Advantages of Conventional Mortgages | Mortgage 1 (2024)

As defined by the website Investopedia, a conventional mortgage or loan is:

Any type of home buyer’s loan that is not offered or secured by a government entity, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the USDA Rural Housing Service, but instead is available through or guaranteed by a private lender or the two government-sponsored enterprises, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

Conventional mortgages are the the most common type of mortgage loan. In the US, two-thirds of mortgages that are issued are conventional loans.

Interested in a conventional mortgage loan? Get started today with Mortgage in a SNAP!

The Advantages of a Conventional Mortgage

While all the other programs may get more press, the more strict requirements for conventional mortgages gives home buyers a head start over other buyers who have lesser qualifications.

Homeowners with good credit and money for a larger down payment could avoid paying upfront mortgage insurance or monthly mortgage insurance like an FHA loan. There are several reasons why a conventional mortgage loan could be the best option for your next home purchase.

  • Faster Loan Underwriting
    Conventional loans can require less paperwork and can be obtained more quickly than government-insured loans. Mortgage lenders can approve conventional loans without the typical delays incurred with FHA or government-backed loans. Also, with a conventional loan, sellers do not face an exhaustive FHA inspection, which sometimes then requires time-consuming repairs.
  • More Options
    Conventional loans come in all different types and sizes. Do you want a 10 year fixed mortgage? Looking for an adjustable 7-year term. If so, a conventional loan is the only place to find these options.
  • Optional Escrow Accounts
    A conventional loan also usually offers an option to pay taxes and insurance directly, without adding them to your monthly mortgage payment through an escrow account. If you want the flexibility and freedom to pay taxes and insurance separately, a conventional mortgage is your only option.
  • Security
    Conventional mortgages are usually fixed-rate products, meaning that once an interest rate is locked in, the borrower will keep that same payment for the life of the loan. Borrower’s payments stay the same month to month, whether interest rates climb or housing prices fall. Even if interest rates fall far enough to make refinancing tempting, borrowers have the flexibility with a conventional mortgage because they have already met the tough requirements to get the mortgage.

Summary

Here is a summary of the advantages, and also disadvantages, of conventional mortgages.

Advantages

• Mortgage insurance not required if 80% loan to value (LTV) or less
• Cancel existing mortgage insurance at 80% LTV
• Can be used on all property types
• More loan program options
• Can hold numerous conventional loans
• No maximum loan limit

Disadvantages

• Higher down payment requirements
• Higher credit score requirements
• May be more difficult to qualify for than FHA or other government-backed loan
• Mortgage insurance still required for loans above 80% LTV

Get Your Conventional Mortgage Started at Mortgage 1

If you are considering a conventional mortgage, you can start the process by calling us at (866) 532-0550 or using our Mortgage in a SNAP application.

Advantages of Conventional Mortgages | Mortgage 1 (1)
Advantages of Conventional Mortgages | Mortgage 1 (2024)

FAQs

Advantages of Conventional Mortgages | Mortgage 1? ›

Compared to other types of loans, conventional loans typically have lower down payment requirements, higher credit score limits, more streamlined application processes, and better access to refinancing options.

What is the advantage of a conventional loan? ›

Conventional loans can require less paperwork and can be obtained more quickly than government-insured loans. Mortgage lenders can approve conventional loans without the typical delays incurred with FHA or government-backed loans.

What are the advantages of a conventional loan quizlet? ›

Conventional loans have several advantages over government-backed loans: Processing usually takes less time. Loan approval from a conventional lender can take 30 days or less, while approval on a government-backed loan seldom, if ever, can be done in less than 30 days.

What is the primary advantage of a conventional fixed rate mortgage? ›

The primary advantage of a fixed rate mortgage over a variable rate mortgage is that the interest on a fixed rate mortgage can't rise after mortgage payments begin. This provides borrowers with stability in knowing that their monthly payment amount won't increase.

What are the advantages of conventional banking? ›

Large ATM network: With traditional banks, you typically have ready access to local ATMs. Access to a variety of products and services: Traditional banks offer more than checking and savings accounts. You can use them to apply for a loan, manage your investments, or as the bank for your business.

What does "conventional mortgage" mean? ›

A conventional loan is any mortgage loan that is not insured or guaranteed by the government (such as under Federal Housing Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Department of Agriculture loan programs). Conventional loans can be conforming or non-conforming.

What is one major advantage of having a home mortgage? ›

A mortgage helps the homeowner build wealth. A mortgage is a long-term investment that comes with many benefits. The most significant advantage of having a home mortgage is that it helps the homeowner build wealth.

Is a conventional mortgage the best? ›

A conventional loan is often better if you have good or excellent credit because your mortgage rate and private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs will decrease. But an FHA loan can be perfect if your credit score is in the high 500s or low 600s. For lower-credit borrowers, FHA is often the cheaper option.

What is a disadvantage of a conventional loan? ›

There are drawbacks to conventional loans, the main one being that you'll typically need stronger finances to qualify. Conventional loans usually have larger down payment requirements and you'll need a higher credit score compared to government-backed mortgages.

Why do many borrowers prefer conventional mortgages? ›

Strong applicants (with a big down payment and good credit) can get lower interest rates. You can borrow more via a conventional loan facility than with a FHA loan program. Fixed-rate conventional loans are typically cheaper than fixed-rate loan options.

What is the downside of a conventional loan? ›

There are drawbacks to conventional loans, the main one being that you'll typically need stronger finances to qualify. Conventional loans usually have larger down payment requirements and you'll need a higher credit score compared to government-backed mortgages.

What is the main benefit of a conventional 30 year mortgage? ›

Here are some of the advantages they provide: Lower monthly payments: A 30-year mortgage spreads out the cost of your home over the 30-year term, giving you additional time to pay the loan back. As a result, you make a lower monthly payment than you would with a 15-year or 20-year mortgage for the same property.

Is it better to go conventional or FHA? ›

FHA loans allow lower credit scores and require less elapsed time for major credit problems. Conventional loans, however, may require less paperwork and offer better options to avoid costly mortgage insurance premiums.

Who should use a conventional loan? ›

A conventional loan is often better if you have good or excellent credit because your mortgage rate and private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs will decrease. But an FHA loan can be perfect if your credit score is in the high 500s or low 600s. For lower-credit borrowers, FHA is often the cheaper option.

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