Step 1

Determine eligibility

Make sure you are eligible for the mortgage you want. VA, FHA, USDA, and conventional loans have different eligibility standards.

VA loans

Veterans, active duty military personnel, and surviving spouses who qualify can buy homes with a VA loan. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove you meet eligibility requirements. Learn more with our how to apply for a VA Loan article.

FHA loans

These loans make homebuying easier when you have a moderate income or less money for a down payment. FHA loans can be obtained with as little as 3.5% down payment. However, there are limits on the price of the house you can buy. Read more about FHA loans for first-time homebuyers.

USDA loans

USDA loans make buying a home more affordable in rural and some suburban communities. This map will help show which communities are eligible. USDA loans have income limits that vary by location and household size.

Conventional loans

Conventional loans generally require higher credit scores and have more financial and down payment requirements than VA, FHA, or USDA loans. However, you can use a conventional loan to buy a second home or investment property as well as a primary home. Leia mais →