types of mortgages

7 Main Types of Mortgage Loans

With several types of mortgage loans available, it helps to know the details. Read up about them below or contact us to start your application today.

types of mortgages

How Many Types of Home Loans are There?

There are, of course, more than seven types of home loans–but these are the seven that matter most when you’re ready to buy a home with us. Depending on your personal financial situation, some loans may be a better fit than others. What’s most important is that you work with a trusted mortgage lender to choose the one that works for your budget and your plans. Remember, the type of loan you choose determines your monthly payment, so be sure to research the differences between each. 

7 Main Types of Mortgage Loans

Need to make a lower down payment? Looking for low interest rates? Buying an expensive home? There’s a loan for that. Here are the seven most common types of home loans.

  1. Fixed Rate Mortgage
  2. Adjustable Rate Mortgage
  3. FHA Mortgage
  4. VA Mortgage
  5. USDA Mortgage
  6. Jumbo Mortgage
  7. Doctor Mortgage

1. Fixed Rate Mortgage

Most people are familiar with fixed rate mortgages. As the name suggests, these home loans have the same (or fixed) interest rates over the course of the loan’s life.

Another benefit of fixed rate mortgages is that they may be offered at several different term lengths (instead of only one or two term options like other loans). They’re good fits for buyers who plan to live in their houses for a long time and prefer consistent and predictable monthly payments. Searching for your “forever home?” Fixed rate may be the perfect choice.

2. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

Unlike fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) change over time. During an introductory period, ARM interest rates may be lower than other average rates. After a set period, those interest rates can rise or fall. This means your monthly payment may change over time.

An adjustable rate mortgage can be both advantageous and risky, depending on how the market changes over time. If you only plan to live in your house for a few years, you’ll enjoy the lower-than-average interest rates. But if you stay in your home longer and interest rates rise, you could end up paying more every month.

3. FHA Mortgage

Homebuyers with existing debt, lower credit scores, or smaller down payments are often good candidates for Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans. Your credit score will determine the amount you need to put down, and generally, the lower your credit score is, the more you’ll need for your down payment. FHA home loans have more flexible requirements, but applicants who qualify will need to purchase mortgage insurance to protect the lender in the event they default on the loan. Still, FHA loans can considerably lower barriers to homeownership for many people across Nevada and California.

4. VA Mortgage

Veterans, active duty service members and even their surviving spouses are generally eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans. VA home loans typically do not require a down payment and offer lower-than-average interest rates.

Many lenders may have additional qualification requirements for VA loans, but in general, you must have been honorably discharged, be serving in active duty or be a surviving spouse of a service member. 

5. USDA Mortgage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers home loans for low-income homebuyers interested in living in eligible rural areas. USDA home loans were specifically created to help rural communities grow and thrive, so they can be great options for buyers who are looking for something away from major metro areas. It is important to note that some suburbs of metro areas can qualify for a USDA home loan.

USDA loans generally come with lower than average interest rates and do not require down payments. They can be incredibly helpful if you’ve struggled to gather down payment funds or need a lower monthly mortgage payment.

6. Jumbo Mortgage

Interested in purchasing a more expensive home in a more competitive market? You’ll probably need a jumbo loan. Jumbo home loans exceed Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) conforming limits and come with more rigorous requirements than traditional loans. To qualify for jumbo loans, borrowers need very good credit scores and lower debt-to-income ratios. They should also be prepared to navigate the distinctive underwriting requirements of borrowing this amount.

7. Doctor Mortgage

If you happen to be a medical professional, be sure to consider a doctor home loan (also called a physician loan). These loans are tailored to newly graduated doctors or out of residency, who tend to have high debt-to-income ratios right after medical school.

Which Home Loan is Right for You?

Looking for a match made in mortgage heaven? Find the perfect fit based on your plans and needs.

Everyone Deserves a Home

According to the National Institute to End Homelessness, over 7,600 Nevadans experience homelessness on any given day, with nearly 20% being children and teens. Our Keys to Greater program donates a portion of the revenue from every new mortgage or refinance to community nonprofit organizations that address homelessness, which has resulted in $190,000 donated since launching in 2021.

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APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR is the cost to borrow money expressed as a yearly percentage. For mortgage loans, excluding home equity lines of credit, it includes the interest rate plus other charges or fees.

Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates are for illustrative purposes only, and assumes a borrower with a credit score of 700 or higher which may be higher or lower than your individual credit score. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) loans are subject to interest rate, APR, and payment increase after each change period. For instance, a 5/5 ARM means that you will pay a fixed rate for the first five years of the loan, and then your rate is subject to change once every five years thereafter through the remainder of the loan. Interest rates and APRs are based on current market rates, and may be subject to pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables. Depending on loan guidelines, mortgage insurance may be required. If mortgage insurance is required, the mortgage insurance premium could increase the APR and the monthly mortgage payment. Your loan’s interest rate will depend upon the specific characteristics of your loan transaction and your credit history up to the time of closing. The estimated total closing costs in these rate scenarios are not a substitute for a Loan Estimate, which includes an estimate of closing costs, which you will receive once you apply for a loan. Actual fees, costs and monthly payment on your specific loan transaction may vary, and may include city, county or other additional fees and costs. Not all loan options are available in every state. Borrower is responsible for any property taxes as a condition of the loan. Membership with Greater Nevada Credit Union is required for select loan options. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend.

Please contact a Mortgage Consultant to learn about all details on loan options and programs available. You may contact one directly, or call Greater Nevada Mortgage at 775-888-6999 or 800-526-6999. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Opportunity Act, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.