Mortgage Loan Programs and Eligibility Requirements
A comparison of available loan programs - conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, HELOC and specialty financing - with the credit, down payment and property rules that decide which one fits.
With 20% down, conventional borrowers avoid private mortgage insurance entirely — and when PMI is required, it automatically ends once sufficient equity is reached.
Benefits of a conventional loan
Down payments from 3% for qualifying borrowers
PMI can be removed once you reach 20% equity
Available for primary homes, second homes, and investment properties
Flexible terms — 15, 20, and 30-year fixed or adjustable options
What to consider
Credit and debt-to-income standards are stricter than FHA
Loan amounts above conforming limits require a jumbo loan
Ready to explore conventional loans? Kathlene Carney can walk you through eligibility, compare options, and get you pre-approved in California.