
Conventional loans normally
require larger down payments than government backed loans (such as
FHA and VA). Traditionally the down payment for a conventional loan
is 20%, which is why many consumers favored government backed loans.
To lure more borrowers to the conventional loan
market, the concept of a Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) was
developed in the 1950’s.
If you are unable to put down 20% of the
purchase price, you may be required to pay a PMI, in addition to
your regular loan payment. This insurance is to protect your lender,
should you default. Therefore, if you have purchased a $200,000
home, with 5% down, and financed 95%, at 6% interest for 30 years,
you would expect to pay approximately $1100 a month, PLUS PMI on the
15% that you didn’t put down, to make up the 20% down payment.
When the principal on your property has reached 80% of
loan to value, you may be able to have the PMI removed.
Conventional lenders may also include prepayment
penalties, which means that if you pay off your loan before the
penalty period expires (which might be one to five years), you will
pay a cash penalty.
Compared to government backed loans, conventional
loans are sometimes more lenient with the condition of the property.
“Fixer uppers” might be easier obtained with a conventional loan.
For more information on conventional loans, contact
your lender.
Other Links of interest
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/FHALoans.htm
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/Buying.htm
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/Selling.htm
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/loans.htm
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/VALoans.htm
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/FAQ.htm
http://www.havasumagazine.com/RE/Interest.htm