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Loan Programs

Eight Ways to Finance

and honest math on each

Most lender sites list what every loan is good for and stop there. Each one below gets both halves, because you cannot choose well without knowing the cost.

Start Here

The Fast Version

Documented W-2 income, decent credit, and something to put down puts you in conventional fixed rate territory. Thin down payment or credit still recovering is what FHA exists for. If you served, check VA first, and check it even if you think you already used it. Loan bigger than your county's conforming limit means jumbo. Rural or semi-rural address is worth a USDA eligibility check, because the map covers more ground than people assume. A house that needs work before it is livable is a renovation loan. Confident you will move or refinance inside five years, an ARM deserves a look. Self-employed with a tax return that understates the business is a bank statement loan.

That is the fast version. The real answer depends on details a chart cannot see.

Side by Side

How They Compare

Fixed Rate
Minimum down
5%
Mortgage insurance
Removable at 80 percent loan-to-value
Credit flexibility
Rewards strong credit, stricter than FHA
Income documentation
Not stated in the content file
Best for
A payment that does not move for the life of the loan
FHA
Minimum down
3.5%
Mortgage insurance
Required, generally for the life of the loan
Credit flexibility
Scores as low as 580 at the 3.5 percent tier
Income documentation
Steady employment history, typically two years
Best for
Lower down payment and more forgiving credit
VA
Minimum down
None
Mortgage insurance
None
Credit flexibility
Generally more forgiving than conventional
Income documentation
Not stated in the content file
Best for
For veterans and service members, often the best terms available
Jumbo
Minimum down
20%
Mortgage insurance
Usually none, priced into the rate instead
Credit flexibility
Typically 700 and above
Income documentation
Additional documentation, particularly on complex income
Best for
Above the conforming limit in your county
USDA
Minimum down
None
Mortgage insurance
Guarantee fee, upfront and annual
Credit flexibility
Credit and debt-to-income standards apply
Income documentation
Household income must fall under the county limit
Best for
Zero down on eligible rural and semi-rural property
Renovation 203(k)
Minimum down
3.5%
Mortgage insurance
FHA mortgage insurance applies
Credit flexibility
FHA credit standards apply on the 203(k) version
Income documentation
Not stated in the content file
Best for
Buy the house and fund the work in one loan
Adjustable Rate (ARM)
Minimum down
Varies
Mortgage insurance
Not stated in the content file
Credit flexibility
Not stated in the content file
Income documentation
Not stated in the content file
Best for
Lower to start, adjusts later
Bank Statement
Minimum down
10 to 20%
Mortgage insurance
Not stated in the content file
Credit flexibility
Typically 620 to 680 or better
Income documentation
12 to 24 months of bank statements
Best for
Qualify on deposits when tax returns understate income

Figures shown are general category characteristics, not offers or rate quotes. Specific terms depend on the lender, the program, the property, and your file.

Not Sure Which Row Is Yours

Normal place to start. Tell us about the property, your income, and your timeline, and we will point you at the fit, including when that is the option paying us less.