How to Qualify for a Conventional Loan

by Lori Madden 06/13/2021

A conventional loan is the most common type of mortgage used to secure a home purchase. Conventional loans are backed by private lenders and typically conform to the standards established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In order to qualify for a conventional loan, you must meet several specific requirements.

1. Debt-to-income ratios.

In order to qualify for a conventional loan in a specific amount, you must meet the lender's established debt-to-income ratio requirements. This means that you must show that the ratio of your revolving monthly debts to your monthly income does not exceed a certain percentage.

2. Down payment.

To qualify for a conventional loan, you must typically make a large payment upfront known as a "down payment." Ideally, this payment should equal at least 20 percent of the cost of the home. However, if you cannot pay 20 percent down upfront, a smaller down payment may be acceptable. If your down payment is less than 20 percent, the lender may require you to pay mortgage insurance, which will increase your monthly payment amount.

3. Credit score.

To qualify for a conventional loan, you must have a decent credit score. The minimum credit score required is usually around 640, but exceptions can sometimes be made for a lower credit score. It is important to note that your credit score may have an impact on your mortgage interest rate. In general, borrowers with higher credit scores will qualify for better interest rates than borrowers who have lower credit scores.

4. Income stability.

Before your conventional loan can be approved, your lender will want to see evidence that you have a reliable source of income. Your lender may ask to see records of your employment history, as well as evidence that your job is expected to continue.

5. Loan limits.

Conventional loans are subject to limits with regard of the maximum amount you can borrow. Your loan must fall within these limits in order to qualify for your lender's program. The specific limit varies according to your location.

6. Credit history.

Before approving your loan, your lender will review your credit history. If you have negative entries, such as missed payments or accounts in collections, you may be asked to provide an explanation.

Requirements for conventional loans may vary by lender. Some specific borrowers, such as those with a short employment history, may also need to meet additional requirements. To find out the exact requirements you must satisfy, contact a lender to discuss your desired loan.

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About the Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!