Conventional Loans
Conforming, High-Balance, and Down Payment Assistance for MD, VA, DC, and PA
From 3% down first-time buyer programs to high-balance loans up to $1,249,125 in DC-metro counties, we deliver every flavor of conventional financing — including Down Payment Assistance programs that close the cash-to-close gap.
Why Choose Us
- 3% down for first-time buyers (HomeReady & Home Possible)
- Down Payment Assistance up to 5% — grants, forgivable seconds, and repayable seconds
- High-balance conforming up to $1,249,125 in DC, Montgomery, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince George's counties
- VantageScore now accepted alongside FICO
- 1-0 temporary buydowns — lower payment for the first 12 months
Conventional Mortgage Loans
A conventional mortgage is the most common loan type in the United States — any mortgage that isn't backed by the FHA, VA, or USDA. Conventional loans follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two government-sponsored enterprises that buy loans from lenders and keep mortgage capital flowing to homebuyers.
For most borrowers with stable income and a credit score of 620 or higher, a conventional loan delivers the lowest long-run cost — competitive rates, cancellable mortgage insurance once you reach 20% equity, and the most flexible underwriting for self-employed, retirement, and investment income.
2026 Conforming Loan Limits
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets a maximum loan size each year for conventional loans purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. For 2026, those limits are:
In our footprint, the high-cost ceiling applies to Washington DC, Montgomery County MD, Prince George's County MD, Frederick County MD, Charles County MD, Calvert County MD, Arlington VA, Fairfax VA, Loudoun VA, Prince William VA, and Stafford VA — meaning a conventional loan up to $1.25M is available in all our most active markets.
Loans between $832,750 and $1,249,125 in those counties are called high-balance conforming loans — same Fannie/Freddie backing, slightly different pricing. Anything above $1,249,125 becomes a jumbo loan.
Low Down Payment Conventional Programs
You don't need 20% down for a conventional loan. We offer three core low-down-payment programs:
HomeReady® (Fannie Mae)
Home Possible® (Freddie Mac)
Standard Conventional 97
For any of these, first-time homebuyers receive an LLPA waiver from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which typically improves your interest rate.
Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
Cash-to-close is the #1 obstacle for first-time buyers in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia market — not the monthly payment. We have access to multiple Down Payment Assistance programs that can cover most or all of your down payment and closing costs.
Program structures we offer:
DPA programs vary by FICO, income, location, and property type — some go down to 600 FICO, others require 640+. Some are first-time-buyer only; others are not.
Most DPA programs stack with HomeReady or Home Possible, meaning you can combine the 3% down conventional program with a grant or second mortgage covering the down payment — effectively getting into a home with $0 of your own money down, plus closing-cost coverage.
Call us to run your specific scenario — we'll match you to the DPA program that delivers the lowest cash to close.
High-Balance Conforming Loans
In Washington DC and the surrounding high-cost Maryland and Virginia counties, conventional loans can go up to $1,249,125 while still being purchased by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These are called high-balance conforming loans.
Why they matter: A high-balance conforming loan typically prices 0.25%-0.50% better than a jumbo loan of the same size. For a $1M mortgage, that's $200-$400 per month in savings.
If you're buying in the $850K-$1.25M range in DC, Montgomery County, Arlington, Fairfax, or Loudoun, always check high-balance pricing first before considering jumbo.
Jumbo Loans
Loan amounts above $1,249,125 (in high-cost areas) or $832,750 (in standard-cost areas) are jumbo loans. These are not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, so underwriting is stricter and pricing is set by individual investors.
Typical jumbo requirements:
We have access to multiple jumbo programs, including options structured specifically for:
What's New in 2026
The conventional lending landscape moves fast. Here's what changed recently that may benefit you:
VantageScore now accepted alongside FICO
Most major conventional loan programs now run both VantageScore and FICO on every file. If your VantageScore is higher than your FICO, you may qualify for better pricing — automatically.
1-0 Temporary Buydowns at no cost (limited time)
The cost of a 1-0 buydown is currently being covered as a lender credit on select conventional and government purchases. This means your first 12 monthly payments are calculated at a rate 1% lower than your note rate — at no cost to you or the seller. Ask us if this is available on your specific scenario.
Home Equity Loans (Closed-End Seconds)
Higher Loan Limits
The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit increased to $832,750 (from $806,500 in 2025) and the high-cost area ceiling moved to $1,249,125 (from $1,209,750). If you were previously bumped into jumbo territory, you may now qualify for conforming pricing.
How We Work
Fast, accurate pre-approvals
We underwrite up front so your offer carries the same weight as cash. Most pre-approvals are returned within 24 hours of receiving your documents.
Bilingual loan team
English and Spanish service across origination, processing, and closing — the same person handles your file from application to keys.
Multiple programs, one application
Self-employed, W-2, retirement, rental income, ITIN, or non-traditional credit — we shop your file across the right programs and tell you straight which one fits best.