Resources

Loan Comparison Guide

Not sure which loan type is right for you? Compare Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and Jumbo loans side by side to understand your options.

At a Glance

Key requirements and features for each major loan type. Tap a row to learn more.

Conventional

Min. Credit

620

Min. Down

3%

Mortgage Insurance

Required if < 20% down (removable)

Best For

Borrowers with strong credit and savings

FHA

Min. Credit

580 (500 with 10% down)

Min. Down

3.5%

Mortgage Insurance

Upfront MIP (1.75%) + annual MIP for life of loan

Best For

First-time buyers and lower credit scores

VA

Min. Credit

620 (no gov. minimum)

Min. Down

0%

Mortgage Insurance

No PMI — VA funding fee instead (can be financed)

Best For

Eligible veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses

USDA

Min. Credit

640

Min. Down

0%

Mortgage Insurance

Upfront guarantee fee (1%) + annual fee (0.35%)

Best For

Buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas

Jumbo

Min. Credit

700+

Min. Down

10–20%

Mortgage Insurance

Varies by lender

Best For

Luxury homes and high-cost markets

Detailed Breakdown

Pros, cons, and who each loan type is designed for.

Conventional

Borrowers with strong credit and savings

Credit: 620

Down Payment: 3%

Loan Limits: $766,550 (2024 conforming limit)

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Pros

  • No upfront mortgage insurance fee
  • PMI drops off at 20% equity
  • Widest range of property types
  • Competitive rates for 700+ scores

Cons

  • Higher credit score needed
  • PMI adds cost below 20% down
  • Stricter DTI requirements

FHA

First-time buyers and lower credit scores

Credit: 580 (500 with 10% down)

Down Payment: 3.5%

Loan Limits: $498,257–$1,149,825 (varies by county)

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Pros

  • Lower credit requirements
  • Small down payment
  • More flexible DTI limits (up to 57%)
  • Gift funds allowed for full down payment

Cons

  • Mortgage insurance for life of loan
  • Upfront insurance premium
  • Loan limits may restrict options
  • Property must meet FHA standards

VA

Eligible veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses

Credit: 620 (no gov. minimum)

Down Payment: 0%

Loan Limits: No limit for full entitlement

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Pros

  • Zero down payment
  • No monthly mortgage insurance
  • Competitive interest rates
  • No prepayment penalty

Cons

  • Must have VA eligibility (COE required)
  • VA funding fee (waived for some)
  • Property must be primary residence
  • VA appraisal requirements can be strict

USDA

Buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas

Credit: 640

Down Payment: 0%

Loan Limits: Based on area median income

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Pros

  • Zero down payment
  • Low mortgage insurance costs
  • Below-market interest rates
  • Closing costs can be financed

Cons

  • Geographic restrictions (rural/suburban)
  • Income limits apply
  • Primary residence only
  • Longer processing times

Jumbo

Luxury homes and high-cost markets

Credit: 700+

Down Payment: 10–20%

Loan Limits: Above conforming limit ($766,550+)

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Pros

  • Finance above conforming limits
  • Competitive rates for strong profiles
  • Available for primary, second, and investment
  • Flexible terms

Cons

  • Higher credit and reserve requirements
  • Larger down payment needed
  • Stricter underwriting standards
  • Fewer lender options

Not Sure Which Loan Is Right for You?

With 120+ loan solutions, we can match you to the right program based on your credit, income, down payment, and goals. Let's figure it out together.

Important Disclosures: Loan program details on this page (including credit score requirements, down payment minimums, mortgage insurance figures, conforming loan limits, and FHA/USDA fees) reflect general program guidelines as of the most recent update and are subject to change without notice. The information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a loan offer, rate quote, or commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, income verification, appraisal, and underwriting requirements. Actual interest rates, APR, monthly payments, loan terms, eligibility, and program availability vary based on credit profile, loan-to-value, debt-to-income ratio, property type, occupancy, points, geographic location, and other factors. Contact The Grigg Team for current program details and a personalized quote.

ARM Disclosure: Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have an initial fixed rate period followed by periodic adjustments. After the fixed period, your interest rate and monthly payment may increase or decrease based on market conditions.

CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3029 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). The Grigg Team NMLS #715407. Equal Housing Opportunity.