Conventional Loans in Texas & Florida
The mortgage most buyers actually qualify for.
Conventional loans are the most widely-used residential mortgage in the country — flexible on property type, competitive on overall cost, and available with as little as 3% down for qualified buyers in Texas and Florida.
120+ lender partners · Same-day response · NMLS #2661068 · Licensed in TX & FL
Overview
A conventional loan is the most common mortgage in America — a loan that conforms to the guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rather than being backed by a government agency like FHA or VA. For buyers with solid credit and steady, documentable income, it's usually the lowest-cost path to owning a home: competitive rates, flexible terms, and a down payment that can be far smaller than most people assume.
The myth that you need 20% down is exactly that — a myth. Qualified buyers can put as little as 3% down on a conventional loan, and while a down payment under 20% adds private mortgage insurance (PMI), that PMI isn't permanent — it drops off automatically as you build equity. Across Texas and Florida, conventional financing fits a huge range of buyers, from first-timers to move-up buyers to investors, and with 120+ lender partners I shop your profile to the program and pricing that actually fits.
How a conventional loan works
Conventional loans are "conforming" when they fall at or below the annual conforming loan limit and meet Fannie/Freddie underwriting standards; above that limit, you move into jumbo territory. Qualifying comes down to the familiar pillars: credit (typically 620+, with the best pricing at higher scores), debt-to-income ratio, documentable income, and a down payment from 3% up. Put down less than 20% and you'll carry PMI — but unlike FHA's mortgage insurance, conventional PMI can be removed once you reach roughly 20% equity, either automatically or by request after an appraisal. That single difference often makes conventional cheaper over time than a low-down-payment government loan for borrowers who qualify.
Who it's for
Conventional loans fit buyers with reasonably strong credit and steady income who want the lowest long-term cost — first-time buyers using 3%-down programs, move-up buyers, and investors financing rentals or second homes (where conventional is often the go-to). If your credit is thinner or your down payment is very small, FHA may fit better; if you're self-employed and your tax returns understate your income, a bank statement loan may be the smarter route. I'll compare them side by side so you land on the one that costs you the least.
What to know
Conventional loans, plainly.
As little as 3% down
Qualified buyers don't need 20%; low-down-payment conventional programs exist.
PMI is removable
Private mortgage insurance drops off as you reach ~20% equity, unlike FHA's.
Credit-driven pricing
Typically 620+ to qualify, with better rates at higher scores.
Conforming limits
Stays conventional up to the annual loan limit; above it becomes jumbo.
Any occupancy
Primary residence, second home, or investment property.
120+ lenders shopped
I match your credit, down payment, and goals to the best-priced program.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions.
Related guides
- DSCR vs Conventional Loan: Which Works Best for Investors?DSCR vs conventional loan for real estate investors — income verification, down payment, rates, LLC ownership, and when each wins for scaling a portfolio in TX & FL.
- What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?The credit score you need to buy a house by loan type — FHA, VA, conventional, and non-QM — plus how your score affects your rate and quick ways to improve it. TX & FL.
- How Much House Can You Afford? The Real MathHow to figure out how much house you can afford — DTI, PITI, down payment, and the difference between approved and comfortable. A broker's honest guide for TX & FL buyers.
- Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval vs Commitment: What's the Difference?The difference between mortgage pre-qualification, pre-approval, and a loan commitment — what each proves, which sellers trust, and when you need them. For buyers in TX & FL.
Explore related programs
- FHABacked by the Federal Housing Administration. Lower down payment, flexible credit guidelines, and broadly available to first-time and repeat buyers.
- JumboFinancing for loan amounts above conventional conforming limits. Built for higher-value purchases in Texas and Florida markets where conforming caps fall short.
- First-Time BuyerBuying your first home in Texas or Florida. Conventional, FHA, and down payment assistance options — built for buyers new to the process.
Next step
See if conventional fits.
Send me your situation or start your application. I'll tell you honestly whether conventional is the right path or whether another program fits you better.
120+ lender partners · Same-day response · NMLS #2661068 · Licensed in TX & FL
NMLS #2661068 · 120+ lender partners · same-day response