The workhorse. And the one I shop the hardest.
If you have solid credit and some money to put down, this is probably where you land. I price conventional loans across my full lender network because lender-to-lender pricing varies more than people realize.
Overview
Conventional loans are the backbone of mortgage lending. Backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, they cover more scenarios than any other product. Primary residence, second home, investment property. Competitive rates for strong borrowers. Mortgage insurance that goes away once you build enough equity.
Here's what most people don't realize: conventional pricing is a grid. Your credit score, your down payment, your property type, your occupancy. Each variable adjusts the price. Two borrowers with different credit profiles on the same loan can see meaningfully different pricing. Over the life of the loan, that adds up.
The reason a broker matters on conventional more than almost any other product is that each lender eats those pricing adjustments differently. Same borrower, same scenario, meaningfully different offers. I run it across my network and bring you the pricing that fits your file.
Key Details
How I Handle This
Your file goes to multiple lenders. Not figuratively. I literally price it across my network and show you the winner. On conventional loans, the spread between the best and worst offer on the same file can be significant. Most borrowers never see that comparison because they only talk to one lender.
If you're close to a credit tier that would improve your pricing, I tell you before you lock. Sometimes a small paydown on a credit card moves your score into a more favorable pricing tier.
Questions I Get
What's the difference between conventional and conforming?
Conforming means it fits within the Fannie/Freddie loan limit. In Texas, that's $832,750 for 2026. Conventional is the broader category. Jumbo loans are conventional but not conforming.
Do I need a big down payment?
No. There are conventional programs with very low minimums, especially for first-time buyers. I'll show you what's available.
How does the mortgage insurance work?
You pay it monthly until you build enough equity. Then you can request cancellation. It also drops automatically at a certain point. Unlike FHA, it doesn't follow you for the life of the loan.
Is conventional always better than FHA?
Below a certain credit score, FHA is actually cheaper because conventional's pricing adjustments get steep. I run both and show you the winner. It's not always the one you'd guess.
Can I use this for a rental property?
Yes. Conventional is the only standard option for second homes and investment properties. Government loans don't go there.
Let's see where conventional lands for you.
Send me your scenario. I'll price it across my lender network and show you your options. No credit pull required to start.