FHA Loan |
580+ (3.5% down) or 500-579 (10% down) |
3.5% (580+) or 10% (500-579) |
Up to 50% |
Yes, for life of loan unless refinanced |
Primary residence only |
Low down payment, flexible credit |
VA Loan |
580+ (some lenders accept lower) |
0% (No down payment required) |
Typically 41-50% |
No |
Primary residence only |
No down payment, no PMI, low interest rates |
Conventional Loan |
620+ (700+ preferred for best rates) |
3-5% (Primary residence), 20% (Investment) |
Up to 43-50% |
Yes, if less than 20% down (PMI can be removed) |
Primary, second homes, investment properties |
Lower costs over time, PMI removal |
ITIN Loan |
No SSN required, ITIN needed |
10-20% |
Flexible, varies by lender |
No |
Primary residence only |
No SSN required, alternative income accepted |
Foreign National Loan |
No U.S. credit history required |
25-40% |
Flexible, varies by lender |
No |
Primary or investment properties |
Allows foreign buyers to invest in U.S. real estate |
HELOC |
Varies, typically 620+ |
No down payment (borrow against home equity) |
Not applicable (line of credit) |
No (HELOC functions as a credit line) |
Existing home equity (not for purchases) |
Access to home equity for expenses |
DSCR Investor Loan |
No credit score required (loan based on property income) |
20-25% |
Based on rental income, not personal DTI |
No |
Investment properties only |
No income verification needed, great for investors |
Non-QM Loan |
Varies by program (typically 600+) |
10-30% depending on program |
Flexible, varies by lender |
No |
Varies (self-employed, alternative financing) |
Flexible qualification, good for self-employed |
FHA 203K Loan |
580+ (for renovation loan) |
3.5% (like FHA) |
Up to 50% |
Yes, like FHA |
Primary residence (renovation loan) |
Covers home purchase + renovation costs |
Bridge Loan |
Varies, usually 680+ |
Typically 20-25% |
Varies, typically 50% or lower |
No |
Primary or investment properties |
Helps buyers purchase a new home before selling the old one |
Mixed-Use Home Loan |
620+ |
15-25% |
Varies, typically 45-50% |
No |
Mixed-use properties |
Allows financing for live/work spaces |
ADU Loan |
Varies by lender |
10-25% |
Varies, based on loan type |
No |
Homes with ADUs or multiple units |
Finances ADUs & multiple unit homes |
Construction Loan |
680+ preferred |
Varies, typically 20-30% |
Up to 50% |
No |
New construction |
Covers land purchase + home construction |