13
3 exam questionsLow Priority
FHA, VA, conventional loans, and alternative financing sources.
Quick Explanation
5 min readDifferent loan types serve different buyers. FHA loans require 3.5% down with 580+ credit score. VA loans offer 100% financing for eligible veterans. Conventional loans follow Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines.
Key Points — What Matters for the Exam
1
FHA = 3.5% minimum down payment, 580+ credit score, mortgage insurance required2
VA = 100% financing (no down payment), eligible veterans/military/surviving spouses3
Conventional = follows Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines4
Purchase Money Mortgage = seller financing (seller acts as lender)5
FHA loan limits vary by geographic area (county)6
VA loans: no PMI, but VA funding fee requiredMemory Trick
FHA = 3.5% down for first-timers. VA = Veterans get 0% down. Conventional = 20% down avoids PMI.
Common Trap Answers — Don't Fall For These
FHA loan limits are set by COUNTY (geographic area), not income
VA loans have NO PMI but DO have a VA funding fee
Purchase money mortgage = SELLER financing (not a bank loan)