Loan Products

Conventional loans are the most popular and most basic loan type. A conventional loan can be used for both purchases and refinances of primary residences, 2nd homes, or investment properties. The most common misconception is that you need a minimum of 20% down and excellent credit. While this is ideal, this is not at all required. If you have a credit score of 680 or higher, that’s great!

Waiting years and years to save that down payment means missing out on so many opportunities. Aside from the fact that you’re just paying someone else’s mortgage when you rent, the housing market can change in an instant. Prices can increase or even double by the time you save what you thought was enough.

There are many varieties of the conventional loan. You can use it as a first-time homebuyer, for purchasing a second home, as an investment, or for refinancing.

Another consideration is your Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI). Common debts like car payments, installment credit cards, child support, alimony, etc. are counted against your paycheck. As long as this ratio is about half, you can still qualify. (This includes the payment for rent or mortgage) If you have a higher DTI and lower credit score, say below 680, FHA might be a better option for loans with a lower down payment.

The best reason to speak to a loan officer about your loan product options is that they can find what would be best for you now. We’re not some big bank with a bottom line; we care about getting you into the home of your dreams.

Conventional Loan Features:

• Flexible terms & fixed rates
• As little as 3% down payment
• Best for Credit Scores above 620 w/20% Down
• Up to 50% DTI – Compensating Factors Apply
• Max Loan $647,200 SFR

*Higher loan limits may apply in certain counties. Speak to our loan experts today to review your local area for loan limit information.

As a fellow veteran, we understand the importance of keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket. With our Streamline IRRRL program, you can reduce your monthly mortgage payments by taking advantage of the current lower interest rates. You won’t have to worry about any third-party closing costs or lender fees. There’s no income or appraisal required, and the streamline paperwork process is simple and straightforward. We will arrange for a free mobile notary to come to you, so you can close the loan when and where you want, at your own convenience. We are dedicated to serving veterans like you and are ready to help you through the entire refinance process.”

You won’t have to worry about any third-party closing costs or lender fees. There’s no income or appraisal required, and the streamline paperwork process is simple and straightforward.

Depending on your location, the term Jumbo might suggest a home that’s larger than life. However, location will define the price point more often than not. Jumbo loans are similar to typical conventional loans, they just require a few additional items.

The base point to qualify for a Jumbo loan depends on the county limits for high-balance homes. Typically, over $647,200 is considered a Jumbo. If you have a credit score of over 700, you may qualify. Check for your county loan limits.

Unlike Conventional and FHA loans, there is no MIP available for Jumbo loans. The good news, however, is that you don’t need 20% down. Only 10% is typically required and you may have to show reserves in the bank for a few months.

Jumbo Loan Features:

• County-based limits apply
• Typically over $647,200*
• Best for Credit Scores above 700
• As low as 10% down payment

*Higher loan limits may apply in certain counties. Speak to our loan experts today to Review your local area for loan limit information.

Not willing, ready, and/or able to commit to a standalone single-family dwelling? No problem! Trident Home Loans offers loan products for condos, duplexes, and more.

These are great for first-time homebuyers, city living, vacation properties, and rentals. If you’re thinking of earning some income, starting off with a condo is a great place to start.

Condo products typically have some requirements in addition to the typical loan documents. The condo must be fully completed, including buildings. There should be Condo Owner Association documents, and they should provide proof of insurance in addition to the ‘walls-in’ insurance you will be required to get.

There maybe other considerations as well, so be aware. Trident follows Fannie Mae guidelines when it comes to condos. For example, Fannie Mae will assess to see if the condo falls under “condotel” – in which case, the loan could be denied. This is when the condo is treated more like a short-term rental or hotel type building instead of a residence.

For a full list of requirements and guidelines, check out FannieMae.com

Condo Loan Features:

• Must be eligible with Fannie Mae
• Must have 100% completed Condo HOA Docs
• Required up to 97% LTV (VA & Jumbo available )

Yes, you read that right! Trident Home Loans can provide financing to borrowers looking to purchase or refinance a condo. We offer several different condo-financing programs to better assist our borrowers. Contact a loan representative to learn more.

If your credit is less than ideal and/or you have a low down payment amount available, consider a loan through the Federal Housing Assurance program.

The Federal Housing Assurance program is a government-backed program that allows borrowers to finance a home that they normally may not be able to qualify for through conventional means. This type of loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

While this is a popular choice for first time homebuyers, it’s not limited to them. This is a great option for those with less than 20% down or those who have lower credit scores due to financial hardship or bankruptcy, etc. (Bankruptcy requires a seasoning period, so check with your Loan Officer on those details.)

Unlike Conventional loans, FHA requires only 3.5% for the down payment – this makes it easier to buy a home faster than waiting years to save up.

The standard down payment is 20%, so to make up the difference, if you only put down 3.5% – then the other 16.5% is reached with MIP – private mortgage insurance. This is a small fee added on to the monthly payment that is paid until the LTV (Loan To Value) reaches the 80%. This does not always mean that you have to use the amortization schedule to meet your payment deadlines. If your home’s value has increased, after a couple years, you can contact your lender or servicer and with a few requirements such as getting a new appraisal you can request the MIP to fall off.  This can take thousands off your final principal.

FHA Loan Features:

• Not limited to first-time homebuyers
• Fewer restrictions applied (less-than-perfect credit score option available)
• As low as 3.5%-down payment Loan Limit $647,200* (County Limits Apply)
• To the FHA, reliability includes holding a steady job for at least 2 years with the same employment, increasing or maintaining consistent income, and demonstrating a sufficient credit history.
• Additionally, any foreclosure or bankruptcy on one’s record has to be at least three years old in order to be able to proceed with this loan program. *As per FHA.GOV

To the FHA, reliability includes holding a steady job for at least 2 years with the same employment, increasing or maintaining consistent income, and demonstrating a sufficient credit history. Additionally, any foreclosure or bankruptcy on one’s record has to be at least three years old in order to be able to proceed with this loan program.

Did you know that most of the country actually falls under the option of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan? More than 95% of the land for sale is USDA eligible. The kicker is that they are usually more rural areas. This doesn’t mean you can’t be near the city, it just means you may be outside city limits. Check the qualification map to see if your desired property qualifies.

Although they are typically more rural areas, this does not always mean farms or rolling acres. This loan product offers assistance in providing low and moderate—income households opportunities to live in a more modest, safe, and private dwelling as a primary residence. (This does not include investment properties.) The applicant must agree to live in this property full time.

This program does not require a down payment but it does require a minimum credit score (620 average) and has income limits. Any and all members of the household can not exceed the income limit. This limit is determined by the location, so check here for more information. The applicant must not exceed 115% the median income in that county – this includes all eligible individuals able to work in the household, regardless if they are on the loan. This includes bonus’, commissions, etc.

USDA Loan Features:

• Must meet income and credit standards
• Little-to-no down payment
• Must be USDA Eligible (up to 97% of United States land is eligible)
• Eligible applicants may build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate a dwelling in an eligible rural area.

Note that the USDA loan program provides a 90% loan note guarantee to approved lenders in order to reduce the risk of extending 100% loans to eligible rural home-buyers.

USDA Eligibility Site (Opens in new window)

Investment properties are meant to produce income for the owner. You can see a return on your investment with the rental income produced, which can pay the monthly mortgage as well as incidentals like repairs and upgrades. You can also achieve ROI with buying a property in an up and coming area – the value will likely go up and you can sell for a profit.

This loan product does require 25% down and if your income alone does not qualify you, you can use the rental income to cover the DTI. Only a conventional loan type will work for this type of property.

Investment Home Loan Features:

• Can use rental income to qualify
• 25% down
• Used to generate income
• Conventional use Fannie/Freddie
• Not VA, FHA, USDA-eligible

This type of conventional loan is reserved for those looking to purchase a property other than those in their immediate area and intending to spend some time there throughout the year.

Although most people opt to find a second home far away from their everyday life, the minimum requirement is only 50 miles away. In some instances, such as a resort or tourist area, you can waive this requirement.

While rental income will not qualify you, it’s okay to also use it for rental income as long as you occupy the house sometime throughout the year. The difference between a second home and the Investment Loan Program is that the down payment is only 10% and MIP is allowed.

Investment Home Loan Features:

• Distance from primary requirement
• Have to occupy at some point in the year
• 10% down may be available with MIP
• Not VA, FHA, USDA-eligible