• Fixed Rate

     "Fixed-Rate" mortgage comes with an interest rate that won't change for the life of your loan. A "conventional" (conforming) mortgage is a loan that conforms to established guidelines for the size of the loan and your financial situation. Conventional mortgages often feature lower interest rates than jumbo loans, FHA loans or VA loans.

    Monthly 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), which features lower monthly 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 shorter loan term and lower interest rate, a 15- 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.

     

    Requirements and Qualifications

    • Loan amount - The loan amount for a conforming mortgage is generally limited to $417,000 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-priced home.

    • Down payment - Most conventional loans will require at least 5 percent (and optimally 20 percent or more) as a down payment. For loans with lower down-payment requirements, explore government-backed mortgages like VA loans and FHA loans.

    • Credit history - Conventional loans are a good choice for borrowers with excellent 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 originator to find out which mortgage option may be the best fit for you.