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Conventional Home Loans in the Carolinas

If you’re an experienced home buyer, you’ll likely have heard of the term “conventional home loan” before. Conventional loans are one of the most common forms of mortgages. They include any type of loan that is not backed by or offered by a government entity. Rather, these loans are typically available through private lenders, including credit unions, mortgage companies, and banks.

If you are considering a conventional home loan in North Carolina or South Carolina, don’t settle for a process that’s anything less than exceptional. Our team at Dash Home Loans wants to help make your home buying experience less-stressful so you can focus on what really matters – like where you’re going to put the couch.

Our Mortgage Coaches are available today to help you navigate your options, choose which home loan³ type is right for you, and guide you through the process. Plus, if you pre-qualify with the Dash Loan Closing Guarantee¹, you’ll close as expected. And if you don’t? We’ve got your back.

Apply for a conventional loan

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What Is a Conventional Home Loan?

A conventional loan is a mortgage used to purchase a home or other real estate. These loans are not backed by government agencies or offered through government programs. Rather, they are available to consumers through banks, credit unions, mortgage companies (like Dash), and other financial institutions.

It is important to know that some conventional loans can be guaranteed by Fannie Mae (the Federal National Mortgage Association) or Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation). Nevertheless, they are not offered directly to consumers from these agencies.

Most frequently, conventional loans have a fixed interest rate. That means the loan will have a single interest rate applied to it that lasts for the life of the loan. However, there are adjustable-rate conventional mortgages, too, which fluctuate with the key lending rate.

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Benefits & Disadvantages of a Conventional Loan

Did you know that conventional loans offer advantages, such as more credit access? Conventional loan rates can be very competitive too. These are sometimes lower than what is available through an FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan. Another differentiating factor is mortgage insurance. Consumers do not have to pay mortgage insurance on conventional loans, but they do on most traditional FHA loans.

FHA or Conventional Loan? Which Is Better?

This depends on a person’s individual situation. FHA loans and other government-backed loans can be a good deal. Federally backed loans may offer loans to those who have lower credit scores or a smaller down payment. Yet, they may have stricter requirements and may not loan as much as a conventional loan would. It is best to compare both options before making a decision – contact one of our Mortgage Coaches to see which home loan best fits your needs!

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Conventional Loan Limits in the Carolinas

The amount you can borrow is set by the lender. However, there are also additional limits. The baseline conforming loan limit for 2024 is $766,550, an increase of $40,350 from 2023. Creditworthiness and income verification will determine if you fit these requirements.

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Who Qualifies for a Conventional Home Loan?

You may qualify for a conventional loan if:

• You meet the credit score requirements: Most lenders require a score of at least 680, but Dash offers these loans with a credit score as low as 620. The best rates are available for those who have a score over 740.
• Debt to income: Lenders need to know you have an acceptable debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have each month compared to your income. Generally, this should be about 36%.
• Down payment: The conventional home loan down payment requirements will vary, but generally requires about 20%. For those who want to avoid mortgage insurance, you can qualify for a conventional loan with as little as 3% down for first-time home buyers and 5% for most other borrowers.

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How to Apply for a Conventional Loan in the Carolinas

To apply for a conventional mortgage loan, consumers will need to submit an application providing information to verify income, credit history, and other financial obligations. Borrowers need to complete a full mortgage application to verify their identity as well. Then, lenders will work to verify this information before offering a loan.

When you apply for a conventional loan with the mortgage professionals at Dash, you get to close with confidence and enjoy our five-star process. Ready for better?

Apply now

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Timeline

Applying for a loan takes just minutes. From there, lenders need to start processing information. Depending on the lender, this can take from 30 days to three months to complete.

Documents & Paperwork to Submit

Documentation for a conventional home mortgage includes several items, including:

• Proof of Income: This includes pay stubs, two years of federal tax returns, W-2 statements, and other documentation proving income.
• Asset Verification: In addition to this, lenders need to see proof of assets you own, such as investment accounts and bank statements to prove down payments and cash reserves.
• Employment Verification: Many lenders want to ensure you are working. Paycheck stubs usually suffice, but self-employed workers need to provide additional documentation, such as bank statements, to prove income.
• Identification: You will need to show proof of your identity, such as your driver’s license or State ID. You will need to show proof of your Social Security number as well.

All of this information is verified as accurate to ensure only those who should apply can do so.