mortgage lending made easy

Minimum FICO: 620

Minimum Down: 1%, 3%, or 5% (depending on program)

Max Loan Amount: $806,500 for 1-unit (for 2025). Higher limits for 2-4 units.

Flexible repayment plans with various term options like 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years

Option for fixed or adjustable interest rates, including short-term ARMs with lower initial rates

No upfront mortgage insurance fee, only monthly PMI if down payment is less than 20%

PMI can be canceled once you reach 20-22% home equity, lowering your monthly cost

Flexible co-borrower rules, allowing non-occupant co-borrowers to help qualify

Leniency for self-employed borrowers with simplified tax return requirements

Ability to use rental income if you plan to rent out your current home

Financing allowed for multi-unit properties (up to 4 units) with as little as 5% down if you occupy one unit

Higher loan limits and more lending options for borrowers with good credit

More flexibility in loan structure and eligibility than government-backed loans

BEST FOR: better credit, or refinancing out of FHA

Minimum FICO: 500 or 580

Minimum Down: 3.5%, or 10% (depending on FICO)

Max Loan Amount: $524,225 - $1,209,750 depending on county for 2025. Higher limits for 2-4 units.

More lenient credit score requirements, allowing buyers with lower or no credit history to qualify

Higher debt-to-income ratios allowed, up to around 50-55%, offering more borrowing flexibility

Down payment and closing costs can be covered by gift funds or assistance programs

Accepts non-traditional credit histories, such as rent and utility payments

Streamlined refinancing options that require minimal documentation

Allows financing for home repairs and energy-efficient improvements through special FHA programs

FHA loans are assumable by future buyers, which can be a selling advantage

Competitive interest rates for borrowers who might not qualify for conventional loans

BEST FOR: first-time buyers, and lower credit scores

Minimum FICO: 500

Minimum Down: 0%

Max Loan Amount: $806,500 - $1,209,750 depending on county for 2025. Higher limits for 2-4 units.

No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

Typically lower interest rates than conventional loans

More flexible credit score and debt-to-income requirements

Limited closing costs and fees (VA limits certain lender charges)

Availability of convenient refinancing options, like the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)

VA loans are assumable by future buyers, which can be a selling advantage

More lenient waiting periods after bankruptcy or foreclosure

No prepayment penalty on the loan

The VA offers financial counseling and assistance to help avoid foreclosure if needed

BEST FOR: first-time buyers, and lower credit scores

Minimum FICO: 680

Minimum Down: 15%

Max Loan Amount: $3M+.

Easier qualification focused on the property’s rental income rather than the borrower’s personal income or employment history

Less documentation required, simplifying the approval process

Allows investors with fluctuating or non-traditional income to qualify by leveraging property cash flow

Flexible underwriting with customizable loan terms and potentially higher loan amounts based on property income

No limits on the number of properties financed, enabling portfolio growth

Can be used for various property types including single-family, multi-family, vacation rentals, and commercial properties

Faster approval process compared to conventional loans due to focus on property performance

Can close in a business entity such as an LLC or corporation.

BEST FOR: investors

Minimum FICO: No FICO needed

Minimum Down: 25-40%

Max Loan Amount: $3M.

Flexible qualification criteria: Allows international borrowers to qualify without a U.S. credit history or standard income documentation.

Alternative proof of income: Accepts foreign bank statements, international credit reports, or proof of assets instead of U.S. tax returns and W-2s.

Faster approval process: Less reliance on traditional documentation can result in quicker underwriting and closing.

No need for U.S. residency: Available for non-residents and those without a Social Security number or U.S.-based financial profile.

Portfolio growth potential: Allows foreign investors to build or diversify a U.S. real estate portfolio without standard barriers

Foreign nationals can buy as a second-home using assets to qualify.

BEST FOR: foreign nationals

Minimum FICO: No FICO needed

Minimum Down: No, or low down payment

Max Loan Amount: $1M+.

Little or no down payment required, helping professionals buy homes early in their careers

No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Unlike conventional mortgages where PMI is required for down payments less than 20%, physician loans often waive this requirement, saving borrowers money.

Higher loan limits: These loans can offer higher borrowing limits than conventional mortgages, allowing doctors to purchase more expensive homes.

Flexible Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio: Lenders may be more lenient when calculating the debt-to-income ratio, often considering only the monthly payments for income-driven repayment plans for student loans, rather than the total loan amount. This can make it easier to qualify despite student loan debt.

Easier qualification: Doctors may be able to qualify with just an employment contract, even before starting their new position, as lenders rely on their high earning potential.

Flexible credit criteria that accommodate professionals with significant student loan debt

Recognition of high future earning potential, allowing approval despite current debt levels

Favorable terms designed to support early-career professionals waiting for income growth

Helps new doctors, dentists, lawyers, and other advanced-degree holders access homeownership sooner

BEST FOR: professionals, executives, and others with advance degrees