Loan Programs
Which of these sounds like you?
Pick a situation to explore programs worth reading about. Nothing is submitted. You can also browse the full directory.
Choose your situation
Choose a situation, or browse the full directory below.
Programs worth comparing when you're buying a home
Conventional
Conventional loans are mortgages not backed by a government program. Conforming conventional loans follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements and stay within the applicable FHFA loan limit.
Read about Conventional →FHA
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages designed for borrowers with smaller down payments or shorter credit histories.
Read about FHA →VA
VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses.
Read about VA →USDA
USDA loans are zero-down mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed for moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas.
Read about USDA →Jumbo
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the applicable FHFA conforming loan limit. They’re underwritten directly by the lender or portfolio investor.
Read about Jumbo →Non-QM
Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are designed for borrowers whose income or situation doesn't fit standard conventional, FHA, or VA underwriting — often self-employed borrowers and real estate investors.
Read about Non-QM →These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Programs worth comparing when you're refinancing
Conventional
Conventional loans are mortgages not backed by a government program. Conforming conventional loans follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements and stay within the applicable FHFA loan limit.
Read about Conventional →FHA
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages designed for borrowers with smaller down payments or shorter credit histories.
Read about FHA →VA
VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses.
Read about VA →USDA
USDA loans are zero-down mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed for moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas.
Read about USDA →Jumbo
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the applicable FHFA conforming loan limit. They’re underwritten directly by the lender or portfolio investor.
Read about Jumbo →Non-QM
Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are designed for borrowers whose income or situation doesn't fit standard conventional, FHA, or VA underwriting — often self-employed borrowers and real estate investors.
Read about Non-QM →Related topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- Rate-and-term refinance
- Cash-out refinance
- FHA Streamline
- VA IRRRL
These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Ways to use the equity you've built
HELOC
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by your home. You draw what you need, when you need it, and only pay interest on what's drawn.
Read about HELOC →Reverse Mortgage
A reverse mortgage (HECM) lets eligible older homeowners convert a portion of their home equity into cash, a line of credit, or monthly distributions — with no required monthly mortgage payment.
Read about Reverse Mortgage →Related topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- Cash-out refinance
- Home equity loan
These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Programs worth comparing when you're self-employed
Conventional
Conventional loans are mortgages not backed by a government program. Conforming conventional loans follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements and stay within the applicable FHFA loan limit.
Read about Conventional →FHA
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages designed for borrowers with smaller down payments or shorter credit histories.
Read about FHA →VA
VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and surviving spouses.
Read about VA →USDA
USDA loans are zero-down mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed for moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas.
Read about USDA →Jumbo
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the applicable FHFA conforming loan limit. They’re underwritten directly by the lender or portfolio investor.
Read about Jumbo →Non-QM
Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are designed for borrowers whose income or situation doesn't fit standard conventional, FHA, or VA underwriting — often self-employed borrowers and real estate investors.
Read about Non-QM →Related topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- Alternative documentation
- Bank-statement lending
These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Programs worth comparing for an investment property
Conventional
Conventional loans are mortgages not backed by a government program. Conforming conventional loans follow Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements and stay within the applicable FHFA loan limit.
Read about Conventional →Jumbo
Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the applicable FHFA conforming loan limit. They’re underwritten directly by the lender or portfolio investor.
Read about Jumbo →Non-QM
Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are designed for borrowers whose income or situation doesn't fit standard conventional, FHA, or VA underwriting — often self-employed borrowers and real estate investors.
Read about Non-QM →Related topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- DSCR
These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Financing for building or renovating
Construction
Construction loans finance a new home or an eligible teardown-and-rebuild. Construction-to-permanent financing may use one closing or separate construction and permanent-loan closings.
Read about Construction →Renovation
Renovation loans let you finance the purchase price of a home plus eligible repairs or improvements in a single mortgage. Financing considers the home’s after-improved value, but loan-to-value, eligible costs and program limits also apply.
Read about Renovation →Related topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- HomeStyle renovation
- Freddie Mac renovation option
- FHA 203(k)
- VA renovation
These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Not sure where to start?
Browse the full directory, or talk to Shane about where to start.
These are places to start, not an eligibility decision. The right fit depends on your full scenario.
Browse every loan program
Show all loan programs
Buying a home
Refinancing
Topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- Rate-and-term refinance
- Cash-out refinance
- FHA Streamline
- VA IRRRL
Using home equity
Topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- Cash-out refinance
- Home equity loan
Qualifying a different way
Topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- Alternative documentation
- Bank-statement lending
- DSCR
Building or renovating
Topics
Related topics. Linked topics open existing guides; other topics can be discussed with Shane.
- HomeStyle renovation
- Freddie Mac renovation option
- FHA 203(k)
- VA renovation
Not sure which program fits? Ask Shane.
Shane Milne · NMLS 81195