Conventional Loans

Conventional Loans: Flexible Financing for Qualified Buyers

A conventional loan is any mortgage not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. Conventional loans follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and are the most commonly used loan type in the country. As a C2 Financial mortgage broker with access to nearly 100 lenders, Rob Tennyson finds highly competitive conventional rates that banks simply cannot match.

Conventional Loan Highlights

  • Loan amounts up to $832,750 in most counties
  • 3% minimum down payment for first-time homebuyers
  • 5% minimum down payment for repeat buyers
  • No minimum credit score requirement
  • PMI automatically cancels once you reach 20% equity

High Balance Loans for LA and OC Buyers

If you are buying in Los Angeles or Orange County, high-balance conventional loans let you borrow from $832,751 up to $1,249,125 while still staying within Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines. That means better rates than a true jumbo loan with a minimum 5% down payment. This is a major advantage for buyers in these high-cost markets.

The 80/10/10 Strategy

Want to avoid jumbo loan guidelines but only have 10% down? The 80/10/10 is a great strategy. You put 10% down, get a first mortgage for 80% of the purchase price (within conforming limits), and take out a second mortgage for the remaining 10%. This keeps your first mortgage away from stricter jumbo requirements and can save you a significant amount. Ask Rob if this makes sense for your situation.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you put less than 20% down, you will pay PMI. The good news is that PMI cancels automatically once your loan reaches 80% loan-to-value. Unlike FHA mortgage insurance, it does not stay for the life of the loan. Some lenders also offer lender-paid PMI to eliminate the monthly cost entirely.

Conventional Loan Products

  • 30-year fixed (most popular)
  • 15-year fixed (lower rate, higher payment)
  • 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1 adjustable rate mortgages
  • 3% down HomeReady and Home Possible programs
  • Investment property loans (up to 10 financed properties)
  • Temporary buydowns (2-1 and 3-2-1) to lower your rate for the first few years

Apply Today

Rob Tennyson has helped hundreds of buyers secure conventional financing at competitive rates. Whether it is your first home, a move-up purchase, or an investment property, Rob finds the right loan from his network of nearly 100 lenders. Apply by clicking here or call 714-400-2317.

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