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Mortgage Options Explained — FHA vs. Conventional vs. VA in Plain English

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Not all mortgages are created equal—and choosing the wrong one could cost you tens of thousands over the life of your loan.

So here’s your no-fluff breakdown of the top three options local buyers ask me about most:

FHA Loan

  • Best for: First-time buyers with limited savings
  • Minimum Down: 3.5%
  • Key Note: Slightly more lenient credit requirements

Conventional Loan

  • Best for: Buyers with solid credit (680+)
  • Minimum Down: 3–5%
  • Key Note: No mortgage insurance if 20% down

VA Loan

  • Best for: Veterans & active-duty military
  • Minimum Down: $0
  • Key Note: No PMI, flexible terms

Pro Tip from Mounira:

Most first-time buyers assume FHA is their only option. But in Northern VA’s competitive market, a Conventional loan with a smaller down payment can give you an edge—especially in multiple-offer scenarios.

In practice:

Not sure which loan fits your situation? I’ll walk you through it—no jargon, just clarity. Book your Mortgage Match-Up Chat with Mounira Al Hmoud.

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