29 loan types do the real work in American housing. Each guide below is the honest version — what it costs, who it fits, the requirements, and the catch nobody mentions — with the calculator and today's rate for that program one click away.
The loans that get you into a home — sorted by credit, down payment and who backs them.
The rate and payment never change — for 30, 20 or 15 years.
Read the guide3.5% down at a 580 score — the default first-time-buyer loan.
Read the guide3% down, 620 score, and PMI that actually cancels.
Read the guideZero down, no PMI, for eligible veterans and service members.
Read the guideZero down in eligible rural and suburban areas, with income caps.
Read the guideAbove the conforming limit — a bank-held loan with tighter rules.
Read the guideFHA opens at 580 — here's what each score band gets you.
Read the guideOne loan for the purchase and the renovation, sized on after-repair value.
Read the guideLower rate now, a reset risk later — 5/6 and 7/6 loans.
Read the guideTwo loans, one closing — skip PMI without a 20% down payment.
Read the guideZero down, no PMI, and student loans that don't sink your DTI.
Read the guideSelf-employed income, qualified from deposits instead of tax returns.
Read the guideTake over the seller's existing loan — and their rate.
Read the guideLower payments for years, then a jump to full principal and interest.
Read the guideBorrow against a home you already own without disturbing a low first-mortgage rate.
A second lien behind your primary loan — lump sum or line of credit.
Read the guideA variable-rate credit line against your equity, drawn as needed.
Read the guideA fixed-rate lump sum against your equity, repaid on a set schedule.
Read the guideFive financing routes for renovations, sorted by equity and credit.
Read the guideReplace your mortgage with a bigger one and pocket the difference.
Read the guideConvert home equity to cash at 62+, with no required monthly payment.
Read the guideConstruction, land, manufactured homes and rental-property financing on their own terms.
Short-term financing to buy before your old home sells.
Read the guideFinances building a home, released in draws as work completes.
Read the guideClassification — real property or chattel — decides which loans apply.
Read the guideRental financing typically needs 15-25% down and a rate premium.
Read the guideFast, asset-based financing for flips — priced in double-digit rates.
Read the guideQualifies on rental cash flow instead of your personal income.
Read the guideLow payments for years, then the full balance is due.
Read the guideFinancing raw land costs more and down payments run higher.
Read the guideThe seller becomes the lender — no bank, no traditional underwriting.
Read the guideNot sure which fits? Start with today's rates, run your numbers in the payment calculator, or see whether you qualify for first-time-buyer help.