A conventional loan is a traditional loan that the government does not back. Also known as a “private” loan, conventional loans are approved by private lenders and are similar to those offered at banks or credit unions. To get a conventional loan from MMC, check here . If you still aren’t sure what a conventional loan is, here’s a brief overview with an explanation of how it works.
What Is a Conventional Loan?
As mentioned above, a conventional loan is simply a type of financial loan that is not government-backed. In short, it is just like any other form of loan, except it does not share the same regulations as government-backed loans. They are not provided by the federal government, so they are only available to borrowers who meet the specific lending criteria of the lender. Conventional loans are mostly used for residential purposes, such as the purchase of a home or car.
How Does a Conventional Loan Work?
A conventional loan works precisely the same way as a government-backed loan. Only, their approval process is different. To be eligible for a conventional loan, you will need to have a steady job and some proof of income. In addition, conventional loans are available in both fixed or adjustable-rate options. If you choose an adjustable rate, your interest rate can fluctuate with market factors such as the prime rate. Fixed rates, on the other hand, are set for the entirety of your repayment period.
How Do You Apply for a Conventional Loan
The process for applying for a conventional loan is quite similar to that of any other loan. First, you’ll need to contact a lending institution, either by phone or in-person (based on your preference), and request the conventional loan paperwork. You’ll then fill out the necessary documents, which will likely consist of items such as your name, address and age, bank statements, tax returns, and other financial information. If you’d like, you could also provide additional information to help give the lending company an idea of your creditworthiness.
Once your application is complete and you’ve submitted all of the requested documents, the lending company will review everything and determine whether or not to offer you a conventional loan.
How Do I Qualify for a Conventional Loan?
Just as with any other loan, you’ll have to qualify for a conventional loan before you can get approved. However, qualifying for a conventional loan may be easier than qualifying for some other types of loans. This is because it is generally easier to obtain a conventional loan than a government-backed one. The following are requirements you’ll need to meet to qualify for the right conventional loan:
- Credit score: Borrowers typically need at least an average credit score (660 or higher) to qualify. However, each lender may have different requirements according to their unique underwriting criteria. If your score is low, but your income and collateral are high, and in good condition, then this might be an option for you.
- Assets: Conventional loans require you to have some sort of asset, whether it be a house, car, or cash on hand. If you don’t have any assets to back your loan, you may be able to use an unimproved property as collateral. Also known as unsecured loans, this type of loan requires less paperwork and is often easier to qualify for since you don’t have any collateral attached to the loan.
What Are the Advantages of Conventional Loans?
Conventional loans offer a number of benefits to borrowers.
- Fast loan processing: Conventional loans typically have a shorter application process than government loans.
- More affordable: You can save thousands of dollars over time with a conventional loan compared to government loans.
- Reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI): Most conventional loans today require much lower down payments than government loans do. This means you can obtain a lower mortgage interest rate with a smaller down payment.
- More flexible: Conventional loans are more flexible than government loans regarding personal priorities, exceptions, and interest rates.
What Are the Disadvantages of Conventional Loans?
While conventional loans offer plenty of benefits to borrowers, they also have some disadvantages that you should know about. These disadvantages include:
- Higher interest rate: Compared to government loans, conventional loans typically have a higher interest rate. This means you can pay more over time when you borrow from a conventional lender.
- Lower Debt-to-Income Ratios (DTI):
Government loans often offer more leeway with your debt to income ratio because your income and job back them. However, it may be challenging to qualify for a conventional loan if you have a high debt-to-income ratio.
Credit History and Collateral
Conventional loans require you to have a good credit history, sufficient income, and collateral. This means your chances of qualifying for a conventional loan are much less than if you had a government loan.
Since conventional loans are not federally-backed, they are typically better suited for borrowers with good credit history and the financial means to make their monthly payments. While it may not be the best option for every borrower, there are still a number of great reasons to consider a conventional loan as an alternative to government loans.
