A conventional mortgage or loan is any type of home buyer loan that is not backed by a government agency. Generally, conventional loans are available through private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. However, there are two government-sponsored agencies that can guarantee some conventional mortgages: The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac).

A FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) is a loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration and issued by an FHA-approved lender. This program is often used by first-time home buyers and low-income borrowers. The advantage of FHA Loan is that the requirements for the FHA loan from a FHA -approved lender such as a commercial bank are less stringent. (The government (the FHA) guarantees loans for qualified homebuyers with smaller down payments and lower interest rates)

A jumbo loan, also known as a jumbo mortgage, is a type of loan that exceeds the usual loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). The loan limits vary by state/county. Unlike conventional mortgages, a jumbo loan cannot be purchased, guaranteed, or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Designed to finance more expensive homes and properties, each jumbo mortgage has its own unique screening conditions and qualifications.

VA Loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the United States department of Veterans Affairs, and is designed to help American veterans and their families purchase homes on more favorable terms. A VA loan borrower must obtain a proof of eligibility from the VA before applying for a VA Loan. A VA loan allows qualified borrowers to buy a home on favorable terms with no down payment.

A Stated Income Loan is a mortgage where the lender does not verify the borrower’s income by looking at their pay stubs, W-2 forms, income tax returns, or other income related records. The loan process is easier and faster than other types of loans because borrowers are simply asked to state their income, and taken at their word. However, borrowers of Stated Income Loans are required to have a good credit scores and must usually make a significant down payment.

A Foreign National Loan Program is a special type of loan that allows non- U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents to purchase a home in the United States. This type of loan requires a higher down payment than other loans and documentation to verify the borrowers’ employment, income and credit history in the country of residence.

A reverse mortgage is a mortgage loan that enables a homeowner, who is 62 or older and has considerable home equity, to borrow against the equity value of their home. A homeowner can receive the reverse mortgage funds as a lump sum or a fixed monthly payment. A reverse mortgage loan typically does not require monthly mortgage payments.