Conventional
Flexible mortgage options for eligible primary, second-home and investment transactions.
Explore conventional loansPrograms & assistance
Choose the financing by comparing the complete transaction.
Conventional, FHA, VA and assistance programs solve different problems. The right comparison connects borrower eligibility, upfront funds, monthly costs, property requirements and what the financing means after closing.
Start here
Program names do not decide the answer.
A familiar label or low-down-payment headline cannot show which mortgage fits a particular buyer and property. Compare current written terms using the same price, timeline and occupancy assumptions.
This hub provides general education. Eligibility, assistance funding and underwriting require a borrower- and property-specific review.
Focused guides
Six program questions that deserve a clear answer.
FHA vs. VA loans
Compare eligibility, insurance, funding fees, occupancy and property requirements.
Read the guideConventional loan requirements
See how income, debts, assets, credit, occupancy and the property fit together.
Read the guideAssistance for closing costs
Understand how eligible assistance may be allocated and what repayment terms can follow.
Read the guideGift funds with assistance
Plan the donor, transfer and assistance documentation before money moves.
Read the guideManual underwriting
Learn what a fuller human review means—and what it does not waive.
Read the guideAssistance and offer strength
Reduce seller uncertainty with verified eligibility, realistic timing and clear communication.
Read the guideComparison framework
Review more than the down payment.
01
Confirm borrower and occupancy eligibility for each program being considered.
02
Compare principal, interest, mortgage insurance, fees and any second-mortgage payment.
03
Calculate down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses and funds retained after closing.
04
Review appraisal, condition, condominium and other property requirements.
05
Identify assistance repayment, forgiveness, refinance and occupancy conditions.
06
Update the comparison when the property, credit, income, funds or market assumptions change.
Primary options
Explore the main program pages.
FHA
Government-insured financing for eligible primary residences with applicable insurance and property requirements.
Explore FHA loansVA
A home-loan benefit for eligible military borrowers with entitlement, occupancy and property considerations.
Explore VA loansAssistance
Programs that may help eligible Florida buyers with down payment or closing costs under specific terms.
Explore assistancePrograms & assistance FAQs
Questions buyers often ask
Which mortgage program is easiest to qualify for?
No program is universally easiest. The borrower, property, occupancy, available funds, credit profile and current lender requirements determine the available path.
Is the mortgage with the smallest down payment always the best choice?
No. Compare mortgage insurance, fees, payment, cash retained, property requirements and long-term flexibility—not only the initial contribution.
Is down-payment assistance free money?
Not always. It may be a grant, forgivable loan, deferred second mortgage or repayable second mortgage with conditions triggered by sale, refinance, transfer or occupancy changes.
Can I compare programs before choosing a property?
Yes. An early comparison can identify likely options, although taxes, insurance, association costs, value and property eligibility still require an address-specific update.
Compare before you commit