Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but securing a mortgage loan is often the most daunting part of the process for many first-time homebuyers. With so many options available, it can be confusing trying to determine the type of mortgage that best fits your financial situation and goals.

This guide breaks down the most common types of mortgages available, key terms and requirements, and tips for choosing the right loan product as a first-time buyer.

FHA Loans (Federal Housing Administration)

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This type of loan requires a low down payment and is popular among first-time home buyers who may not have a lot of cash saved up for the 20% down payment typically required for conventional loans.

FHA Loan Requirements

To qualify for an FHA loan, you must meet a few key requirements:

Down Payment: Only 3.5% is required for qualified buyers. Gifts from family members are acceptable.
Credit Score: At least 500, but scores above 580 will get better terms. Many lenders require at least 620.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Max of 43% of gross monthly income going to long-term debts.
Mortgage Insurance: Upfront mortgage insurance premium and annual mortgage insurance are required.

FHA Loan Pros

Low down payment requirements make it accessible for first-time buyers
Down payment gifts allowed from family members
More flexible credit score requirements
Low mortgage insurance rates compared to other options
This can be assumed by new buyers if you sell before paying off the loan

FHA Loan Cons

Requires mortgage insurance (MIP) for the life of the loan
Maximum loan limits lower than conventional loans
More costly upfront fees and closing costs
Strict underwriting and appraisal guidelines

For many first-time buyers, the main advantage of an FHA loan is the low 3.5% down payment and flexible credit requirements. While FHA loans do come with mortgage insurance, their guidelines are more lenient than conventional loans. The low down payment makes them one of the most affordable mortgage options.

Conventional Loans

Conventional loans are mortgages that conform to standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans are not insured or guaranteed by any government agency. Conventional loans generally require higher credit scores and down payments but offer lower interest rates.

Conventional Loan Requirements

Here are the typical requirements borrowers need to qualify for a conventional mortgage:

Down Payment: At least 5% down is required for primary residence. 20% down avoids private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Credit Score: Minimum 620 score, but many lenders want over 700 for the best rates.
Debt-to-Income Ratio: Typically allows up to 43% debt-to-income ratio.
Mortgage Insurance: Required if the down payment is under 20% of the home value.

Conventional Loan Pros

Low mortgage interest rates
No maximum purchase price limits
Down payments under 20% avoid FHA mortgage insurance
May have more flexible qualifying guidelines

Conventional Loan Cons

Require higher credit scores than FHA loans
PMI is required if less than 20% down
May require mortgage points to buy down rate
Loan limits might be lower for first-time buyers

Conventional loans offer some of the best interest rates to buyers with good credit who can make a down payment of at least 5%. If you can put 20% down, you can avoid paying private mortgage insurance. While their qualifying guidelines are stricter than FHA, conventional loans give buyers more financing flexibility.

VA Loans (A VA loan is a mortgage offered through a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs program.)

VA loans are mortgages backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs designed to help military service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners. These loans offer a $0 down payment option and flexible underwriting.

VA Loan Requirements

To get approved for a VA mortgage loan, you must:

Be an active duty service member, veteran, reservist, or qualified surviving spouse
Have sufficient income and credit score requirements
Meet service length requirements
Pay the VA funding fee (which can be rolled into a loan)
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility

VA Loan Pros

Requires no down payment for qualified buyers
No monthly mortgage insurance payments
Low VA funding fees can be rolled into loan
Competitive fixed interest rates
Gift funds allowed for down payment

VA Loan Cons

Must be an eligible veteran or surviving spouse
VA funding fee required
Can only be used to purchase primary residence
Strict qualifying guidelines and limits on debt-to-income ratio

VA loans allow eligible service members and veterans to buy a home with no down payment. They come with competitive fixed rates and no monthly mortgage insurance. While they have strict requirements, VA loans are incredibly valuable for qualifying military buyers.

USDA Loans (U.S. Department of Agriculture)

USDA loans are a special type of government-backed mortgage for low to moderate-income buyers in rural and suburban areas. They require no down payment and have flexible underwriting.

USDA Loan Requirements

Here are the basic requirements to qualify for USDA home financing:

Must be purchasing a home in an eligible rural or suburban area
Annual income must be within USDA limits for area median income
Credit score of at least 640
Total debt-to-income ratio under 43%
No down payment required

USDA Loan Pros

100% financing means no down payment requirement
Fixed low-interest rates
Low upfront mortgage insurance one-time fee
No monthly mortgage insurance payments
33-38-year loan terms available

USDA Loan Cons

Property must be in an eligible rural or suburban zone
Maximum income limits imposed
An upfront guarantee fee required
Private mortgage insurance is required for some loans
Limited home styles may be eligible

USDA loans offer a terrific financing solution for eligible buyers in rural or suburban locations looking to buy a primary residence. They are structured to help low to moderate-income families who cannot afford a sizeable down payment buy a home.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARM)

Adjustable-rate mortgages have interest rates that fluctuate over the loan term after an initial fixed-rate period. This means the monthly mortgage payment amount can go up or down over time with rate changes.

ARM Loan Terms

Fixed rate for first 3, 5, 7, or 10 years then adjusts
Rate changes follow an index like U.S. Treasury securities
Annual and lifetime caps limit interest rate increases
Options like 3/3, 5/5, 7/7 ARMs

ARM Pros

Lower initial interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages
May qualify for higher loan amounts
Interest rate increases are limited by caps
Good option if you plan to move before the rate adjusts

ARM Cons

Monthly payment amounts can increase substantially
Difficult to budget when future payments uncertain
Not ideal if you keep your home beyond a fixed-rate period
Caps limit interest rate drop when rates decline

ARMs come with built-in caps to prevent interest rates and payments from rising too quickly. But over time the rates and monthly payments can fluctuate significantly. They are a riskier choice unless you plan to move before the fixed period expires.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages

Fixed-rate mortgages have an interest rate that remains the same over the full loan term, typically 15 or 30 years. This provides predictable, stable monthly payments.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Features

Interest rates locked in for the life of the loan
Fixed monthly principal and interest payments
Loan terms commonly 15 or 30 years
May have lower interest rates than ARMs
Can often refinance into a lower rate later

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Pros

Payments remain stable and predictable
Easier budgeting with fixed monthly payments
Not impacted by interest rate increases
No risk of payment shock down the road
Locks in low rates for the long-term

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Cons

Rates may be higher than adjustable-rate mortgages
Missed opportunity if rates fall in the future
Often more costly to pay off a loan early
Lenders may require higher down payments

Fixed-rate mortgages provide stability and peace of mind for buyers who want to lock in low rates. This prevents any payment shocks in the future as you budget for consistent mortgage expenses.

Choosing the Right Mortgage for You

With numerous mortgage products available, it can be tricky to determine which type of loan works best for your situation as a first-time buyer. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding on a mortgage:

Down Payment Amount – If you do not have a 20% down payment, an FHA or USDA loan can offer alternatives that require less upfront. Conventional loans allow down payments as low as 5%.

Interest Rates – Compare current interest rates for fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. Initial ARM rates can be lower but keep in mind they come with risks.

Home Price Limits – FHA and USDA loans have caps on the maximum amount you can borrow based on home prices in your area. Conventional loans do not.

Origination Fees – USDA and VA loans tend to have lower upfront origination fees while FHA loans charge an additional mortgage insurance fee.

Credit Score Requirements – FHA has the most flexibility for lower credit scores. Conventional and USDA loans require a minimum of 620 FICO. VA uses a case-by-case basis.

Location – If buying in a rural or suburban area, USDA financing can be an option where other loans are not.

Creating a budget and getting pre-approved can help you have a better sense of the monthly payments you feel comfortable with along with your down payment capacity. This makes it easier to identify the best mortgage product to fit your financial needs as you embark on buying your first home.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Mortgage

The process of getting a mortgage and purchasing your first home can feel challenging. But having a solid understanding of the various mortgage options available will empower you to make the right decision. Connecting with an experienced loan officer early is a key step to exploring the different loans and your ability to qualify.

While factors like interest rates, fees, and down payments are all important, choose the mortgage that lets you affordably finance the home you want with payments you can manage over the long haul. With the right home loan, you’ll be excited to start this new chapter in your life as a first-time homeowner.