Best Mortgage Home Loan to Choose from Conventional, Government FHA, Fixed or Adjustable Rate

Martins Chima

This is an editorial guide of how to choose the best mortgage home and decide between conventional or government-backed, fixed or adjustable rate. The purpose of this guide is to pave way to a successful and satisfying homeownership journey.

First and foremost, you know that buying a home/house marks a significant milestone in your life. Yea, it does. Apart from that, this, there’s an equally another important task at to this achievement which is choosing the right type of mortgage option for your needs.

Normally, your choice for the house you are interested in is likely to come on the mortgages you are eligible for. Yet there’s a touch of strategy that can guarantee you’re selecting the the best path for your future. Just follow these guide carefully, you be able to choose the best Mortgage Home that will definitely be worth the while.

I and my team of experts is dedicated to addressing readers’ inquiries about home-buying for first time buyers and previous home owners. We are also providing impartial evaluations of various products, including mortgages. Note that, we may occasionally receive a commission from Google Adsense Advert and partners, but rest assured that the information in this guide as well as viewpoints remain independent and unbiased.

Key Notes:

When making your mortgage selection, you’ll probably find yourself deliberating between a conventional loan and a government-backed option.
Conforming loans adhere to the guidelines established by the FHFA, while nonconforming loans exceed those specified limits.
Opting for a fixed-rate mortgage means your interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term, whereas an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) leads to automatic rate changes.
If your borrowing requirements exceed the FHFA limit, considering a nonconforming loan could be a suitable choice.

1. Conventional Mortgage vs Government-backed Mortgage

The very first decision you’ll come across is whether you’re leaning towards a conventional mortgage or a government-backed one.

1. What’s a Conventional Mortgage?

It’s like getting a loan from a private lender or big names like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae – these aren’t government insured. Now, depending on who’s lending you the money, they’ll be checking your credit score, down payment amount, and how much you owe compared to how much you make.

2. What is Government-backed Mortgages?

Now, pay attention, because government-backed mortgages are next on our agenda. These are like the backup plan for those who might not meet the requirements for a conventional mortgage. Sometimes, they’re designed for specific folks like veterans or people with not-so-huge incomes.

Even though you’ll be applying through a private company, the government has your back with insurance. That means lenders are more at ease giving you a loan, even if you don’t tick all the boxes for a conventional one.

If you’ve got a solid credit score, some cash stashed for a down payment, and your debt-to-income ratio is 36% or less, a conventional loan might just be your jam.

But, if those things aren't quite in place, fear not! Government-backed mortgages step in to save the day. However, be aware – some are only meant for specific groups, and there could be a couple of downsides, like limits on how much you can borrow and slightly higher insurance costs.

2. Conforming Vs Nonconforming Mortgages

conventional mortgages, where you’ll get to choose between two fascinating options: the conforming loan and the nonconforming loan. Now, let’s unravel the mystery of these two.

1. Conforming Mortgage

Alright, so, picture this: a conforming mortgage is like following a set of rules laid down by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA for short. They’re like the referee of mortgage standards. Every year, the FHFA sets a limit on how much you can borrow and still be considered conforming. In the current year, 2023, that limit dances around $726,200 for most of the US. But hey, if you’re living in a high-cost area, that limit can skyrocket up to a whopping $1,089,300.

2. Nonconforming Mortgage

Now, let’s talk about the the nonconforming mortgage. This one’s for those who dare to dream beyond the FHFA’s limit. You might even hear it called a “jumbo loan.” To nab this loan, you’ll need a higher credit score, a chunkier down payment, and a tidier debt-to-income ratio compared to what’s required for the conforming loan.

If your dreams and numbers align, and you need more money than the FHFA allows, then the nonconforming mortgage is your golden ticket. But if not, don’t be scared! The conforming mortgage is here to save the day.

Remember, each option has its perks and quirks, so weigh them carefully before you make your mortgage move!

If you're aiming for a nonconforming mortgage, it's probable that you'll need a more elevated credit score, a larger down payment, and a more conservative debt-to-income ratio compared to what would be required for a conforming loan.

3. Government-backed Mortgages: VA, FHA or USDA Loan

Talking about government-backed mortgages are, you have to pay attention! These are like the helpful hand of the federal government reaching out to make homeownership a bit more attainable. They tend to be a bit more lenient when it comes to certain requirements like credit scores, down payments, and debt-to-income ratios.

Now, here’s the advantage: even though it’s the government backing you up, you’ll still knock on the door of a private lender to secure one of these loans. Just make sure you let them know you’re in the market for a government-backed mortgage.

Now, let’s talk about the type of government-backed mortgage that is right for you to choose from. There are three common types of these mortgages:

Veterans Affairs (VA) loans:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans

I will explain them one after the other for better understanding.

1. Veterans Affairs (VA) loans:

Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are like a salute to our military heroes. If you’ve got a connection to the armed forces, you might just qualify. Take a look at the VA Home Loan Fee and Closing Costs Calculator from Veterans Benefits Administration

2. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans:

If your income isn’t reaching for the stars and you’re eyeing a place in the quieter corners of the country, this could be your ticket. You can choose the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) mortgage loans.

3. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans:

If the previous two don’t quite fit your situation, FHA loans could be your match. However, they might ask you to stash a little more cash for a down payment – around 3.5% of the home’s price to be exact. Plus, there’s a 1.75% mortgage premium upfront, but don’t worry, it’s like a small subscription fee for homeownership.

And that’s the details on government-backed mortgages. They’re like the flexible side of the housing game, offering you different paths to make that home sweet home a reality.

4. Fixed-rate Vs Adjustable-rate Mortgages

It is your choice to choose the between the fixed-rate or adjustable-rate Mortgages. Once you’ve figured out whether you’re going with a conventional or government-backed loan, there’s a new crossroads ahead – fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages. It all boils down to the interest you’ll be shelling out on that loan of yours.

1. Fixed-rate Mortgage

First up, the fixed-rate mortgage. Think of it as locking in your mortgage rate for the entire journey. Even though the winds of US mortgage rates may sway over time, your interest rate will stay rock steady for the entirety of your loan, whether that’s 30 years or maybe even 20 or 15 years.

2. Adjustable-rate Mortgage

Now, here comes the adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM for short. It starts off with a consistent rate for the initial years, and then it takes a little dance around the interest rate dance floor, changing about once a year.

Going further, here’s the deal with ARMs mortgage loan: you’ve got the “initial rate period” which means your interest rate stays put for a certain number of years – like five in a 5/1 ARM. Then, it starts its little annual shuffle for the remaining years, which in this case would be 25. Different lenders offer different dance routines, like 7/1 or 5/1 ARMs.

Now, listen up – adjustable rates are currently getting their base on at a lower starting point compared to fixed rates. If you’re planning a short stay in your new home, say a couple of years, an ARM might not be good for you. It gets you that lower rate fix without the risk of it suddenly increasing.

But, if you’re in it for the long run, get ready to enjoy your forever home, because the fixed-rate mortgage might be the best for you. You’ll know your monthly payment like the back of your hand for the long run. And hey, if rates decide to do the limbo and drop, you’ve got the option to move your way into refinancing your home for an even lower rate.

Best Mortgage Guides

What You Should have in Mind if you want to choose from Conventional, Government FHA, Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage Home Loan.

In the exciting journey of choosing the right home loan, there are key considerations that can shape your decision among the options – Conventional, Government FHA, Fixed, and Adjustable Rate Mortgages. Let’s sum up what you should keep in mind as part of my personal advise and recommendation:

Conventional vs. Government FHA: Finding Your Fit

Credit and Requirements: Conventional loans might demand a higher credit score and stricter criteria, while FHA loans often offer more flexibility, allowing you to qualify with a lower credit score and a manageable down payment.
Down Payment: Conventional loans might require a larger down payment upfront, whereas FHA loans can often get you in the door with a more affordable down payment.
Property Type: Consider the type of property you’re eyeing; FHA loans might be suitable for a broader range of homes, including fixer-uppers.
Mortgage Insurance: Factor in the costs of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) for conventional loans and Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) for FHA loans.

Fixed Rate Mortgage: The Steady Path

Long-Term Stability: If you’re seeking predictability and plan to stay in your home for an extended period, a fixed-rate mortgage ensures your interest rate remains unchanged over the loan’s lifespan.
Budgeting: Fixed-rate mortgages allow for easy monthly budgeting, as your payment remains constant, even if market interest rates fluctuate.
Related Post: What Type of Interests are Calculated on Home Mortgages?

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): Flexibility with Caution

Initial Lower Rates: ARMs often start with lower interest rates, which can lead to lower initial payments, making them enticing for short-term homeowners or those anticipating future income growth.
Rate Adjustments: Be prepared for rate adjustments after the initial period, which can potentially lead to higher payments in the future.
Risk Tolerance: Assess your comfort level with potential rate fluctuations and your ability to manage payment increases.

Your Future Plans Matter:

Homeownership Duration: Consider how long you plan to own the home; short-term ownership might align well with an ARM, while a fixed-rate mortgage can offer peace of mind for the long haul.
Financial Goals: Reflect on your financial goals and how each mortgage type aligns with your overall financial strategy.

In the end, the ideal choice depends on your unique circumstances, preferences, and financial outlook. Lastly, take time to assess your goals, explore each option thoroughly, and consult with mortgage professionals to make an informed decision that paves the way for a successful and satisfying homeownership journey.