Flexible Financing for Today's Homebuyers

A conventional loan is one of the most popular mortgage options for purchasing or refinancing a home. If you have a stable income, good credit, and are looking for competitive loan terms, a conventional mortgage may be the right choice for you.

What Is a Conventional Loan?

A conventional loan is a mortgage that is not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. These loans follow lending guidelines established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and are available with a variety of loan terms and down payment options. They are often an excellent choice for borrowers with solid credit profiles who want flexible financing and competitive interest rates.

Benefits of a Conventional Loan

Competitive Interest Rates

Qualified borrowers may benefit from attractive interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Low Down Payment Options

Depending on eligibility, qualified buyers may be able to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3%.

Flexible Loan Terms

Choose from a variety of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage options to match your financial plans.

No Upfront Mortgage Insurance

Unlike some government-backed loans, conventional loans do not require upfront mortgage insurance. If your down payment is 20% or more, you can generally avoid monthly private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Available for Multiple Property Types

Finance a primary residence, second home, vacation home, or eligible investment property with a conventional loan.

How Conventional Loans Work

Unlike FHA or VA loans, conventional mortgages aren’t backed by a government agency — they follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That means lenders look closely at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment when evaluating your application.

The upside? Conventional loans tend to offer more flexibility when it comes to property types and loan amounts. They also allow you to avoid mortgage insurance once you’ve built 20% equity in your home — something FHA loans don’t allow without refinancing.

Loan Limits:

Up to conforming limits ($766,550 for most areas in 2025; higher in high-cost counties)

Credit Score:

620+ (conventional); 740+ for best rates

Down Payment:

As low as 3% (first-time buyers); 5–20% for most borrowers

Loan Terms:

10, 15, 20, or 30 years — fixed or adjustable rate

Property Types:

Primary residence, second home, investment property

Who This Loan Is For

Your Road to Approval in 3 Simple Steps

1

Apply Online

Complete a secure mortgage application in just a few minutes.

2

Review Your Loan Options

We'll evaluate your financial profile and explain the conventional loan programs available to you.

3

Receive Your Pre-Approval

Get pre-approved so you can begin shopping for your home with confidence.

4

Close on Your Home

We'll work closely with all parties involved to help ensure a smooth and timely closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum down payment for a conventional loan?

Qualified borrowers may be eligible for a down payment as low as 3%, depending on the loan program and borrower qualifications.

Yes. Conventional loans can be used to refinance an existing mortgage, whether your goal is to lower your monthly payment, adjust your loan term, or access available home equity.

If your down payment is less than 20%, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is generally required. In many cases, PMI can be removed once you have sufficient equity in your home

Ready to See If You Qualify?

Let’s run through your options and find the right conventional loan for your situation. No pressure, no commitments — just clear information to help you make the best decision.

Oso Creek Mortgage, Inc. is a California and Texas based mortgage lender.

NMLS #2476199 | CA DRE #02126533 | TX NMLS #2476199