Conventional Mortgage Loan in Southern California

Conventional home loans are offered by private lenders and often purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They are not backed by the government and each lender will require you to meet their own guidelines. Conventional loans are often sold on the secondary market to investors after closing. Conventional loans require a larger down payment and stronger credit scores than government backed loans such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans. In most cases the 30-year fixed mortgage and 15-year fixed mortgage is a conventional loan.

Conventional Loan Requirements

• The minimum credit score required for a conventional loan is 620.

• The debt to income ratio (DTI) is between 36-45% and in some cases higher with compensating factors such as reserves, low loan to value (LTV), and excellent credit. 

• Down payment of 3% to 20% based on the purchase price. If the down payment is less than 20% you will be required to make monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI) payments until you have 20% equity. The down payment required is based on whether you are a first-time homebuyer, plan to rent it out, interest rate is fixed or adjustable, single family or multi-unit property and how your income compares to the median income in your area.

• Proof of income such as 2 recent paystubs, W2s or tax returns.

• Verification of employment (VOE) to ensure you are gainfully employed or if self-employed you will need to provide 1099 to prove steady income.

• You will be asked to show proof of assets such as the last 2 months of bank statements, or statements from any investment accounts.

• Proof of identity such as a drivers license, identification card or social security card.

• Credit reports will be used to review payment history, number of accounts, monthly debt obligations, and any past financial issues such as delinquency, child support, or bankruptcy.

• Appraisal is required by a licensed appraiser to show the property’s current market value and is sufficient collateral for the loan being issued.

• Can be used for a second home or investment property.

Conventional loans are broken up into two categories, conforming and non-conforming loans. Here are the differences.

Conforming Home Loan

A conforming conventional loan meets the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and is considered less risky. Conforming loans have loan limits which is a cap on the amount you are allowed to borrow. As of 2024 the conforming loan limit is $766,550, and in high-cost areas the limit is higher at $1,149,825. Individual lenders have their own criteria and requirements.

Non-Conforming Home Loan

This type of home loan does not meet the qualifications set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The most common type of non-conforming conventional home loan is a jumbo loan because the amount exceeds the conforming loan limits. There are other non-conforming loan programs for people with poor credit, high debt, bankruptcy, missed payments, and high debt to income ratios. Send an online inquiry or call your expert at Arbor Home Loans to see what conventional loan program is best for you.

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Copyright © Arbor Home Loans 2024. All Rights Reserved.

NMLS 1206543 & DRE 02128292

Arbor Financial Group. NMLS Entity ID #236669. DRE #01845041

Licensed In: CA, FL