Low down payment options
Eligible first-time buyers may put down as little as 3%. Others commonly put down 5%, 10% or 20% depending on goals and cash reserves.
Conventional Loans · Arizona
Conventional loans follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines rather than a government program. For buyers with solid credit and steady income, they are often the cleanest, most flexible way to finance a home in Arizona.
At a glance
Eligible first-time buyers may put down as little as 3%. Others commonly put down 5%, 10% or 20% depending on goals and cash reserves.
With less than 20% down, private mortgage insurance applies. Unlike FHA, it can generally be removed once you build enough equity.
Primary residences, second homes and investment properties up to four units can all be financed conventionally.
Credit score, down payment and loan size all influence pricing. Small adjustments can make a measurable difference, and I will show you where the breakpoints are.
Worth knowing
Conventional loans generally include a due-on-sale clause, which is why they are not typically assumable. If a low assumable rate matters to you as a buyer, look for homes with existing FHA, VA or USDA financing.
FAQ
Eligible first-time buyers may qualify with as little as 3% down; many buyers put down 5–20%. The right amount depends on your cash reserves, monthly payment goals and whether you want to avoid mortgage insurance.
Generally yes. Private mortgage insurance can typically be cancelled once you reach enough equity based on the original value or a new appraisal, subject to the servicer’s requirements and your payment history.
It depends on your credit, down payment and the property. Conventional often wins for stronger credit profiles, while FHA can be more forgiving. I run both side by side so the comparison is based on your actual numbers.
Yes. Conventional financing is available for second homes and investment properties, with different down payment and reserve requirements than a primary residence.
Conventional loans look at your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, cash reserves and the property. They generally expect stronger credit than FHA, and in return the mortgage insurance can come off later and pricing improves as your credit and down payment do. Exact minimums vary by program and lender and change over time.
Conventional loans that follow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rules have a conforming loan limit that's updated every year. Loans above it are jumbo loans with their own guidelines. I confirm the current limit when you start looking.
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