may be a better option. This mindset can be dangerous, especially when the money you expected doesn’t arrive.

Balloon mortgages can be risky for both buyer and lender. It may be difficult to find a lender who offers one.

10. Mortgages with interest only

With an interest-only mortgageYou borrow money the same way as any other type of mortgage. Then, you make monthly payments. However, you pay only the interest charged to the lender. principal(The amount of money you borrow).

Interest-only mortgages have a fixed period, such ten years, for which you’ll be making interest-only payments. After that period ends, you will start paying principal and interest.

This type of mortgage is popular because it has low monthly payments. However, interest-only mortgages are typically subject to adjustable interest rates. Your rate will fluctuate year to year. Because you are not paying down the principal, you won’t build equity in your house.

Each lender has its own eligibility requirements for interest only mortgages. However, you will likely need a higher credit score and a lower debt-to income ratio as well as a larger down payment than for a conforming mortgage.

11. Piggyback loan

A piggyback loan allows you to take out two mortgages, one small and one large. The smaller mortgage “piggybacks” on the larger. The primary loan is a conventional mortgage. The second is a conventional mortgage. home equity loan or home equity line of credit. 

There are many types piggyback loans. 80-10-10 loanThis is the most popular. The first mortgage is for 80%, the second for 10%, and 10% cash is required for the down payment. You can put 20% down if you combine the second mortgage with the money you have already saved for the downpayment. You don’t need to purchase private mortgage insurance.

12. Reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgageThis is a type home loan for those who are over 62. A reverse mortgage is not the first mortgage you will take out on your house, unlike most of the mortgages on this list. This mortgage is for homeowners who have equity in their home and have likely paid off their mortgage.

A Forward mortgage — which you probably think of as a regular mortgage — is a type of loan you’d use to buy a home. You make monthly payments to the lender until the home is paid off, and over time, your debt decreases.

A Reverse mortgageThe loan is only available after you’ve purchased the house. The money is paid by the lender and comes from the equity that you have in your home. Your debt gets more expensive over time. 

The proceeds of the sale of your home, whether you are living or dead, go to the lender to repay the reverse mortgage debt. Any additional money earned from the sale will go directly to you, if alive, or to your estate, if deceased.

If your heirs would like to keep the property, they can pay off reverse mortgages themselves.

13. Refinance mortgage

Refinance your home to replace your original mortgage. There are many options. multiple potential benefits to refinancingThese include locking in a lower interest rates, making lower monthly payment, or cancelling private mortgage insurance.

The process of applying for a mortgage will remain the same because you are just applying for a second mortgage. The lender will still assess your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history. The lender will not consider your down payment when determining your interest rates. Instead, they will consider how much equity your home has.