Start Here

Home Loan Types & Strategies

There is no single “best” mortgage. The right loan depends on your credit, down payment, income, military status, and price range. Use this page as a simple, visual menu of options. Click any tile to see more detail, pros and cons, and what those loans look like in Central Florida.

Explore Loan Options

Conventional Loans

Standard conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Often used by buyers with solid credit and at least a small down payment.

  • As little as 3–5% down for qualifying buyers
  • More flexible property types than many programs
  • Great for primary homes, second homes and some rentals

View Conventional Details

FHA Loans

Designed for buyers who need more flexibility with credit history or higher debt-to-income ratios, with low minimum down payments.

  • Low down payment options
  • More forgiving on past credit challenges
  • Great for many first-time buyers

View FHA Details

VA Loans (Eligible Veterans)

Powerful benefit for eligible Veterans, active duty, and some surviving spouses. Often allows no down payment and very competitive terms.

  • Zero-down options for eligible borrowers
  • No monthly mortgage insurance on most VA loans
  • Can work well even at higher price points

View VA Options

USDA Rural / Suburban

Zero-down financing in eligible areas for qualifying income ranges. Often a strong fit outside the core metro areas of Central Florida.

  • Zero down for eligible areas and incomes
  • Must meet location and income limits
  • Great for buyers open to more suburban / rural locations

USDA Overview

Jumbo Loans

Financing for homes above the standard conforming loan limits. Designed for stronger buyers purchasing in higher price ranges.

  • For price ranges above conforming limits
  • Stronger income, credit and reserves usually required
  • Often used for move-up and executive homes

Jumbo Loan Guide

Refinance & Strategy

Already own a home? Explore options to lower payments, shorten the term, consolidate debt or tap equity for improvements and investment.

  • Rate-and-term refinance plans
  • Cash-out equity for projects or debt pay-off
  • Strategies for higher-rate loans from previous years

Request Refi / Strategy Review

Which Loan Type Might Fit You?

If you want the lowest possible down payment

  • FHA and some Conventional programs can start as low as 3–3.5% down
  • VA and USDA may offer zero-down for eligible buyers
  • Down payment assistance may layer on top in certain cases

If you had past credit challenges

  • FHA and some specialty programs may be more flexible
  • We review your credit history and timelines together
  • We can also create a plan to raise scores before you buy

If you are a Veteran or active duty

  • VA is often the first place we look
  • We compare VA to Conventional and Jumbo (when needed)
  • Goal: lowest total cost and strongest long-term fit

Use this page to explore, then use the calculators and a quick conversation with me to narrow it down.

Next Steps – Turn Options into a Plan

1. Check Your Numbers

2. Quick Strategy Call

We match your credit, down payment and timeline with the loan types that actually make sense – including what your total payment might look like in the real world.

3. Pre-Approval & Home Search

Once we pick a loan lane, we can get you pre-approved and tie the financing to real homes in the MLS – looking at taxes, insurance and HOA fees so there are no surprises.

Start Your Loan Strategy