| Term | 30-year fixed |
| Rate | |
| APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
|
| Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
| Term | 20-year fixed |
| Rate | |
| APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
|
| Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
| Term | 15-year fixed |
| Rate | |
| APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
|
| Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
| Term | 10-year fixed |
| Rate | |
| APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
|
| Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
| Term | Rate | APR Annual Percentage Rate (APR) represents the true yearly cost of your loan, including any fees or costs in addition to the actual interest you pay to the lender. The APR may be increased after the closing date for adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans. |
Points Mortgage points, or discount points, are a form of prepaid interest you can choose to pay up front in exchange for a lower interest rate and monthly payment. One mortgage point is equal to about 1% of your total loan amount, so on a $250,000 loan, one point would cost you about $2,500. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-year fixed | |||
| 20-year fixed | |||
| 15-year fixed | |||
| 10-year fixed |
What is a conventional fixed-rate mortgage?
A "fixed-rate" mortgage comes with an interest rate that won't change for the life of your home loan. A "conventional" (conforming) mortgage is a loan that conforms to established guidelines for the size of the loan and your financial situation. Conventional loans may feature lower interest rates than jumbo loans, FHA loans or VA loans. Terms of these conventional loans typically range from 10 to 30 years.
Monthly principal and interest payments on a conventional fixed-rate mortgage remain the same for the life of the loan making it an attractive option for borrowers who plan to stay in their home for several years. The alternative to the fixed-rate mortgage is the adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan, which features lower monthly principal and interest payments during the first few years. While many prefer the security of a fixed-rate loan, an ARM may be a better option - especially if you know you'll be moving within the next several years.
30-year fixed-rate mortgages
The 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage has long been popular due to its fixed interest rate and lower monthly payments. However, since the interest payments are spread out over 30 years, you'll pay more interest over the life of the loan than you would on a shorter-term mortgage.
15- and 20-year fixed-rate mortgages
With a short loan term and lower interest rate, a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage or 20-year fixed-rate mortgage can help you pay off your home faster and build equity more quickly, although your monthly payments will be higher than with a 30-year loan. The 15- and 20-year fixed-rate mortgages are especially popular for refinancing.
Conventional loan benefits and considerations
No interest rate surprises
With a fixed-rate mortgage or a conventional loan, the interest rate won't change for the life of your loan, protecting you from the possibility of rising interest rates.
The lowest fixed rate
Conventional mortgages may offer a lower interest rate and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) than other types of fixed-rate loans.
Fewer hoops to jump through
Conventional mortgages may require less documentation than FHA loans or VA loans, which could speed up the overall processing time.
Refinancing options available
Conventional fixed-rate mortgages are available for refinancing your existing mortgage, too — and 15- and 20-year options are especially popular.
Conventional loan requirements and qualifications
- Loan amount - The loan amount for a conforming mortgage is generally limited to $726,200 for a single-family home, though limits may be higher in regions where home prices are higher. Jumbo loans allow you to exceed the conforming loan limit to borrow for a higher-valued home.
- Down payment - Most conventional loans will require at least 5 percent as a down payment. For loans with lower down payment requirements, explore government-backed mortgages like VA and FHA loans or speak to your mortgage loan officer about other options that may be available. If the down payment is less than 20 percent on a conventional loan, mortgage insurance may be required.
- Credit history - Conventional loans are a good choice for borrowers with very good credit, which generally means a FICO score of 740 or higher. There are also established guidelines for income and other personal financial information.
Conventional fixed-rate mortgages are a popular option, but they're not the only one. Compare mortgage options to learn more on your own, or contact a mortgage loan officer to find out which mortgage option may be the best fit for you.
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