Learn more about the conforming loan guidelines and requirements, how to qualify, and how to begin your mortgage process.
What is a Conforming Loan?
Conforming loans adhere to the loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These types of loans also must meet specific guidelines related to your credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratios.
What are the Conforming Loan Limits 2021?
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) requires that the baseline conforming loan limit be adjusted each year for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price. On November 24, the FHFA announced that the maximum 2021 conforming loan limits for one-unit properties will be $548,250, up from $510,400 in 2020, a 7.5% jump. The new ceiling loan limit for one-unit properties in most high-cost areas will be $822,375, or 150% of $548,250. Since 2016, the conforming loan limit has risen $131,250.
Contact us to learn more about the conforming loan limit in your area!
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What are the Conforming Loan Guidelines?
Along with the loan amount limits mentioned above, the borrower must meet the following guidelines to qualify for a conforming loan:
- Must have a steady income & a fixed salary
- May not have a highly variable bonus or commission income
- May not qualify using liquid assets
- Must have a good credit score
- Have a low debt-to-income ratio
- May not own investment properties to generate rental income
- May not be self-employed
Difference Between Conforming and Nonconforming Loan
The main difference between these two types of loans is the requested loan amount – if the loan amount exceeds $510,400 or $765,600 (depending on the area), it is considered nonconforming. Additionally, if a borrower is self-employed, owns multiple investment properties, or has a higher debt-to-income ratio, they may qualify for a nonconforming loan. Some examples of nonconforming loans include jumbo and non-qm loans. Most nonconforming loans will have higher interest rates and stricter down payment requirements.
What is the Benefit of Getting a Conforming Loan?
Conforming loans are the most common type of mortgage in the U.S. Some benefits include:
- Easy documentation requirements
- Lower interest rates
- Higher loan-to-value (LTV)
- Potentially faster closing times
Why Choose GuardHill?
GuardHill has over 29 years of mortgage financing experience and specializes in providing standard and out-of-the-box financing solutions for our customers. GuardHill works with numerous investors and lenders and offers various loan programs to provide borrowers with the best financing solutions possible.
Contact us to learn more or get started today!
