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Mortgage Loan Programs, Explained

There is no single "best" mortgage. The right program depends on your credit, down payment, income, and the home itself. Here's a clear comparison of every major loan program available through Bryan Jones at NEXA Lending.

Loan Program

FHA Loans

Low down payment, flexible credit.

Government-insured loans designed for first-time and credit-challenged buyers. 3.5% down with a 580 credit score; sometimes 10% down with a 500 score.

  • Minimum 3.5% down (580+ FICO)
  • More forgiving on credit and DTI than Conventional
  • Mortgage insurance required for most of the loan
  • Property must meet FHA minimum condition standards
Loan Program

VA Loans

0% down for veterans and active duty.

Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs for eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. No down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates.

  • 0% down payment, no PMI
  • No minimum credit score set by VA (lender overlays apply, often 580+)
  • One-time VA funding fee (can be financed)
  • Reusable benefit — can be used multiple times
Loan Program

USDA Loans

0% down in eligible rural/suburban areas.

Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for income-qualified buyers in eligible rural and many suburban areas — including large parts of Missouri.

  • 0% down payment
  • 640+ credit score typical
  • Income limits apply (varies by county/household size)
  • Property must be in a USDA-eligible area
Loan Program

Conventional Loans

The flexible default for most buyers.

Loans that conform to Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac guidelines. Best rates for borrowers with 680+ credit and 5%+ down. PMI cancellable at 20% equity.

  • As little as 3% down (first-time buyers) or 5% standard
  • 620+ credit score typical, best pricing at 740+
  • PMI required under 20% down, but cancellable
  • Loan limits set annually by FHFA
Loan Program

Jumbo Loans

For loan amounts above conforming limits.

Mortgages that exceed the FHFA conforming loan limit. Tighter underwriting, larger down payments, and stronger credit requirements — but competitive rates for qualified buyers.

  • Typically 10–20% down
  • 700+ credit score common
  • Stricter DTI and reserve requirements
  • Best pricing through wholesale brokers shopping multiple lenders
Loan Program

DSCR Investor Loans

Qualify with property cash flow, not tax returns.

Investment property financing for real estate investors — short-term rentals, Airbnb, multifamily, mixed-use, and long-term rentals. No W-2s, no tax returns; the property's rent qualifies the loan.

  • Loan amounts $100K – $3MM, up to 80% CLTV
  • Minimum 620 FICO; ITIN borrowers eligible
  • Close in your name or your LLC / LP / S-Corp
  • Interest-only 5/6 ARM and 30/40 fixed structures available