Conventional loans dominate the U.S. mortgage market for one reason: flexibility. As little as 3% down. PMI that actually cancels. Works for primary, second home, or investment. Loan amounts up to $832,750 in 2026.
A conventional loan is a mortgage that isn't backed by the federal government. Instead, it conforms to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In 2026, conventional loans require as little as 3% down for first-time buyers (5% standard), a 620+ credit score, and a debt-to-income ratio under 50%.
The maximum conforming loan amount in 2026 is $832,750 in most Florida counties (up to $990,150 in Monroe County). Anything above is a jumbo loan. Conventional loans work for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties — and PMI cancels automatically at 78% loan-to-value, unlike FHA's lifetime mortgage insurance.
60% of all U.S. mortgages are conventional. Once you understand why, you'll see it's not by accident.
First-time buyers can put just 3% down on a conforming loan. Standard buyers: 5%. No need for the mythical 20%.
Hit 78% LTV and your PMI drops off automatically. Unlike FHA, you're not stuck paying mortgage insurance forever.
Primary residence, vacation home, or rental property. Conventional is the only program that fits all three.
For strong-credit buyers (740+), conventional usually beats FHA on total cost — once you factor in MI savings.
The right down payment depends on your savings, your monthly budget, and your goals. Here are the four most common conventional loan structures.
Sample monthly payments based on Q2 2026 conventional rates. Estimates only — actual rates vary by credit and program.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) updates conforming loan limits annually. Here's what 2026 looks like in Florida.
Get pre-approved in 2 hours. No credit pull required to start. We shop your file against 25+ lenders to find the best rate and structure.
Conventional loans have clear, well-defined eligibility requirements. Here's exactly what you need to qualify in 2026.
The right answer depends on your credit, down payment, and long-term plans. We help you run the numbers both ways.
Chris and his team will run both conventional AND FHA scenarios side-by-side — and recommend the one that saves you the most money over your ownership timeline.
Most lenders take 35-45 days. We average 21-24 days. Here's how we move faster than the rest.
60-second application. No SSN needed to start.
Verified pre-approval letter within 2 hours.
Appraisal, title, insurance, full underwriting.
Final approval, closing disclosure issued.
Sign at closing. Get the keys. Move in.
This is what happens when 29 years of experience meets the most flexible loan in the market.
I thought I needed 20% down. Chris showed me a 5% conventional with PMI that I'll pay off in three years. Got into my first home with $22K down instead of $90K. Wish I'd called him a year sooner.
Bought a second home in Venice with 10% down on conventional. Chris ran the conventional vs jumbo numbers — saved us $14,000 over five years by staying under the conforming limit. He's a strategist, not just a lender.
Refinanced from FHA to conventional after our home appreciated. Chris dropped our PMI permanently and our payment fell $340/month. The conversation took 15 minutes. Pure value.
The questions Florida buyers ask us most. Tap to expand. If something isn't here, text Chris at 941.529.1040.
29 years of experience. 25+ lender network. 2-hour pre-approval. Apply in 60 seconds and we'll have you pre-approved before lunch.
60 seconds. No SSN. No credit pull. No obligation.